Subaru Forester named SUV of the Year

The Forester came out tops in the three criteria used to evaluate the contenders for the title: superiority (in engineering, design, utilization of resources); significance (of its impact on the market), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition). On top of that, the Forester also addressed the concerns of today: the environment, and the economic crunch.

The Subaru Forester 2.5XT went up against other established players and newcomers, to emerge triumphant as Motor Trend's Sport/Utility (vehicle) of the Year for 2009. With a reputation for reliability and safety, the new Forester clinched the title through being even more powerful and economical.

Motor Trend conducted a battery of exhaustive off-road, street and track testing, and considered fundamentals such as driving performance, safety and features. Each contender was evaluated on three points: superiority (engineering, design, utilization of resources); significance (market impact), and value (what buyers get for their money versus the competition).

The Subaru Forester 2.5XT contended with the most outstanding fuel-economy numbers for an all-wheel-drive SUV this year, logging the best observed and EPA-certified city/highway fuel economy against the turbo fours and six-speed competitors. The vehicle impressed further with an impressive 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds and to the quarter mile (over 400m) in just 15.5 seconds. The SUV also recently received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crash tests and a four-star rollover resistance rating by the American governments' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Subaru Forester revealed engineering competence with characteristics such as a light curb weight (lowest of all contenders), outstanding ground clearance and spatial advantage for cargo and passenger compartments. Its compact horizontally-opposed engine and new control-arm rear suspension delivered a smoother, stable journey. The Forester allows a renewed appreciation for the value of the dollar; price/power efficiency and a thoughtfully designed and well-executed vehicle. The Forester does everything most SUV buyers need, with more off-road capability they will likely use.

Inside and out, off-road and on, the Subaru Forester positions itself as a truly remarkable feat of packaging. In many ways, the Forester represents the new SUV paradigm; it's the right vehicle for the times.