Subaru Forester is a strong competitor in the compact SUV class

The Forester competes in the compact SUV class against such competitors as the Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV-4. It comes standard with a 2.5 liter 170 horsepower four-cylinder boxer engine. It has seating for five passengers. The Forester offers several different trims include the 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Limited that comes with a turbocharged version of the base engine producing 224 horsepower. It only costs $500 more than comparable base trim models.

The 2003 Forester features weight-saving refinements such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front frame. The Forester was Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV for 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2006, the turbocharged engine (powering the Forester XT) was awarded International Engine of the Year. This engine is also used in the Subaru Impreza WRX, as well as the re-badged Saab 9-2X.

Subaru Forester is a strong competitor in the compact SUV class