by R. Renee Bembry

Created on: October 10, 2009

Subaru Forester SUV comes in five trims three of which will be examined here - namely the 2.5X, 2.5X Limited, and 2.5XT Limited. MSRP base prices start at $20,295, 25,995, and $28,495, respectively. All three trims have 2.5L H4 engines, independent front and rear suspension, front and rear disc brakes, and variable assisted steering.

Other standard features include:

* 16.9 gallon fuel tank capacity

* Intermittent windshield wipers and rear window wipers

* Power side mirrors

* Console storage overhead and lighted cargo/trunk compartment

* One-touch power windows, power door locks, and keyless remote entry

* CD players and rear power outlets

* Air conditioning and rear window defogger

Standard safety features include:

* Vehicle Dynamics Control monitors vehicle stability

* All Wheel Drive and 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes

* Dual front airbags, front side airbags, and active front head restraints

* Seatbelt pretensioner, side guard door beams, and child safety door locks

* 5* rating for NHTSA front driver and passenger crash test

Optional features for Forester 2.5X include:

* 4-Speed Automatic transmission with overdrive

* Fog lights in front

Optional features for Forester 2.5X Limited include:

* Roof rack, cover for cargo area, and splash guards

Optional features for Forester 2.5XT Limited include:

* Roof rack, splash guards, and cover for cargo area

2.5X distinctive features include:

* 4-speaker audio system

* 5-Speed manual transmission with overdrive

* 170@6000 horsepower and 170@4400 torque

* 20/26 city/highway miles per gallon gas

2.5XL distinctive features include:

* Leather interior

* 4-speed Automatic transmission with overdrive

* 170@6000 horsepower 170@4400 torque

* 20 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon highway

2.5XTL distinctive features include:

* 4-speed Automatic transmission with overdrive

* 224@5200 horsepower and 226@2800 torque

* 19 miles per gallon city and 24 miles per gallon highway

All three trims come with basic warranties covering 36 months or 36,000 miles; powertrain warranties covering 60 months or 60,000 miles, and rust perforation warranties covering 60 months and unlimited mileage.

ALG selected Subaru Forester SUV elected number one pick for highest predicted resale value in its class and included higher than Nissan, Mazda, and Volkswagen. Subaru Forester also holds acclaims for highest owner loyalty in compact SUV for 2008, 2009 top safety ratings, and most award winning SUV.

Also available on some models are Aero cross bars that work in conjunction with roof racks making cargo more stable; all weather floor mats to track carpeted flooring, trailer hitches for towing up to 2,400 pounds, body side molding, upgraded stereo systems, and navigation packages.

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