The Subaru Forester is now in its fourth generation.
For 2015, it has been gifted with even greater safety, and looks to carry on the tradition of dependability, and versatility, the model has been known for.
Subaru has added the Award winning Eyesight Driver Assist system as an option in all but the base 2.5i model, and has lowered that options price from $1295 to $795(U.S.).
The Eyesight system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.
The system has earned a “Superior” rating for front crash prevention from the IIHS, and models with this tech earn the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
All 2015 Forester models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which certainly adds to the secure feeling.
An all new 250-hp 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine is the premium offering. The standard models are powered by a 170-hp 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder BOXER engine.
The 2015 Forester 2.5i achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg or 9.8 L/100km city, 32 mpg or 7.3 L/100km highway, when equipped with the CVT.
There is a manual 6-speed transmission for those who prefer to shift themselves, and that is why I love Subaru.
Subaru must be aiming to steal customers from pricier competitors, some of the available garnish includes: a power liftgate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Push-Button Start, available navigation system that features smartphone integration with Aha Infotainment, and a 440-watt harman/kardon 8-speaker audio system, which adds HD Radio for 2015.
In the top of the range Forester 2.0XT models, the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) management system, found in the WRX and STI, allows the driver to choose from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a switch on the steering wheel.
Intelligent mode provides a more laid back throttle response, suited to the commute in traffic, for example.
Sport mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration and allows you accesses to a 6-speed manual mode for the CVT, via steering wheel paddle shift control switches.
Sport Sharp mode modifies the engine’s electronic throttle mapping to deliver even quicker throttle response and provides an 8-speed manual mode for the CVT.
In my opinion if you want to select your own gears, buy the manual and save a few bucks.
The 2015 Forester has a maximum rear cargo area capacity of 74.7 cu. ft., which is large for the class, when the rear 60/40 folding seats are down. This makes the SUV a useful tool for families, or outdoor sports enthusiasts(campers, cyclists etc).
The rear door open wide to allow easy loading of child seats, or cargo. And despite the 8.7 inches of ground clearance, higher than many crossovers and SUVs, step-in height remains low.
The 2015 Subaru Forester is available in 6 trim levels, and can thus provide all the utility any family requires.