Subarus have always done well in the Pacific Northwest and rightfully so, because they’re ideally suited to the climate, roads, and needs of the residents. Subarus are unique and so are we.
The Subaru Forester started out in 1998 as a very practical, spacious inside/compact outside, all-weather crossover SUV. It wasn’t the flashiest box on the road, but it was affordable and most importantly it did everything active owners required.
The redesigned third generation 2009 Forester is more stylish than its predecessors and it’s slightly larger, which only increases its utility value. Subaru’s legendary all-wheel-drive can handle any local weather , but it isn’t overkill for daily, non-stormy driving. Normal driving comfort isn’t compromised for our rare extreme weather situations.
Walkaround: The restyled Forester is as handsome as any compact SUV/crossover on the market. We drove the sportier, turbocharged Forester XT, which has a moderate hood scoop and dual exhaust. The XT has very attractive 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. The Forester has 8.9-inches of ground clearance , but it doesn’t look ungainly.
Interior: The Forester interior is one of its strong points. The high roof design adds real and perceived roominess. Our XT had the oversize power sunroof, which is a great feature whether open or closed. Visibility is great in a Forester.
Front seats are very comfortable with nice side bolsters. Driver legroom is almost stretch-out with a large dead pedal. The back seat will accommodate tall adults even with the front seats all the way back. The middle position is hard and a tall center hump interferes with your feet. Rear seat egress is excellent. Cargo capacity is vast with the seats folded down. A bicycle is an easy fit.
Under The Hood: The turbocharged and intercooled flat-4 engine produces 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission is a 4-speed automatic. The XT is very peppy, especially for a small AWD wagon, but it lacks the fun factor of the 5-speed manual transmission offered in the previous XT. The 2009 XT is more refined and an overall better car, but by losing the 5-speed it lost some of its sportiness. A 5-speed manual is available on the non-turbocharged Forester X.
The EPA rates the Forester XT at 19/24 mpg and we averaged 22 mpg in mixed driving conditions. The turbo XT requires premium fuel.
Behind The Wheel: The driving position is a little upright, but that’s the nature of the compact, boxy design. The steering wheel has a nice contour and thickness. The steering wheel has both tilt and telescopic functions. Gauges are well placed and the sound system is very good.
Driving the Forester XT is more car-like than truck-like. It’s pretty nimble and the responsive engine adds a lot to the overall fun-to-drive factor.
Whines: We wish Subaru would bring back the 5-speed manual for the XT or at least offer a 5-speed automatic.
Bottom Line: The 2009 Subaru Forester XT is an incredibly useful compact SUV that’s also stylish, well-built, and fun to drive — in other words a near-perfect Pacific NW car.
