2017 Subaru Forester XT with X- Mode – Video

The 2.5-liter flat-four remains the base engine, and revisions to the engine and the CVT that it’s mated with on most models result in improved city/highway EPA fuel economy ratings of 26/32 mpg. That’s a bump of 2 mpg in the city; highway mileage stays the same. Unlike nearly all of its competitors, the base Forester 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models still offer a six-speed manual transmission, although the row-your-own gearbox pares the EPA ratings to 22/29 mpg city/highway.

 

 

Other changes include additional soundproofing, thicker door glass, and updated door seals—a welcome prospect considering the high levels of road and wind noise in previous Foresters. A heated steering wheel and keyless access join the 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models’ standard-equipment lists, while features such as automatic climate control and a power liftgate are more widely available. Those few drivers who venture off-road in Foresters will appreciate that Subaru’s X-Mode traction system and hill-descent control are now standard on CVT-equipped Premium, Limited, and Touring models.