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.

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    Tires
    *: This torque is equivalent to applying approximately 88 to 110 lbf (40 to 50 kgf) at the edge of the wheel nut wrench. If you have tightened the wheel nuts by yourself, have the tightening tor ...

    Front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag
    The front passenger’s SRS frontal airbag uses a dual stage inflator. The inflator operates in different ways depending on the severity of impact. The total load on the seat is monitored by th ...

    Tone and balance control
    Type A and B audio Type C audio Each brief press of the sound control dial changes the control modes in the following sequence. Choose the desired level for each mode by turning the sound control ...