Want a crossover with great fuel economy, plenty of off-road muscle and enough room for the kids and camping gear? The 2017 Subaru Forester fits that bill perfectly, delivering power, performance and safety equipment with Subaru's trademark quality and reliability. Subaru outfitted the latest Forester with several updates from the previous model year -- it's more stable, quieter in the cabin and has more options for those who crave convenience and luxury options. That's why the Forester is considered one of the safest crossovers out there today. But is this car for everyone? Before jumping to sign any paperwork, read on to learn more about the 2017 Subaru Forester and its most attractive features.
This car is currently rated to get about 22 miles per gallon in cities and 28 miles per gallon on highways. Still, the answer is going to somewhat vary depending on location, terrain and driving style. This is one of the better crossovers on the market for buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency.
Though this may seem like an odd question at first, its purpose comes from the fact that many cars meant for different kinds of terrain (like the Forester) and weather do not seem to drive as smoothly and quietly as other vehicles. If this is important to someone, they should ask this question.
The new Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring. The 2.5i Premium offers a nice mix of luxury features at a more affordable price, with features including alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, Bluetooth compatibility, a 6.2-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control and more.
The Forester has two engine options. The first is a 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower engine that's sold on trims designated as 2.5i. The second engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged plant that generates 250 horsepower with 258 pound-feet of torque, and it's available on the top two trims.
Yes, the Subaru Forester is considered safe, but how safe is it? It is a (repeat) IIHS Top Safety Pick, and it has tested well on all the standard safety features. That said, potential buyers should never be afraid to ask more detail, specifically when it comes to its safety rating (or the included EyeSight active safety tech package).
This vehicle is advertised as having plenty of ground clearance, but Subarus have been traditionally lower than other cars in their class. Those planning on making plenty of off-road or rough excursions should find this information out fast.
Any potential new car buyer is lying if they say they don't care about the entertainment system, yet this is often an afterthought. But for those who do plan to spend a lot of time in their car, their entertainment options (and perhaps most importantly, whether or not they can connect their type of phone) are very important indeed.
While the Forester isn't regarded as a luxury vehicle, the 2.0XT Touring and 2.5i Touring trims are pretty luxurious. These trims feature heated steering wheels, adaptive LED headlights, keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control, premium sound systems, leather interiors, sound-dampening features and more.