2011 Subaru Forester

In a USA Today nine-vehicle SUV/crossover comparison, the 2011 Subaru Forester was ranked No. 4. What does this mid-sized crossover have to offer?

The Forester was the only crossover of the nine tested to have standard four-wheel drive. Some of the others have all-wheel drive as an option. And by the way, Subaru has what is arguably one of the best all-wheel drive systems in the industry!

The engine is a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder that makes 170 hp and 174 ft. lb. of torque.

A turbocharged version of the engine is also available that pumps out 224 hp and 226 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. This Subaru's 0-60 time for the 2.5-liter engine is in 9.2 seconds. Of note is that later 2011 Forester's will have a new third-generation engine. See my upcoming article on this new 'FB25' engine!

On the exterior the Forester is boxy looking with a tall roof line. It can be described as very practical looking rather than highly stylish. The body lines are smooth and the headlights and grille are fairly well integrated. This crossover's ground clearance is just under 9 inches. It provides a reasonably low entry and the hatch gives a wide opening to load cargo.

On the inside the Forester has a modern straightforward but rather plain design. The controls are quite simple to use and no reference to the owner's manual is needed. This crossover provides good headroom front and back plus excellent outward visibility in all directions. The seats provide good support and comfort for highway cruising. The rear seat leg room is adequate for two six-footers. Cargo hauling is one of this vehicle's strong points as the rear 40/60 seats fold to provide a flat cargo floor. The Forester provides 63 cubic feet of space with the rear seats down and 31 cubic feet with the seats up.

On the road the Forester provides tight car-like handling and suspension that can handle rough roads and even light off road driving. The steering is direct but could provide the driver with a bit more feedback. The brakes are four wheel discs and stop the Forester from 60 mph in 127 feet.

Standard features on the Forester include an MP3 jack, steering wheel audio and cruise control buttons, stereo with CD and six speakers, power windows and door locks. Furthermore, the Forester has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, traction control, active head restraint in the front row, and six air bags including side curtains for both rows.

The base price of the 2011 Subaru Forester is $20,495 and the fuel economy is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The new FB engine should improve the fuel economy by

about five miles per gallon.

The 2011 Subaru Forester is a highly practical mid-sizes crossover that will appeal to people who like the outdoors, want a well thought out vehicle that can handle any kind of weather. Additionally, Subaru is known to have the best resale value in the industry! It is a crossover that is worth your test drive.

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Become Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.