Subaru Forester

Of the modern-era Subarus, the Forester has been the model that most closely reflects the character that the brand was built on: inexpensive, capable, utilitarian, slightly unconventional, and unconcerned with appearances. A Subaru among Subarus, this grungy earth child has been happily chugging along on the crunchy fringe of the compact SUV market. For 2009, the Forester has undergone a redesign that has made it larger, more SUV-like, and, well, more normal. And although the new Forester looks a lot different from the previous model, it manages to retain many of its predecessors' strengths while expanding its appeal.

With its all-new body, the Forester goes from mutant station wagon to mainstream compact crossover. It's significantly longer, wider, and taller.

All of that makes for additional cargo space (enough for 4590 granola bars with the rear seats up!) and a much roomier cabin. The 3.6-inch-longer wheelbase helps alleviate the formerly cramped rear seat, and access is much improved. The previous model's low cowl is gone, but otherwise Subaru managed to preserve the Foresters best-in-class outward visibility, particularly to the rear. A navigation system and dealer-installed Bluetooth join the options list, while side curtain air bags, stability control, panic brake assist, and an auxiliary audio input are now standard.

As much as the Forester's looks have changed, its driving demeanor really hasn't. The most noticeable difference is that the car seems a lot quieter on the freeway. The output of the base 2.5-liter boxer four is altered only slightly (its down 3 hp, up 4 lb-ft of torque), and the available turbo engine's numbers are unchanged, although its torque curve is flatter.

Despite the new car's 100-to-150-pound weight gain, the base engine is still up to the task of moving it along, and the turbo once again provides welcome and well-integrated extra urge for the Forester XT. Both engines could use an extra gear (or two) for their automatic transmission, which is only a four-speed. The base engine at least can be paired with a five-speed manual; the turbo cannot.

The chassis, which is related to the new Impreza's, switches from struts to control arms in the rear suspension. The new layout no longer impinges on cargo space, but we didn't find any great dynamic benefits, as the Forester understeers readily. It also could use firmer damping and more precise steering. The new Forester has a bit more ground clearance than before (now 8.7 or 8.9 inches, depending on the model), which emboldened Subaru's PR team to have us take a run up a steep, rutted dirt road covered with loose rocks. Sure enough, the Forester churned its way to the top, while a Honda CR-V bogged to a halt halfway up.,