Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2017 Subaru Forester

November 11, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring AWD

The 2017 Subaru Forester Touring is a sensibly sized do-anything crossover/station wagon.
The 2017 Subaru Forester Touring is a sensibly sized do-anything crossover/station wagon.

Engine: 2.5-liter flat 4-cylinder, 170 horsepower 170 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined

Base Price: $31,295

As Tested: $33,765

Performance:

Excellent off-road/foul weather prowess

Very car-like for such a capable SUV

Improved steering response

Strong fuel economy; our best was 31.8 mpg

Blind spot monitor

Lane departure warning

Front collision avoidance

Comfort:

Stretch-out front legroom

Forester front seat room, comfort, ease of controls, and overall quality are all great.
Forester front seat room, comfort, ease of controls, and overall quality are all great.

High quality leather seats with contrasting stitching

Two temperature heated front seats

Excellent shoe room under dashboard

Very good rear seat room with fronts up a little

Big adults can fit in center position

Shoulder space tight for three adults in back seat

Soft, wide rear armrest

Minimal rear floor hump

Panoramic sunroof greatly brightens interior

Heated leather steering wheel

Tilt/telescopic steering column

Forester rear seat is ample enough for three adults, although shoulder space can be snug.
Forester rear seat is ample enough for three adults, although shoulder space can be snug.

Lots of auxiliary steering wheel controls

Excellent headroom front and rear

Utility:

Very good outward visibility

Big cargo area with flat floor

Split, folding rear seats fold flat

Slight height difference from cargo deck

Handy, segmented storage under cargo deck

Medium size front door bins

Deep console bin

Medium size locking glovebox

Center slide-outs on sun visors

Digital and analog speedometer

Two nice seatback storage pouches

Small rear door bins with large bottle notches

Forester cargo space is ample and flexible thanks to split, folding rear seats and a flat cargo deck.
Forester cargo space is ample and flexible thanks to split, folding rear seats and a flat cargo deck.

WOW Factors:

Airy panoramic sunroof

Very stable in all weather conditions

Drives like a sedan, but has SUV capabilities

Very good value

Excellent safety features

Whines:

Styling crowds the conservative side of the spectrum

Horsepower is a little low compared to the 250-hp Forester XT

Bottom Line:

A proven winner already, the Subaru Forester received only minor upgrades for 2017. The steering is

The Subaru Forester is a favorite among active lifestyle customers. Both winter and summer sports suit the Forester.
The Subaru Forester is a favorite among active lifestyle customers. Both winter and summer sports suit the Forester.

improved and minor styling changes have been made to the very sensible crossover SUV. Excellent drivability, impressive safety features, and a strong value proposition make the Subaru Forester a great all-around car.