What’s New?
Subaru offers two new versions of its Forester crossover sport utility vehicle for 2007—the Sports 2.5 X and the Sports 2.5 XT. In addition, the base 2.5 X model gets electronic brake-force distribution technology and replaces its ashtray with a storage bin. All versions get new interior door panels that include bottle holders in the front doors.

Overview
Many may think that crossover utility vehicles are a very new automotive phenomenon, but Subaru was a pioneer in their development, launching its Forester way back in 1998. For 2007, the Forester is available in 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 X, Sports 2.5 XT, L.L. Bean Edition, and 2.5 XT Limited versions. All are equipped with Subaru’s well-known, effective, and efficient Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive technology, anti-lock brakes, and front and side air bags. All Foresters come with a 5-speed manual transmission with a hill-holder feature or with a 4-speed automatic transmission. They also all come with air conditioning, cruise control, fog lamps, power-folding exterior mirrors, height-adjustable driver’s seats, power locks and windows, remote keyless entry, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, and audio systems with a CD player.

The Sports 2.5 X adds a 120-watt audio system with an in-dash, 6-disc CD changer, black cloth upholstery, automatic climate controls, a black mesh grille, and a different front bumper. Like the 2.5 X, the 2.5 Sports X is powered by a 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp. The Sports 2.5 XT adds 17-inch wheels, sport-design gauges, 4-wheel disc brakes, a viscous limited-slip rear differential, and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that boosts output to 224 hp.

The L.L. Bean version of the 2.5 X includes the upgraded audio system, disc brakes, an 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate controls, heated front seats, a power glass moonroof, a limited-slip rear differential, 10-spoke aluminum wheels, Desert Beige leather upholstery with Alcantara bolsters, urban gray-colored bumpers and body cladding, a water-resistant cargo floor surface, a self-leveling rear suspension, and special L.L. Bean emblems. The Forester 2.5 XT Limited includes the turbocharged engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, 7-speaker audio, and sport-design gauges.

The Competition
The Subaru Forester competes in the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 20 models. Buyers in this segment look for fuel economy, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda CR-V (170,028 units sold), Ford Escape (157,395), and Toyota RAV4 (152,047). The Subaru Forester sold 51,258 units in 2006, a decrease of 4.3 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact CUV segment include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet Equinox and HHR, Saturn Vue, and Scion xB. Joining the segment in 2007 are two Jeep models—the Compass and Patriot—and the Kia Rondo.