Since its introduction for 1998, Forester has won acclaim for safety, all-wheel drive performance, dependability and versatility. The new-generation Forester, with virtually the same footprint as the previous model, expands comfort, utility and safety. A new 250-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER engine leads the line, which also includes models powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder BOXER engine.
All 2015 Forester models come standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a distinction from competitive models that come with front-wheel drive as standard and offer all-wheel drive as an extra-cost option. The 2015 Forester 2.5i achieves EPA fuel economy estimates of 24 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 27 mpg combined (with Lineartronic® continuously variable transmission). Those figures compare well with front-wheel drive competitors.
The 2015 Forester 2.5i model is available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring trims. The turbocharged Forester 2.0XT is offered in the Premium and Touring trims.
The Forester’s four-wheel independent suspension system endows the vehicle with agile handling and compliant ride quality. The 8.7 inches of ground clearance for all models is greater than for many crossovers and SUVs, yet the Forester maintains a comfortably low step-in height.
The 2015 Forester continues the model’s tradition of offering outstanding value and extensive standard features. For 2015, the 2.5i base trim gains the rear vision camera and colour multi-function display from the Premium trim, making the rear camera standard across the model line. The high-line multi-function display also includes readouts for audio and Bluetooth®information, climate control, vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder and X-Mode and Hill Descent Control operation.
High-line models offer more amenities than any previous Forester, including a power liftgate with automatic close and Keyless Access and Push-Button Start. The available navigation system features smartphone integration with Aha® Infotainment. The Touring trim comes standard with a 440-watt Harman/Kardon® 8-speaker audio system, which adds HD Radio for 2015. The Harman/Kardon system is also available in the Limited trim in conjunction with the navigation option.
Bold Design, Versatile Function
The Forester preserves the optimal blend of SUV capability and car-like ride and handling that have made this compact SUV popular. The new-generation design combines evolutionary themes with sharply defined details. The “hawkeye” headlights and a hexagonal shape grille anchor the bold front-end design. The 2.0XT models feature an exclusive sport design front bumper, along with a one-piece mesh style grille and, on the 2.0XT Touring, chrome-rimmed fog light bezels. All 2015 Forester models feature black side cladding and body-color door handles, and all use an aluminum hood. On the Touring models, new chrome trim accents the black side cladding for 2015.
Comfort and Versatility
The new-generation Forester grew just 1.4 in. longer and 0.6-in. wider on a 0.9-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.9 inches). Yet thanks to Subaru’s mastery of efficient vehicle packaging, it offers notable gains in roominess over the previous version and retains the model’s hallmark manoeuvrability with a tight 34.8-ft. turning circle.
Performance and Economy
The double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter BOXER engine in the Forester 2.5i models produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Matched to either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the Lineartronic CVT, the 2.5-liter engine gives the Forester excellent response in everyday driving, with emphasis on low and mid-range torque.
Agile Handling, Smooth Ride
The Subaru Forester builds on the reputation for agility and smooth ride quality firmly established by the previous-generation models. The 2.0XT models deliver even sharper handling responses from a sport-tuned suspension, with front springs 10-percent stiffer and rear springs 20-percent stiffer than those on the 2.5i models, along with exclusive chassis reinforcements. In addition, the 2.0XT models use larger brakes than the 2.5i models, with ventilated rotors front and rear.
- Subaru Media
