2011 Subaru Forester Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
Subaru has had a dedicated following for many years with their owners being especially loyal to the Forester. For 2009 Subaru completely redesigned the Forester, making it bigger and better in most every way over its predecessor. With the redesign, Subaru increased the Forester's overall length, width and height as well as the front and rear track, and increased the ground clearance of the Forester -- meaning more of everything for everyone. The Forester's larger dimensions mean a much roomier interior than in the past.
For the 2011 Subaru Forester, the biggest news is addition of the slightly updated 2.5-liter H-4 to all 2.5X models, which has been massaged in order to slightly improve fuel efficiency. The engine's torque has increased slightly to 174 pound-feet, although horsepower remains the same at 170. The 2011 models also get a new audio system and backup camera setup depending on trim level, as well as a removable, 4.3-inch Tom Tom navigation system.
The Forester is definitely an all-around vehicle, giving you smooth, comfortable on road driving manners but with the ability to actually go off-road as well with its ample ground clearance and full time all-wheel drive system. With Subaru always listening to their critics, we expect the outdated four-speed automatic transmission will soon be replaced with a five-speed that is already in other Subaru vehicles. With this simple change, the Forester will find itself placed high in this very competitive segment.
Bodystyles: Crossover SUVEngines: 2.5L H-4, 2.5L turbocharged H-4Transmissions: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manualModels: 2.5X, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Limited, 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited
For the 2011 Subaru Forester, the biggest news is addition of the slightly updated 2.5-liter H-4 to all 2.5X models, which has been massaged in order to slightly improve fuel efficiency. The engine's torque has increased slightly to 174 pound-feet, although horsepower remains the same at 170. The 2011 models also get a new audio system and backup camera setup depending on trim level, in addition to an optional, removable, 4.3-inch Tom Tom navigation system.
The Forester has always been a clean, sleek looking vehicle, but the most recent changes have made it even better. The Forester now has a slightly more rugged look while still maintaining the character it has always had.
The Subaru Forester's interior has a modern look and feel to it but some of the materials feel a bit on the low end side. The clever packaging gives you plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The 2011 models also get several new changes to interior ente
2011 Subaru Forester gets the slightly updated 2.5-liter H-4 for all 2.5X models, which has been massaged in order to slightly improve fuel efficiency. The engine's torque has increased slightly to 174 pound-feet, although horsepower remains the same at 170. The XT gets the turbocharged version of the same engine but power bumps up to 224 hp and 226 lb-ft. Unfortunately you can only get the outdated four-speed auto in the XT.
The Forester features four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, dual front, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, airbag occupancy sensor, stability and traction control, full time all-wheel drive.
2.5X: 20-21 mpg city/ 26-27 mpg highway 2.5XT: 19 mpg city/24 mpg highway
- Nice styling
- Spacious interior
- Capable off-raod
- Smooth on-road
- Four-speed automatic
- Average interior materials
- Acceptable fuel economy
Quality crossover needs a bit more improvement
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda CR-V
- Nissan Rogue
- Suzuki Grand Vitara
