2009 Subaru Forester Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Subaru Forester overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Forester, and includes Subaru Forester safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Subaru ushers in 2009 with an all-new Forester, made distinct with fresh styling, larger dimensions that allow for greater interior comfort and utility, improved handling, and more impressive performance from two available four-cylinder engines. Take one of these redesigned, all-wheel-drive crossovers for a test run and you might also notice Subaru’s efforts to make the ride smoother and quieter.

To turbo or not to turbo, that is the question. Shoppers checking out the 2009 Forester are able to choose between several different trims, but first they’ll need to decide if they want a model equipped with a base four-cylinder or a more potent – and less efficient – turbocharged engine.

Those opting to go without boost are offered a lineup that starts off with the 2.5X, the Forester’s entry-level model that’s fitted with steel wheels, floor mats, an audio system with a single-disc CD player and auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and typical features like power windows and power door locks with remote keyless entry. A rear wiper de-icer is also standard, along with auto-off headlights. The one available factory option is a four-speed automatic transmission, which replaces a standard five-speed manual.

Next in line is the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium, a variant that uses the same non-turbocharged engine as the base 2.5X but dresses things up a bit with 17-inch alloy wheels, dark tinted rear glass, a power moonroof, a reclining rear seatback, roof rails, and secondary audio controls located on the steering wheel. In addition to the automatic transmission, buyers of the 2.5X Premium can choose to add an All-Weather Package comprised of heated mirrors, heated front seats and a windshield wiper de-icer.

If that level of coddling isn’t up to par, perhaps the 2.5X Limited will prove more satisfactory with its automatic climate control, 10-way power driver’s seat and leather covering the seats and steering wheel. Other standard features include a six-disc CD changer, a premium sound system, fog lights, the All-Weather Package, and an automatic transmission. Reserved for the options list is a touch-screen navigation/sound system with audio and video input jacks as well as Sirius satellite radio service.

Drivers who want a Forester with turbocharged punch under the hood will want to direct their attention to one of the 2.5XT models, both of which are equipped with the four-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5XT attracts shoppers with 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum interior trim, a hood scoop that’s actually functional, fog lights, a rear spoiler, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a surround-sound audio system with a CD changer.

All of this leads us to the cream of the 2009 Subaru Forester crop: the 2.5XT Limited. Like its non-turbocharged alter ego, this decked-out crossover comes to the table with a 10-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, perforated leather upholstery, heated mirrors and front seats, a wiper de-icer system, and an available touch-screen navigation system.

Subaru offers the redesigned 2009 Forester with a choice between regular- and extra-strength versions of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine. Buyers opting for the 2.5X, 2.5X Premium or 2.5X Limited will be working with 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, grunt that’s managed by a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Regardless of which gearbox is selected, plan on averaging 20 mpg around town, and, according to the EPA, up to 27 mpg on the highway (26 highway with the automatic). All Foresters, like all Subarus, are sold with standard all-wheel drive.

What you won’t find on every 2009 Forester is what’s represented by the letter “T” in 2.5XT and 2.5XT Limited. In this case, the T signifies the presence of a turbocharger that boosts output to 224 horses and 226 lb-ft of torque. If you’re an enthusiast, the thought of a family-friendly small crossover with a little added punch might put a smile on your face, until, that is, you learn that this relatively mighty four-banger can only be had with the four-speed automatic. On the plus side, fuel economy doesn’t take much of a hit, with EPA estimates of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

While its claim to fame is standard all-wheel-drive capability, Subaru has also developed a reputation for building safe vehicles. The 2009 Forester serves as a solid example, with top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (the only exception being the latter’s award of 4 out of 5 Stars for rollover resistance). Behind the impressively crash-worthy body structure are important features like front-side and side-curtain airbags, stability control, four-wheel disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, and a hill-start assist system on Foresters equipped with the five-speed manual transmission.

In terms of reliability, Subaru’s versatile crossover has much to offer prospective buyers, though there is some room for improvement. J.D. Power and Associates is predicting slightly better-than-average dependability from the redesigned Forester; Consumer Reports foresees excellent reliability from non-turbocharged variants, a rating that drops to merely average for boosted XT models.

With its new look, generous assortment of improvements, and noteworthy safety and reliability ratings, the 2009 Subaru Forester is sure to maintain – and likely build upon – its healthy following.

By Thom Blackett