Last year, Subaru introduced a redesigned Forester, the third-generation iteration of a model that first arrived in showrooms back in 1998. That original Forester, like the current model, shared underpinnings with the Impreza compact, and during the height of the late 1990s SUV craze it was considered more of a station wagon than an SUV. Now, a decade later, the crossover SUV reigns supreme with consumers looking for lots of space, a high driving position, weather-beating all-wheel drive, and a little bit of off-roading capability all wrapped up in a package that drives just like a car. Today, the Forester, a crossover from the start, fits right in.

Our review car was a 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited. Changes to the Forester for 2010 are minimal after last year’s complete redesign:

• New Premium trim levels added to 2.5X and 2.5XT
• 2.5X Premium includes contents of last year’s Premium package
• 2.5XT Premium includes same standard features as last year’s base model
• All Foresters except the base 2.5X have a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support as standard equipment
• Optional navigation system now includes Bluetooth
• Redesigned instrument cluster
• Map lights can be set to illuminate when door opens

Model Lineup

The 2010 Subaru Forester is available as 2.5X and 2.5XT models, the latter equipped with a turbocharged engine. Within the 2.5X model range are base, Premium, and Limited trim levels. The 2.5XT comes in Premium and Limited trim only.

On the 2.5X, Premium trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, a panoramic glass sunroof, reclining rear seats with a retractable tray and cupholders, dark-tinted privacy glass, roof rails, body color exterior mirrors, audio controls on the steering wheel, and chrome door handles. Limited models add a standard automatic transmission, dual-zone climate control, surround sound audio, perforated leather upholstery, heated front seats, seatback pockets, heated side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, a 6-disc CD changer, fog lights, chrome tailpipe outlets, and a wiper de-icer.

On the 2.5XT, the standard Premium trim includes the following items over the 2.5X Premium: four-speed automatic transmission, functional hood scoop, an engine cover, liquid-filled engine mounts, surround sound audio, a telescopic steering wheel, aluminum pedal covers, a rear roof spoiler, fog lights, and chrome tailpipe outlets.

Factory options are limited to an All Weather Package for the 2.5X Premium and a navigation system with Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity. However, Subaru dealers can deck the Forester out with numerous parts and accessories.

Under the Hood

The 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5X is equipped with a 2.5-liter, horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder engine (also called a flat-four, or boxer) driving all four wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is rated to develop 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm operating on regular unleaded fuel. The 2.5XT is equipped with a turbocharged variant of this engine, making 224 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 226 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm operating on premium unleaded fuel. Both engines make identical power in Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) format.

Our review vehicle, the Forester 2.5XT Limited with the turbocharged engine, averaged 18.2 mpg in mixed driving with a city emphasis. Combined with the Forester’s standard 16.9-gallon fuel tank, this actual fuel economy figure results in an approximate 305-mile range between fill-ups of premium unleaded. To be fair, we frequently exercised the Forester’s turbocharged engine, and would expect most owners to get better fuel economy than we did.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment on every 2010 Subaru Forester includes dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seat occupants, and side curtain airbags with rollover protection for both rows of seats. Additionally, the Subaru Forester comes with four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, a stability control system, and four-wheel traction control.

The Competition

JDPower.com says the 2010 Subaru Forester competes against other compact crossover SUVs such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot, Mazda CX-7, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Volkswagen Tiguan.