However, this fresh model is not yet perfect. For example, the Forester 2.5XT’s four-speed transmission, which can be described as slow-witted, hinders drivers from feeling the real power of the turbo-charged engine. The price of the vehicle may also raise eyebrows, and the Forester 2.5XT’s mileage is also not great. The Toyota RAV4 V6 offers more fuel efficiency.

The Subaru Forester 2.5XT’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 226 lb/ft of torque and a lag-free 224 horsepower. The vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in the span of 6.8 seconds. It sprints to 90.4 mph within 15.1 seconds. These are excellent stats for a small SUV.

After 871 miles of mixed driving, the Forrester was able to perform like an SUV by getting up to 18.1 mpg. The EPA gave it a rating of 19 mpg city/24 highway, whilst the RAV4 had a rating of 19 mpg city/26 highway.

Handling is also one of the highlights of the Forrester. It runs through tight corners like a real SUV. When it comes to uneven surfaces, there is no compact SUV that can better the Forrester’s performance. Close-quarter manoeuvres are very easy because of the crisp steering.

Overall, the 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT Limited is an excellent remake of its predecessor, despite the moderate attention it gets from consumers.