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Forester

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2009 Subaru Forester
2009 model year

What's new for 2009.

The 2009 Subaru Forester underwent a complete ground-up redesign, transitioning from its wagon-like roots into a more traditional compact crossover SUV. Built on an all-new platform with a 3.6-inch longer wheelbase, the new Forester offered significantly more rear legroom and a much larger cargo area. The rear suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone design, which improved both ride quality and handling while allowing for a flatter load floor.

Safety was a major focus for this generation, with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) becoming standard across the entire lineup. The interior was completely overhauled with higher-quality materials, a more modern dashboard layout, and the introduction of a 7-inch touch-screen navigation system. Ground clearance was also increased to a class-leading 8.9 inches on most models, reinforcing its off-road capability.

Chassis & Suspension

  • All-new platform with 3.6-inch longer wheelbase
  • New double-wishbone rear suspension replaces struts

Safety

  • Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Traction Control standard on all trims
  • Brake Assist added to the standard safety suite

Interior

  • Significant increase in rear legroom and shoulder room
  • Introduction of optional 7-inch touch-screen navigation with Bluetooth

Trims

7 configurations

Select a trim to see its specs and equipment.

2009 Subaru Forester

2.5X

Horsepower
170
City MPG
20
Highway MPG
26
Engine
2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
170 lb-ft
Drivetrain
Subaru Symmetrical AWD
Transmission
4-speed automatic
City / highway MPG
20 / 26
Seating
–
Wheel size
16 in
Ground clearance
8.7 in
Cargo, seats up
33.5 cu ft
Towing capacity
2400 lb

Standard equipment

  • VDC electronic stability control
  • Multifunction center console
  • Auxiliary audio jack
  • 12-volt power outlets

The trims, side by side.

Scroll sideways to see every trim →

"Optional" means the feature needs an upgrade or package.

7 of 7 trims
2009 Subaru Forester · Full trim comparison
Trim
2.5X
2.5X Premium
2.5X Limited
2.5XT
2.5XT Limited
2.5X Manual
2.5X Premium Manual
City / Hwy / Combined (MPG)20 / 26 / 2220 / 26 / 2220 / 26 / 2220 / 26 / 2220 / 26 / 2220 / 27 / 2220 / 27 / 22
Horsepower170 hp170 hp170 hp224 hp224 hp170 hp170 hp
Seating capacity-------
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
DrivetrainSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWDSubaru Symmetrical AWD
Transmission4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automatic4-speed automaticManual 5-spdManual 5-spd
Name2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter DOHC intercooled, turbocharged SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER2.5-liter SOHC SUBARU BOXER
Type4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed4-cylinder horizontally opposed
Displacement l2.52.52.52.52.52.52.5
Aspirationnaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratednaturally aspiratedturbochargedturbochargednaturally aspiratednaturally aspirated
Valvetraini-Active Valve Lift Systemi-Active Valve Lift Systemi-Active Valve Lift SystemActive Valve Control SystemActive Valve Control Systemi-Active Valve Lift Systemi-Active Valve Lift System
Horsepower170170170224224170170
Horsepower RPM6000600060005200520060006000
Torque lb ft170170170226226170170
Torque RPM4400440044002800280044004400
Fuel typeUnleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane)Premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)Unleaded gasoline (87 octane)
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
City MPG20202020202020
Highway MPG26262626262727
Combined MPG22222222222222
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Length (in)179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5179.5
Width (in)70.170.170.170.170.170.170.1
Height (in)65.965.965.965.965.965.965.9
Wheelbase (in)103103103103103103103
Ground clearance (in)8.78.78.78.98.98.78.7
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Curb weight lb3250325032503250325032503250
Towing capacity lb2400240024002400240024002400
Passenger volume (cu ft)107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6107.6
Cargo volume seats up (cu ft)33.533.533.533.533.533.533.5
Cargo volume max (cu ft)68.368.368.368.368.368.368.3
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Wheel size (in)16171717171617
Wheel materialsteelaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloyaluminum-alloysteelaluminum-alloy
Tire spec215/65 R16 96H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season215/65 R16 96H all-season225/55 R17 95H all-season
Wheel finish–5-spoke5-spoke5-spoke5-spoke–5-spoke
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Airbags count6666666
Vdc standardYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Brake assistYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Abs standardYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
VDC electronic stability controlYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Multifunction center consoleYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Auxiliary audio jackYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
12-volt power outletsYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Panoramic moonroof-YesYesYesYes-Yes
Raised roof rails-YesYesYesYes-Yes
Reclining rear seats-YesYesYesYes-Yes
Leather-trimmed upholstery--YesYesYes--
Heated front seats--YesYesYes--
Automatic climate control--YesYesYes--
6-speaker audio system--YesYesYes--
Cargo-area tray--YesYesYes--
Rear spoiler---YesYes--
Unique 17-inch alloy wheels---YesYes--
Functional hood scoop---YesYes--
Aluminum-alloy pedal covers---YesYes--
Leather-trimmed interior----Yes--
Premium audio system----Yes--
2.5X2.5X Premium2.5X Limited2.5XT2.5XT Limited2.5X Manual2.5X Premium Manual
Package contents–
  • Name
    All-Weather Package
  • Name
    All-Weather Package
  • Name
    All-Weather Package
  • Name
    All-Weather Package
–
  • Name
    All-Weather Package