2010 Subaru Forester review

In its first full redesign since the 2003 model year, the Subaru Forester has moved closer to the mainstream than some fans might have hoped it would. The old model's boxy charm has been toned down, and what's left is a compact SUV whose driving dynamics are on par with some of the nimbler players in this segment. A few Forester diehards may cry foul, but I suspect the changes will widen the car's appeal to the market in general. The SUV remains as practical as ever, but now boasts enough refinement to merit serious consideration from anyone shopping the latest Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

Trim levels include the 2.5X and 2.5X L.L.Bean, along with turbocharged 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited versions; click here to see a side-by-side comparison with the 2008 model. Subaru's full-time all-wheel-drive system is standard. I drove a number of configurations both on- and off-road at a press event in Southern California.

See also:

Auxiliary input jack
By connecting a commercial audio product to the vehicle, such as a portable audio player, you can hear its sound via the vehicle’s speaker. An auxiliary (AUX) input jack is equipped in the center ...

Double trip meter
Type A Type B The trip meter shows the distance that the vehicle has been driven since you last set it to zero. To set the trip meter to zero, select the A trip or B trip meter by pus ...

Parking in cold weather
WARNING Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running. Do not ...