2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 3.0 stars Good
  Detailed editors' rating
  Design : 6.0
  Features : 7.0
  Performance : 7.0
  Overall score: 6.6 (3.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Wayne Cunningham
• Reviewed on: 07/22/2009

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2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited

With a size somewhere between a wagon and a small SUV, the 2010 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited is an odd duck, yet still immensely practical as a family camper with its roomy interior and light off-road capability. The 2.5XT Limited gets a turbocharged version of Subaru's 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine, giving it a little extra pep when needed. However, Subaru remains steadfastly behind the tech curve, merely making available basic navigation with a hands-free Bluetooth phone system for the Forester 2.5XT Limited.

Getting into our test car, we were disappointed to see that it lacked any of the few available tech options, the head unit space occupied by the same stereo and six-disc-CD changer we've seen in other Subarus over the last few years. We have used Subaru's navigation system previously in the 2008 Impreza WRX and found it capable, but lacking in some of the more advanced features available today, such as traffic reporting.

Audio options
The non-navigation stereo uses a relatively large monochrome display suitable for showing information from MP3 CDs playing in the changer. The Forester 2.5XT Limited can also be had with satellite radio, and information from songs also shows up on the display. The only other audio source of note is the auxiliary jack, as full iPod integration isn't available.

The stereo's display is large enough to show song and channel information from satellite radio.

The audio system connected to this stereo doesn't do much for music. It is limited to six speakers, four in the doors and tweeters at the base of the A pillars, which just seem to blast out sound with no finesse or attempt at staging. Sitting in the driver seat, the left-side speakers were overly prominent, with no counter-balance from the right-side speakers. Automotive audio systems should attempt to balance out the audio experience, creating a stereo effect for all passengers.

Around town, the Forester 2.5XT Limited proves an easy driver. The seating position is high enough to give a good view of surroundings, yet the car feels light and nimble. The engine moves the car along without strain, and the four-speed-automatic transmission delivers mostly transparent shifts. Shooting it around a corner, we quickly get the message that the Forester isn't a sports car, its high center making itself known despite the standard all-wheel-drive.

Where to buy

store	price	in stock?	rating
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com	$26,495.00	No

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