2013 Subaru Forester 2.5X AWD Review/Ride Report

Notable standard features:
2.5-Liter (170-hp), 4-cylinder BOXER Engine, 4-speed Automatic
21 / 27 / 23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
Regular (87) gas
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
6-way manually adjustable driver's seat
Anti-theft system
Bluetooth phone & audio / USB (4-speakers)

Pros:
Higher driving position than a typical car
Tech connectivity options (USB, Bluetooth)
All Wheel Drive

Cons:
No reversing aids, as equipped (backup camera or parking sensors)
Basic model (steel wheels, cloth interior)
More station wagon than cross-over/SUV
Steering wheel is tilt only (no telescoping)

Catching up on some of my rentals from the spring and summer. The 2013 Subaru Forester (IFAR) is a common sight in the Executive Selection at the Honolulu and Kahului (Maui) airports.

This Forester was a replacement for a Passat that I initially took, but returned due to some funkiness with its brakes. By the time I got the Forester, I was running late, so I didn't take many photos. Here's a short video of it starting up.

With an IFAR classification, it's considered an upgrade over your typical SCAR. However, the 2.5X trim is the base model of the Forester -- with the exception of the AWD, it's a pretty basic vehicle. The seat is height-adjustable (manual) and the 4-speaker audio didn't sound great, but at least it had USB and Bluetooth (audio and phone).

Other positives: it rides higher than most cars and there is ample cargo room. It also gets decent mileage for a crossover, though the tank definitely wasn't topped off when I picked it up based on how much I filled before returning.

Another minor detail I liked -- the chirp-response from the keyless entry (similar to Toyota's), which provides audible feedback to locking/unlocking without blasting the horn like others (e.g. Chrysler) do.

Lots of hard plastic trim on and around the dash that didn't look great, but at least felt fairly solid.

All that being stated, the 2014 is a complete redesign. I have yet to see a '14 in the National fleet (released mid-'13), and will try one if/when they become available. However, given the choice of IFARs, the Escape definitely is still my favorite, especially in SEL (unfortunately gone in '14) or in Titanium trim.