2009 Subaru Forester Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
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.
The 2009 Forester is available with two engine choices. The standard mill is a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged version of that engine is also available and is rated at 224 horsepower and 226 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. A five-speed manual transmission and four-speed automatic are available.
The base engine has to work hard to get the Forester up to highway speeds, and once there, passing is a true chore for the powertrain. The four-speed automatic stays busy, trying to find the right gear for the situation. With a turbocharger, the upgraded engine is much better suited for Forester duty, and truly makes it feel like a different vehicle. The five-speed manual transmission is a more suitable choice for the base engine, and works well, despite having longer-than-expected gear throws.
While the Forester isn't likely to win a drag race, the vehicle is more than able to hold its own, both on- and off-road. It features 8.7 inches of ground clearance—which puts it on the level of several large SUVs—and the new double-wishbone rear suspension that came with the 2009 update helps soak up all but the worst ruts and bumps in the road.
The Forester was designed with function at the top of its priorities list, which shows in nearly every aspect of its design. The front seats are comfortable and well padded, but lack side bolstering and hip support. Adding leather brings an extra layer of comfort, and an almost luxury feel to the Forester’s seating accommodations.
Thanks to a longer wheelbase, back-seat legroom is generous, and the 60/40 split-folding bench seat remains comfortable on longer drives. Cargo space is also plentiful, as the Forester offers 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 68.3 when they’re folded flat. The rear-door openings are large and relatively square, which makes for easy loading and unloading of car seats and children.
Thoughtful packages make using the Forester year round much less stressful as well. Options like the all-weather package bring upgraded floor mats, heated seats, and more to make the Forester a formidable winter vehicle.
Outward visibility from the driver's seat is great in all directions. That’s due to Subaru’s thoughtful approach to pillar design, which allows for large windows and little obstruction.
Technology offerings vary greatly, depending on the trim level. Base Forester models get a four-speaker audio system, an AM/FM stereo, a CD player, cruise control, and speed-sensitive volume controls. A six-disc CD changer, automatic climate controls, seven-speaker audio, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and wireless phone connectivity are all offered.
In most cases, the Forester’s audio and entertainment technologies work just fine. There’s a level of simplicity and an uncluttered feel that makes them easy to use. Some features, however, need more polish. In models equipped with a navigation system, the screen can feel almost useless at times, because it’s nearly impossible to see in sunlight, or with sunglasses on. The voice guidance is also annoying, and urges drivers to move when stopped at red lights and in traffic.
As a company, Subaru maintains a strong focus on vehicle safety. The Forester is a great example of those efforts, having received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2009 model year. That award is based on top "good" scores in all crash-test categories. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the Forester five stars for front crash protection, five stars for side crash protection, and four stars for rollover resistance.
Several safety features are standard for the 2009 Forester. It comes with stability control, braking assistance, dual front-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, remote keyless entry, side-impact bars, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, an occupant-sensing airbag system, traction control, anti-lock brakes, seatbelt pretensioners, fog lights, and daytime running lights.
With an MSRP starting below $20,000, the Subaru Forester offers a compelling mix of capability, utility, and value. Standard all-wheel drive and extensive safety equipment are both great reasons to check out the Forester. Making the deal sweeter, the 2009 updates brought more new tech and features for less money, and the improvements made to the Forester’s interior have only sweetened the deal.
The Forester's fuel-economy ratings are competitive as well. With the base 2.5-liter engine and a manual gearbox, it's rated at 20/27/22 mpg city/hwy/combined. An automatic transmission changes those numbers to 20/26/22 mpg, and upgrading to the turbocharged engine results in EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 19/24/21 mpg.
At $19,995 before destination, taxes, or options, the Subaru Forester 2.5X base model is the least expensive of the bunch and the 2.5XT Limited trim tops out at $28,195. The turbo engine in higher trims requires premium fuel, which increases operating costs over the long term as well.
User reviews for 2009 Subaru Forester
Write a review2009 Subaru Forester Pricing
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
