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Acceleration
"No chance to test base engine yet. Turbo a bit sleepy on takeoff, but has excellent
passing punch. Manual shifter has short throws that invite quick shifting."
Value
"If you can live with limited towing capacity and constrained rear-seat space, Forester is a highly rational option to bulkier, less-efficient ""real"" SUVs.
This Recommended pick combines AWD security, ample cargo space, a stable ride,
and respectable fuel economy in a pleasant, carlike package. "
Ride
"One of the most comfortable compact SUVs, with impressive stability and absorbency.
Still, rough roads can turn ride jittery."
Economy
Test XT with manual transmission averaged 23.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. XT requires premium-grade fuel.
Noise
"Quiet around town, but wind and road noise rise markedly with speed, becomes
tiresome on long highway trips. Turbo engine coarse at full throttle, is otherwise
unobtrusive."
Comfort - Front
"Ample head room for 6-footers. Good comfort, though passenger seat lacks lumbar
adjustment. Steering wheel tilts but does not telescope, leaving tall drivers
a long reach to steering wheel. Relatively tall cabin eases entry/exit. High
driving position, large windows, thin roof pillars make for great outward visibility."
Comfort - Rear
"Bench seat supportive. Leg room OK if front seats are less than halfway back,
tight otherwise."
Controls
"Clear, simple dashboard layout, adequately sized controls. Leather and soft-touch
plastic dresses up Bean, XT Limited; decor otherwise unremarkable, though appropriate
for price."
Cargo Room
"Cargo area usefully spacious with rear seatbacks up, expansive with backrest
folded--competitive with many midsize SUVs. Big tailgate opening, low liftover
for easy loading/unloading, but no separate-opening rear window. Cabin has plenty
of storage spaces, but none are very large."
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