The Subaru Forester was the runner-up in the DC Car Examiner's small SUV comparison. Will the positive impression from a short test drive survive a week? See more photos of the 2010 Forester in today's slideshow.
This spring, the DC Car Examiner drove seven compact SUVs and ranked them from best-to-worst. Subaru's entry in the field, the Forester, scored high for utility, safety, and value, but narrowly lost the top slot to the more refined Toyota RAV4.
The Forester today began a week with the DC Car Examiner, where it will have a chance to prove its utility in daily use. Subaru's best seller, the Forester is popular as a sturdy, reliable, and practical vehicle.
The particular car provided for the weeklong test, the 2010 2.5X Limited, is fully loaded except for a turbocharged engine (turbo models are called 2.5XT), including heated leather seats and an in-dash navigation system. These options push the Forester's price to nearly $30,000.
Do the Forester's strengths and weaknesses work at that price level? Find out over the next week, and see more photos of the Forester in today's slideshow.
And all readers are encouraged to leave any questions you'd like me to be on special lookout for in the comments section below, or by e-mail at dc.car.examiner@gmail.com.
Day 1: Introduction
Day 3: Cargo management
Day 5: Interior details
Day 7: Navigation system
Day 8: Exterior size
Full review
Past weeklong reviews:
2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
2010 Kia Forte SX
2010 Kia Soul Sport
Vehicle tested: 2010 Subaru Forester
Vehicle base price (MSRP): $20,295
Version tested: 2.5X Limited
Version base price (MSRP): $25,995
Vehicle price as tested (MSRP): $29,148
Estimated transaction price as tested: $26,653
Odometer at beginning of test: 3,055 miles
Odometer as of this writing: 3,182 miles
Test vehicle provided by: Subaru of America
Key specifications:
Length: 179.5 inches
Width: 70.1 inches
Height: 66.9 inches
Wheelbase: 103.0 inches
Weight: 3,360 pounds
Cargo volume behind rear seat: 30.8 cubic feet
Cargo volume behind front seats: 63.0 cubic feet
Turning radius: 17.2 feet
Engine (as tested): 2.5-liter H4 with 170 horsepower
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
EPA city mileage: 20 miles per gallon
EPA highway mileage: 26 miles per gallon
Comments
Really looking forward to this one, Brady. I may be car shopping soon.
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