The 2011 Subaru Forester, as reviewed by our host Emme Hall, retains much of 2010′s model’s simplistic looks and drivetrain, save a few key differences.

For 2011, the Forester has an upgraded engine that boosts key areas in horsepower, torque, and gas mileage. The new engine is a 2.5 liter 4-banger that gets 170 horsepower and 174 pound feet of torque, making gas mileage 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. You can also choose to get a different trim with a turbocharged version of this engine, which will produce roughly 50 more horses and pound-feet. And all of these transmissions can come in either manual or automatic.

Watch the 2011 Subaru Forester video review on YouTube.

And of course, the Forester without question gets Subaru’s infamous all-wheel drive, letting the Forester hit the trails with ease. Handles are smooth and precise thanks to the AWD, and performs with aplomb. Not to mention its awesome 8.7 inches of ground clearance!

Inside and out, the Subaru is functional but not stylish. Its form won’t turn any heads, but what it lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up in practicality and user-friendliness. The space inside this crossover is roomier than one would expect, and the standard amenities are passable; trip computer, bluetooth & iPod integration, panoramic sunroof. As you ascend the trim levels, amenities start piling up, the more expensive trims feature rearview cameras, portable TomTom navigation screen, and more.

All in all, the Forester is a pleasant ride and definitely capable of holding its own in the crowded crossover SUV category, thanks to great fuel economy, a great sticker price, and fun, precise handling. All told, the Forester starts at $23,495, with our test car coming in at $26,384.

Host: Emme Hall
Emme Hall’s racing team: http://www.hallassracing.com/

Vehicle: 2011 Subaru Forester
Base Price: $23,495
Price as tested: $26,384
Engine: 2.5L 4-cyl engine
Transmission: 5-speed manual standard, optional 4-speed automatic w/sport mode
Horsepower: 170 hp / 174 lb-ft torque

EPA: 21 city / 27 highway MPG

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We recently tested the re-designed 2009 Subaru Forester. The ’09 Forester boasts a new look, from the front to the back and also gained a few inches of ground clearance for those who like to explore off of the beaten path. Despite the new higher ground clearance, the Forester still has the lowest center of gravity in its class, where its main competitors are the ever-popular Honda CR-V and Toyota Rav-4.

This rugged SUV from Subaru comes with two engine options. We tested the 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine that produced 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm 170 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm mated to a manual transmission. The other option is the 4-cylinder turbo engine from the WRX sedan, mated to an automatic transmission. Yes, that’s right, a turbo paired to an automatic transmission. Subaru, unfortunately, will not offering turbo motors with manual transmission in Foresters.

Everything about the 2009 Forester is practical, from the gas mileage, to the interior features and price. For an SUV, the Forester does not disappoint in its fuel economy numbers, getting 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The interior design has also improved with nice features like the over-sized sunroof and consideration for backseat passengers with the sliding cupholders and ample legroom. Lastly, and in the current economy, most importantly, the cost of the Subaru Forester can almost be called cheap, starting at a base price of $22,495 and an as-tested tag of $24,011.

Browse the photos from our recent trip to Santa Catalina Island off the southern California coast where we test drove the new 2009 Subaru Forester. Subaru had exciting off-road and on-road routes to showcase all of the 2009 Forester’s capabilities. There are three available models: the standard Forester, the LL Bean Edition, and the XT model.

Browse the photo galleries of each model and let us know what you think of the totally redesigned Subaru Forester.

2009 Subaru Forester:

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2009 Subaru Forester LL Bean Edition:

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2009 Subaru Forester XT:

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