For the past 365 days, I have been completely content with the vehicle at my disposal for one uncomplicated -- and very American -- reason: freedom. I have had the uncommon ability to do just about anything I wanted, for the Forester 2.5i Touring's multifaceted character easily coped with everything I and the MT staff demanded. My admiration for Subaru's smallest wagon began almost instantly. I had been given stewardship of a rolling Leatherman. In fact, you could say it came equipped like one. Everything I wanted, it had. Things such as dual automatic climate control, a panoramic roof, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows and locks, alloy wheels, roof racks, four bottle holders, a rearview camera, power tailgate, and a massive center console with storage galore came standard on the Touring, the most opulent trim powered by the naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer.
Harman/Kardon's eight-speaker, 440-watt audio system blew me away with its clear, robust sound, though the infotainment's digitized menus aren't simple and weren't always responsive. The optional Keyless Access & Start, EyeSight system, HID package ($2400) is a must for those, like me, who want extra-luminescent xenon lights (blame my pesky astigmatism). As I began to rack up miles, I took issue with EyeSight driver-assist system, the brand's first attempt at adaptive cruise control and crash avoidance. It uses two windshield-mounted cameras to scan the road ahead for obstructions and vehicles. It often flashed warnings and errors of malfunction or deactivation due to heavy fog or direct sunlight. Granted, in this vintage of Forester, EyeSight was in its first generation. It's now in its second in the 2015 Legacy—and it works amazingly well, I might add.
Even with the occasional bouts of unconsciousness, EyeSight's intuitive distance control did allow me to cruise unperturbed. It was responsible for preemptively pressurizing the brakes during a few close calls in stop-and-go traffic. It also warned me when the car ahead had proceeded from a stop and flashed alerts when I touched the outskirts of a painted lane.
Inside, friends admired the reclining bench seat's supple padding and were pleased with the generous 41.7 inches of rear legroom. The panoramic moonroof enhanced the sense of spaciousness when it was opened completely—about half of the roof is missing at that point. It got its most use when warm Santa Ana evening winds blew through. Such breezes were the impetus for the addition of optional side window deflectors ($100). I also added a Yakima bike carrier ($170) and a darkened sport grille ($430). A few colleagues poked fun at the Forester's "dorky" appearance, but I didn't care. The Forester became mine, personalized by factory-sourced add-ons I used every day.
