2013 Subaru Forester
Aspacious back seat and standard all-wheel drive are among the 2013 Subaru Forester’s high points, though reviewers say some rival SUVs offer nicer interiors or better fuel economy. The base Forester has a four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A more powerful, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission are also available. Most reviewers note that power is adequate with the base engine, though they generally prefer the turbocharged engine’s extra power. On the downside, a few complain that the automatic transmission is outdated, and that the Forester’s fuel economy and acceleration suffer as a result. The base Forester ster gets an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg pg city/highway, which isn’t hor- rible, but it’s still easily beaten by newly-introduced SUVs like the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru’s own XV Crosstrek. Despite these concerns, test drivers approve of the Forester’s sporty handling and comfortable, car-like ride. They also like the Forester’s stanndard all-wheel drive system.
The Forester stands out with ith useful cargo and passenger space pace that auto writers appreciate. They say that the back seat is particularly y spacious, and that the Forester offers plenty of headand legroom. Wide door openings also make entry and exit a breeze in the 2013 Forester. However, a few reviewers mention that the Forester’s interior materials aren’t as nice as they’d like, and that overall build quality seems better on rivals like the Honda CR-V. For 2013, the Forester gains a standard USB port, as well as Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, which should quell some reviewer complaints that the 2012 model didn’t offer a competitive list of standard features. Optional features include dual-zone climate control, navigation, heated front seats, a backup camera and a panoramic moonroof. The 2013 Subaru Forester seats five and has standard allwheel drive. A total of six trims are available, ranging from the base 2.5X to the top-of-the-line 2.5XT Touring. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission come standard in 2.5X models, while 2.5XT versions get an automatic transmission and a more-powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. For 2013, the Forester adds a USB port and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming to the list of standard equipment. The Forester hasn’t changed much since it was redesigned in 2009. As a result, this overview uses applicable research and reviews from 2010, 2011 and 2012, as well
as the current model year. Reviewers say the 2013 Subaru Forester is plagued by an outdated optional automatic transmission and questionable fuel economy, but most praise the Forester for its sporty, car-like ride.
While the original Forester from the late ’90s looked like a boxy wagon, critics say that the 2013 Forester has the styling of a full-fledged SUV. The 2013 Forester’s interior is a bit of a trade-off when compared with higher-ranking affordable compact SUVs. Still, test drivers say you should like the Forester’s useful cargo hold and functional, user-friendly controls, as well as its spacious front and rear seats.