Pros: Respectable fuel economy for the class; large windows all around make for excellent visibility; generous passenger room both front and rear
Cons: Middling acceleration with base engine; CVT transmission exacerbates engine noise; wind noise; some lackluster interior materials
CG Says: The Subaru Forester sees a few minor equipment-availability updates for 2015 after its redesign for the 2014 model year. A rearview camera and color multi-function display are now standard, and the Subaru EyeSight driver-assist system option packages see a $500 price drop. Though it feels a bit more “car-like” than many compact SUVs, Forester offers competitive passenger and cargo room, along with welcome available features such as hill-descent control and Subaru’s EyeSight system with pre-collision braking and lane-departure warning. Performance of the 2.5-liter engine with the CVT doesn’t peg the thrill meter, but that powertrain delivers good fuel-economy numbers and adequate power. Plus, starting prices for most 2.5-liter models are still under $25,000. Turbocharged XTs have more pleasing performance, but cost more to buy and feed with no gain in utility.
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Subaru |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | 2.5i manual: $22,195 2.5i CVT: $23,195 2.5i Premium manual: $24,595 2.5i Premium CVT: $25,095 2.5i Limited: $28,095 2.5i Touring: $30,095 2.0XT Premium: $28,495 2.0XT Touring: $33,095 |
| Base Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 170 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| Avail. Transmission continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-24 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29-32 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 250 |
| Std. Transmission continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28 |
