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2008 Detroit Auto Show - 2008 Subaru Forester Video

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Taller and boxier than the previous model, the 2009 Subaru Forester now looks more like an SUV than a wagon.
Subaru America, Inc.
Given the size of the rear window, the new Forester should deliver excellent rearward visibility.
Subaru America, Inc.
Interior design mimics the smaller Impreza hatchback and sedan. Navigation system is a new option, while all Foresters get an auxiliary audio input.
Subaru America, Inc.
Although the engine options remain the same for 2009, Subaru says both versions of the 2.5-liter flat-4 have been retuned to deliver improved low- and midrange torque.
Subaru America, Inc.
New rear suspension design not only improves the Forester's handling, it opens more cargo room in back as well.
Subaru America, Inc.
Nothing like a little chrome and gray plastic to make a car look new.
Subaru America, Inc.
The turbocharged XT model gets a mean-looking hood scoop, foglights and a sporty set of five-spoke wheels to go along with its increased horsepower output.
Subaru America, Inc.
With 8.9 inches of ground clearance, the Forester could clear boulders that would hang up SUVs twice its size.
Subaru America, Inc.
New design may earn the Forester the title of "poor man's BMW X3," which is not such a bad thing for a Subaru.
Subaru America, Inc.

2009 Subaru Forester

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What is it?
2009 Subaru Forester

What's special about it?
All those complaints about the old Forester's odd size and even odder styling seem to have worked. The all-new 2009 Subaru Forester is bigger, better-looking and far less likely to be confused with Subaru's other wagon — the Legacy.

In fact, this new Forester won't be confused with any wagons at all. It looks more like a small crossover SUV, which is both good and bad. Good because SUVs are still popular, while wagons remain virtually invisible to U.S. buyers. Bad because there are at least a dozen small crossover SUVs already on the market.

Then again, most of the Forester's competitors don't have full-time all-wheel drive, let alone 8.9 inches of ground clearance. They probably don't have sophisticated double-wishbone rear suspensions either, but the 2009 Forester does thanks to its all-new platform. Subaru says the new setup delivers a quieter ride, better handling, improved crashworthiness and additional interior cargo room. A 3.6-inch-longer wheelbase should improve rear-seat passenger room as well.

For the first time, all Foresters will come standard with side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor. Subaru's stability and traction control system has also been added to the standard features list. New additions to the options list include a navigation system and a high-end stereo.

Not much changes under the hood. Subaru says both the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine have been revised to provide more low-end and midrange torque. Figure a few extra pound-feet of torque above the current 166 lb-ft and maybe a horsepower or two beyond 173 hp once the final specifications are announced. Both manual and automatic transmissions will continue to be offered.

What's Edmunds' take?
SUVs might not be the flavor of the month anymore, but they still get more attention than wagons. The Forester's revised styling should help attract new buyers who might have written off the current model without even driving it. — Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor