Equipment & Pricing

Given that all-wheel drive is standard, the Forester packs impressive value. Subaru shaved some $1,200 off the sticker price for 2009, so the 2.5X now starts at $19,995 without the destination charge, including a temperature/gas mileage display, A/C, cruise control, a CD player with an MP3 auxiliary jack, power accessories and remote keyless entry — albeit with Subaru's dated, flimsy keyfob.

An automatic transmission costs $1,200 — a bit much, considering the Escape's automatic costs $1,000 and the last Forester's automatic was $800. The Premium Package adds alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof and more for $2,500. An automatic comes standard on the 2.5X L.L.Bean ($25,995), which includes heated leather seats, automatic climate control and a power driver's seat. Turbo models start at $26,195 and top out close to $30,000. A navigation system is optional with either drivetrain.

    See also:

    Folding down the rear seatback
    - When you fold down the seatback, confirm that there are no passengers or objects on the rear seat. Not doing so creates a risk of injury or property damage if the seatback suddenly f ...

    Anti-entrapment function (type A)
    - Never attempt to test this function using fingers, hands or other parts of your body. - The anti-entrapment function may not operate properly if some object gets trapped just before t ...

    Children
    If a child is too big for a child restraint system, the child should sit in the rear seat and be restrained using the seatbelts. According to accident statistics, children are safer when properly res ...