Subaru Forester 2010 Vehicle Overview

The extra height, ground clearance and increased suspension travel result in extra body roll when cornering, but we suspect most people will be pleased with the latest Forester's combination of adequate handling and comfortable ride quality. Virtually every dimension has grown, thereby increasing interior space and providing a more rugged stance and image. The two "boxer" four-cylinder engines under its hood are both competitive in terms of power and fuel economy, despite being saddled with an outdated four-speed automatic that does little for either. Or perhaps it's the perceived ruggedness that encourages owners to pack up their dirty Subies with outdoor leisure equipment and venture into the woods. All said, the 2010 Subaru Forester should be at the top of your to-drive list if you're looking for a compact or even midsize SUV.

Whatever the reason, the 2010 Subaru Forester rewards that loyalty by being one of the top choices in the compact crossover segment. Fully redesigned last year, the Forester is bigger than its wagonlike predecessors and certainly more SUV-like. The brand's commercial showing an owner habitually going from one beloved Forester to the next is no exaggeration. Yet the 2010 model has generally retained its carlike handling thanks to improved chassis rigidity, wider front and rear tracks and a new double-wishbone rear suspension.Subaru owners are clearly a fiercely loyal bunch. Adding to the Forester's appeal are its generous passenger space, ample cargo capacity and strong safety ratings. The reasons why, though, are a bit harder to discern.

Particularly in frosty, wet and/or mountainous climes, though, the Forester deserves its loyalty. Indeed, among compact SUVs, the Forester looks most likely to excel in an off-road environment. Perhaps it's the standard all-wheel drive that appeals to those who live in wet and/or mountainous climes. Competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are also worth considering, especially for those in warmer climates where those models' more fuel-efficient two-wheel-drive layout is sufficient.