2015 Subaru Forester

NEW FOR 2015:

-XT models add power liftgate and dual-zone automatic climate control; XT Limited trim gets navigation

Following a full redesign for 2014, the 2015 Forester gets a couple of new line-wide standard features, some new options and standard features in various trims, and a starting price the same as last year's.

As before, the Forester can be had with a choice of a 2.5L horizontally-opposed (boxer) four-cylinder making 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 2.0L turbocharged boxer good for 250 hp and 258 lb-ft. A six-speed manual is standard in 2.5L models, with a continuously variable automatic (CVT) being the option; turbocharged (XT) models get the CVT exclusively.

Trim levels include 2.5i (6-speed manual or CVT), 2.5i Convenience, 2.5i Convenience PZEV, 2.5i Touring (6-speed maual or CVT), 2.5i Touring (with optional Technology package), 2.5i Limited (with optional Technology package), 2.0XT Touring, and 2.0XT Limited (with optional Technology package).

2.5i models get the 2.5L engine, manual transmission with hill-holder function, open rear differential, stability and traction control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, brake override system, seven airbags including driver's knee blocker, active front headrests, six-way manual driver's seat and four-way manual passenger seat, engine immobilizer and security system, 17-inch steel wheels, whiplash-reducing front seats, body-coloured outside door handles, colour multifunction trip computer, backup camera, power-adjustable, foldable and heated body-colour side mirrors, privacy tinted glass on rear doors and cargo area, roof rails, four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth streaming audio and auxiliary input, Bluetooth phone connectivity, iPod USB audio integration, aluminum hood, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power windows with driver auto up/down and cloth upholstery.

Automatic transmission models get X-mode and hill descent control.

The 2.5i convenience package adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar, automatic headlights, rear tonneau cover, fog lights, cargo area tray, rear seat armrest with cupholders and an adjustable front armrest console.

Automatic transmission models get steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

2.5i Convenience models with the PZEV engine get additional emissions control equipment and PZEV badging.

2.5i Touring Foresters build on the 2.5i convenience package and add 17-inch aluminum wheels, sunroof, fog lights, wiper de-icer, reclining rear seats with armrest and cupholders, cargo area tray, leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, 10-way power driver's seat with lumbar, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, HD radio, chrome interior door handles, six-speaker stereo with iPod USB integration, roofline spoiler, black roof rails, stainless steel exhaust tip, power tailgate with memory function and upgraded gauges.

In 2.5i Limited trim, Subaru adds navigation, 18-inch wheels and a leather-trimmed shifter boot.

2.0XT Touring trim adds the turbocharged engine and CVT, SI-Drive, upgraded brakes, tilt-adjustable front head restraints, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, power liftgate, dual stainless steel exhaust tips, and a unique chrome grille and front bumper.

Limited trim adds Xenon headlights with LED accent lighting, driver and passenger front seatback pockets, chrome grille, electroluminescent gauges, door should chrome accents, retractable cargo cover, leather seats, stainless steel rear step pad and exhaust tip, door mirrors with LED turn signal repeaters, Harmon/Kardon eight-speaker stereo, one-touch folding rear seats, satellite radio and auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors.

2.0XT Limited adds a leather shifter boot and navigation.