We managed to record an average fuel consumption figure of 11.7l/110km, slightly higher than Subaru’s quoted 10.5l/100km, but still not bad for such a large, rectangular wagon. Of course, had we driven it with greater regard for things like fuel economy, then no doubt a better figure would have been attained.
A short off-road foray showed that the Forester’s all-paw system definitely had the ability to take itself further off the beaten track than most soft-roaders, while its 225mm of ground clearance (same as a 200-series Landcruiser) should see it over most minor obstacles. However, the weakest point in the Forester’s off-roadability was its Impreza-based suspension system, which limits wheel travel and thus hampers the Forester’s capacity for more serious rock-crawling.
So then, perhaps mud-bogging isn’t quite the Forester’s cup of tea. But what of the daily grind? The school run? The quick dash to the shops? After living with the Forester for a few days, it was obvious that this is where it truly shines. Interior space is huge for a car built off the Impreza platform, and it comes as no surprise that this generation of Forester is by far the largest ever built. Rear legroom is generous and there’s plenty of headroom all around, while cargo capacity is a handy 450 litres with the seats up and a sizable 1610 litres with them folded down. Those who like to pamper their passengers may also wish to note that the rear seats are reclinable, if only by a few degrees.
There’s ample storage in the form of various bins, trays and cubby holes littered throughout the Forester’s interior, and the strategically-placed hooks in the boot were great for keeping the shopping in the one place during the drive home. Being the premium model, our car was also fitted with a huge panoramic sunroof which let in copious light and air when fully opened, while the leather seats, steering wheel and gearknob provided some tactile pleasures. Our tester also came fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav/CD/radio/DVD unit, which functioned well and delivered great sound.
We did have a few complaints about the interior, however. The front cupholders were inexplicably rectangular in shape, meaning any bottle, can or cup placed in them would wobble and slide around, threatening to spill their contents onto your pants. The storage tray under the centre armrest was also far too small for anything other than a mobile phone or an iPod and the rear cupholders were mounted in the centre seat cushion, meaning that if there was a fifth passenger the rear occupants would have to hold their drinks the old-fashioned way. Minor quibbles, really, but ones that may annoy picky buyers.
All in all though, it was hard not to be impressed by the Forester XT. Despite its powerful turbocharged engine and off-roading aspirations, it’s neither a proper sports wagon nor a great 4WD - but to expect it to deliver in both those areas would be to miss the point entirely. The Forester is a great family car, a fantastic wagon and a terrific option for those who like to take the family on the odd camping trip. No more, but certainly no less.
2009 Holden Cruze CDX 
2010 FPV F6 E 
2010 HSV Clubsport R8 
2009 BMW 335i Sedan 
2010 BMW 120d Hatch manual (E87) 
2009 Holden Commodore SS Sportwagon 
2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage 
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Nice honest write up boys. I’ve driven the latest Forester and I agree with your views. Good car.
good review guys, but how do you compare this to RAV4 V6.
i have driven the RAV4 V6 and its a bloody good drive apart from corners but thats normal in any SUV apart from the CX7.
i personally feel they are one step behind in transmission.
they should have liberty’s 5 speed auto.
None of us have driven the RAV4 V6 yet bruzzer, so we can’t comment on how the two compare. Next Toyota we are looking at is the TRD HiLux in a couple of weeks, an altogther different beast.
this was a good review, with an awesome car, my mate loves this SUV and so do i
ILY Subaru!
Thanks for a fine review fellas.
I’m looking to purchase at present, and the Forester is at the top of my list.
Your timely information helped get closer to a decision.
And because you’re suggesting a Gravatar, was it mentioned that I enjoyed your review?
Good honest write up. Just as well you drove an atuomatic. All subarus inlcuding the new ones have an inherent clutch shudder with manual gearboxes. As an owner, It is the most annoying thing and something that is not detected when testing the vehicle. Cheap plastics, cabin noise and the most unconfortable seats makes the subaru a mile away from closing in on their competitors. My Subaru will be an ex subaru in 2009.
Great article…. totally agree with all but one thing. I have had the good fortune to go in a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S alas 2005 model and in truth porsche has cracked both perfomance track car quality and 4.7 sec…. truly breathtaking on road handling which is abnormal for a car that size….but what was more suprising was that it was an absolute animal off road. Totally master in both worlds. I didn’t believe it was possible because in turth I am not an SUV man as I believe that they cannot do either well until Porsche proved me wrong and until the other half decided we are having children…. so on my budget I believe the Subaru seems to get overall good ratings from all reviews I have read thus far. Thank you for an honest write up.
At 1525kg, the Forester XT is no lightweight. The first Rav 4’s were 1295kg and the second 1345kg by way of comparison. Current Ravs nudge 1700kg. Why are so called compact SUV’s getting much bigger and heavier when families are getting smaller and fuel is going through the roof.? Beats me.
Well, we’ve been driving her for about 11 months now. We shifted away from the guzzling big Ford Territory Ghia AWD to the 09 Forester XT Premium; we were trying to find something a little more economical and practical for city driving. Interior wise it was much of an upgrade in quality not in size. With the Nav/DVD system we’ll no longer get lost and passengers can enjoy a movie or two on the long drives (Handbrake mod). The only thing that was disappointing is there is no auto ambient light sensors (it was a luxury that we started to get used to) or reverse sensors which would have been handy, cornering isn’t so good (in fact the big’O territory was much better); a bit of a let down considering its sister is a wrx, no auto dimming rear mirror, the sub woofer isn’t that good, the rear retractable boot cover doesn’t fit into its storage spot under the rear floor (due to the XT’s wheels being bigger). Otherwise its good Value for what it is but if I had to choose again I would get another territory or look over at Mitsubishi.