2009 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,995 to $28,195

Original MSRP

7.8
of 10

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(29 reviews)
7.8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
8/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
7/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
8/10
2009 Subaru Forester Test Drive Review summaryImage

The redesigned 2009 Subaru Forester offers more features for less money.

The new Forester has been restyled as a modern, curvy people carrier. Even so, it’s still got the capability and the attitude that people have come to love from Subaru. Offered in five trim levels with two engine choices and two transmission choices, there’s a Forester for nearly any buyer, and a powertrain for nearly any situation.

The Forester targets new-car buyers that want a safe, value-conscious vehicle with plenty of standard features. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The base 2.5X trim level starts at $19,995 before destination, taxes, or options. The 2.5X Performance Package starts at $22,495; the L.L. Bean Edition starts at $25,995; the XT starts at $26,195; and the XT Limited has a starting price of $28,195.

8/10

The Forester has been overhauled for the 2009 model year with a new rounded look that is both more modern and more car-like than the boxy profile the vehicle carried before. Some models, such as the XT trim, have muscular styling touches like a functional hood scoop and wheel-arch bulges. Overall, the look is meant to turn the Forester from a rough-and-tumble backwoods vehicle into something with more mainstream styling.

Inside, the Forester borrows heavily from the Subaru Impreza. Its dash carries a sweeping shape with silver accents that makes the cockpit look and feel cozier and more driver-oriented. While the vehicle didn’t lose any of its capability in the move to a kinder, gentler shape, interior quality and finishes took a giant leap forward.

Chris Teague
Published May 25, 2021 by Chris Teague
Chris is an automotive journalist covering new vehicle reveals, news, and technology. He loves digging into the details to tell entertaining and informative stories.

User reviews for 2009 Subaru Forester

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User rating:
by Anonymous
May 05, 2023
It is very roomy inside. It handles mountain roads with ease. Very responsive. Love it.May 05, 2023
by Lee C
Jul 28, 2021
This car has an excellent safety rating. It handles well and gets decent gas mileage. As a first car for a high school aged daughter these were important qualities.Jul 28, 2021
by Anonymous
Nov 25, 2020
I’ve owned and driven a variety of compact SUVs; CR-V, Rav-4, Rogue. And never managed to take a Forester for a spin before this. It was a pleasure! Comparable in handling and pep, and I appreciated the copious head room that I require. (I’m not tall, and I have a very long upper body ) i liked the covered cargo space and the leather seats in this model. Definitely worth a try if you haven’t yet. Nov 25, 2020

2009 Subaru Forester Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,995 to $28,195
Price range
$6,492 to $6,971
Average price on CG
$6,492
YoY price change
$6,971 to $6,492

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: black · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: black · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel covers: full · Wheel locks: spare only

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: rear

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Sirius Satellite Radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum and leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in dash · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color · Bumper underguard(s): front and rear · Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: metallic · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Video system: auxiliary audio/video input

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG

Lights

Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack: with crossbars · Roof rails: black

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (6)