Redesigned Subaru Forester Becomes Consumer Reports' Top-Rated Small Sport-Utility Vehicle
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Forester outpoints Toyota RAV4 in CR's tests; Mitsubishi Outlander & Nissan Rogue rated "Very Good"
YONKERS, NY - July 1, 2008: The redesigned Subaru Forester emerged as Consumer Reports' new top-rated small sport-utility vehicle, following testing of seven SUVs for the August issue. The Toyota RAV4 had previously been top-ranked by CR in that category.
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The Forester was tested as part of a group of six small SUVs that also included the less-expensive Forester 2.5x, the Mitsubishi Outlander LS, Nissan Rogue SL, Kia Sorento LX, and Jeep Liberty Sport. The Outlander and Rogue also scored near the top of CR's small SUV ratings, with "Very Good" overall scores. The Sorento earned a "Good" score, while the Jeep Liberty was last in the ratings with a "Fair" score. It's routine for vehicles to achieve a better score following a redesign. But in the case of the Jeep Liberty, the redesigned vehicle actually scored lower than its predecessor.
"The Forester has the most comfortable ride of any small SUV yet it also has agile and secure handling," said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. "Its cabin is quiet, with very good fit and finish and it has a roomy rear seat. Safety equipment includes standard curtain air bags and electronic stability control, and crash-test results are excellent."
The August issue also contains an "Auto Test Extra" report on the Dodge Journey, a midsized SUV with three rows of seats. CR rated the Journey "Good" overall and described it as one of Chrysler's better recent offerings.
Prices for the vehicles in the test group ranged from $22,040 for the Forester 2.5X to $28,860 for the Forester 2.5XT Limited. Each vehicle has standard ESC and curtain airbags.
Full tests and ratings of the test group appear in the August issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale July 1. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org.
Of the vehicles in this report, Consumer Reports is Recommending only the Forester and Outlander. Consumer Reports only Recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's Annual Car Reliability Survey of its more than seven million print and web subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
For the Forester, CR predicts above-average reliability based on the performance of past Subarus. The Outlander had outstanding reliability in its first year of redesign. CR doesn't have reliability data yet on the Rogue, and the Sorento's below-average reliability prevents CR from Recommending it. The Jeep Liberty scores too low in CR's road tests to be Recommended.
Subaru gave the second-generation Forester a more modern SUV look, but its real changes are found beneath its skin. The rear seat is much roomier, the cabin is quieter, and standard safety gear now includes electronic stability control and standard curtain air bags. The Forester 2.5XT Limited ($28,860 Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price as tested) is powered by a 224-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission that provides effortless acceleration and gets 20 mpg overall in CR's tests, but with premium gasoline. The Forester 2.5X has a normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine mated to a four-speed automatic; it produces 170 hp, has adequate acceleration, and gets 22 mpg overall with regular fuel. The brakes are very good overall. Both tested versions of the Forester have folding 60/40 seatbacks for cargo, very good visibility, and access is easy, with a float floor and large hatch opening.
Agile handling contributes to the Outlander's sporty demeanor, and it has generous rear-seat and cargo room. With a four-cylinder engine, it delivered 22 mpg overall and rode better than the six-cylinder version CR tested last year. But road noise is pronounced and interior quality is not impressive. The Outlander LS ($22,820 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 168-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that is somewhat sluggish from a stop but responsive once underway. Brakes on the Outlander are very good. The Outlander's rear hatch opens in two parts. The upper part opens first, and then a small tailgate can be lowered if desired, creating a very convenient load height. The 60/40 rear seatbacks can be lowered for longer items.
The Rogue is compact and pleasant, with secure, responsive handling and a nice ride. It nicely balances economy and acceleration. Interior quality is very good, but the cargo area is very modest. Poor rear visibility caused by the small rear window makes backing up difficult. The Rogue SL ($25,850 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 170-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers relatively quick acceleration and gets 22 mpg overall. Its CVT is smooth. Braking on the Rogue is very good, too. Though small, the cargo area has a useful pop-up bin to corral grocery bags in one area. It's easy to fold the 60/40 rear seats.
The Kia Sorento is a traditional truck-based SUV that rides worse than some pickup trucks. It only has a part-time four-wheel-drive system that has to be manually engaged and disengaged. Handling is clumsy, but standard stability control keeps it secure in emergency maneuvers. It's capable off-road and can tow. The Sorento LX ($25,070 MSRP as tested) is propelled by a 242-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine that is smooth and responsive, but achieved an unimpressive 17 mpg overall. Its five-speed automatic transmission is very smooth. The Sorento's brakes, too, are very good. Cargo access is easy, aided by the glass hatch that opens separately from the full tailgate.
The Jeep Liberty and its corporate cousin, the Dodge Nitro, have the dubious distinction of being CR's lowest-rated midsize SUVs. The Liberty's ride is unsettled, handling is clumsy, and the noisy engine guzzles gas. It's cramped interior is uncomfortable and sloppily finished. On the bright side, the Liberty can tow and tackle tough off-road terrain. The Liberty Sport ($26,060 MSRP as tested) is equipped with a 210-hp, 3.7-liter V6 that feels sluggish and delivers just 16 mpg overall in CR's tests, the lowest in the group. The four-speed automatic transmission is not very responsive or refined. The brakes are good. The only other positives are that the Liberty's cargo floor has a reversible panel, carpeted on one side, with a plastic-lined cargo tray on the other, a separate-opening tailgate glass convenient, and the optional fold-flat front seat.
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