2014 Fiat 500L: Stylish, Room For Five, Starts Below $20,000
Considering the Kia Soul, MINI Countryman, or Nissan Juke? You might want to hold out another few... Read More
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PERFORMANCE | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
Around town, the non-turbo mill offers plenty of smooth pull, yet needs significant spurring to reach highway speeds.
Motor Trend
Its crisp steering and usefully tight turning circle also make it surprisingly maneuverable in close quarters.
Edmunds
We went joyriding on a snow-covered lot with the security of the AWD and vehicle dynamics control that includes all-wheel traction control and is standard on all models.
Boston Globe
It rides and handles well on the road, but the tradeoff is less off road prowess.
Automobile Magazine
Bolt a turbocharger to that little barking boxer, however, and what once was Velveeta becomes Pont L’Évêque
Car and Driver
XT variants get a turbocharged four-cylinder with 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. It moves very quickly, but with only the four-speed auto, it's not as enjoyable as it could be.
The Forester's strength is handling; it's by far the best-balanced, most dynamically proficient crossover, and the rather low seating position and low center of mass helps instill a stable feel on twisty roads and tight corners. The way the Forester handles is positively carlike, and the all-wheel drive system assists with traction out of corners, enhancing its already admirable poise. Yet the Forester has just enough give, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance—especially useful for negotiating deep snow or climbing up a modest trail to a camping spot.
Conclusion
Handling and poise are still strengths for the 2011 Subaru Forester, though its old-tech four-speed automatic is a weak link.
