2012 Subaru Forester in Chico, CA - $12,985

The 4th generation Subaru Forester was last updated in 2014 with a bolder exterior design, roomier interior and improved performance. The five-passenger Subaru Forester received a total re-design of the acclaimed crossover offering expanded room, comfort and utility.

For 2016, Subaru has further strengthened the outstanding safety credentials of the Forester by offering new SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security features. The newly available technologies employ connected services to provide Forester owners with the added peace of mind from such benefits as SOS Emergency Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. Remote Lock/Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service.

Also for 2016, new STARLINK Multimedia systems provide Forester owners with more sources of entertainment and information through seamless smartphone integration. The Forester exemplifies Subaru’s renown for safety by earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick rating. In addition, models with EyeSight® now also include Steering-Responsive Fog Lights, which use the pre-aimed fog lights to individually provide enhanced illumination in the direction of a turn. The EyeSight® system, which uses Subaru-developed stereo camera technology to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems, earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention from the IIHS.

The Forester 2.5i is available in Base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions. The turbocharged Forester 2.0XT is available in Premium and Touring versions.

Base power for the Forester crossover is generated by the naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder BOXER engine bolted to a six speed manual gearbox. The 2.0XT models are equipped with a 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder BOXER engine joined to a Linartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with six-speed and eight-speed manual modes.

As with all previous Forester models, the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard. High-line Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature new X-Mode control for the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Hill Descent Control to provide extra control in certain driving conditions.

In addition to the turbocharged engine, the 2.0XT models deliver sharper handling responses from a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels, and the 2.0XT also features larger brakes than the 2.5i models, with ventilated front and rear rotors.

The Forester’s four-wheel independent suspension system delivers agile handling and a highly compliant ride quality. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than for many crossovers and SUVs. Yet, the Forester maintains a comfortably easy and low step-in, enhanced by wider-opening rear doors and by side sills that are two inches lower than before.

Inside the passenger cabin, all but the base 2.5i model come with a standard rear vision camera and color multi-function display. Available features include a power rear liftgate with automatic close, Keyless Access and Start and the EyeSight driver assist system. Using a stereo camera system developed by Subaru, rather than radar, EyeSight integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

The available touch-screen navigation system offers smartphone integration with Aha® smartphone integration features. The top-line Touring models come standard with the navigation system plus an eight-speaker, 440-watt harman/kardon® audio system.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 103.9; overall length: 180.9; width: 70.7; height: 66.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.5L four-cylinder BOXER – 170 hp at 5,800 rpm and 174 lbs-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm; 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-charged BOXER – 250 hp at 5,600 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 2,000-4,800 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual; CVT automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 2.0L four-cylinder – 22 city/29 hwy. (manual), 24 city/32 hwy. (CVT automatic); 2.0L four-cylinder turbo – 23 city/28 hwy. (CVT automatic)
Cargo capacity: 74.7 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 1,500 lbs.

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags with roll over sensor, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, brake override, traction control, vehicle dynamics control, daytime running lights, security system with engine immobilizer, Bluetooth hands free phone system, remote keyless entry, and incline start assist. 2.5i Premium adds rear vision camera. Limited adds fog lights. 2.5i Touring adds high intensity discharge headlamps.
Optional safety features include: STARLINK connected services, navigation system, keyless access and start system, and the EyeSight driver assist system. (this system integrates a stereo camera system with lane change assist, steering responsive foglights, adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane departure warning.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Subaru Forester starts from $22,395 for the 2.5i 6MT upto $33,795 for the 2.0XT Touring CVT. Destination charges add $850.