Moving inside, the Forester's four-door wagon-style body doesn't elicit any audible "awes" in the way its big brother Tribeca does. The Forester's cabin is about as straightforward as a modern vehicle can be these days, especially in the base model on which this review is based. Sure, stepping up a rung or two on the trim-level ladder brings with it niceties such as premium audio with steering wheel mounted controls, leather upholstery, moonroof and heated power seats, but Subaru supplied an entry-level
 |
| The level of comfort and functionality within the Forester is superb. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
tester for this review, and I am grateful. Too often it's the top-of-the-line models that are delivered to auto journalists by manufacturers keen to put forth their best offering, if you will. Unfortunately the "best offering" is not always representative of what the average buyer puts forth in the driveway.
Base model or not, I instantly felt at home in the driver's seat, while hardly experiencing sensory overload; trust me, unless you were under a rock or in jail throughout the '80s and '90s you've seen it all before. But don't allow familiarity to breed contempt, as the level of comfort and functionality within the Forester is superb. The high roofline translates into exceptional headroom throughout all five seating
 |
| Subaru has done a good job of laying out the gauges and controls in the Forester. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
positions. Legroom is impressive up front, but can become precious in the rear when Daddy Long Legs is driving. Some give-and-take here is critical to achieve holistic wellness.
Subaru has done a good job of laying out the gauges and controls in the Forester. Everything was where I expected it. The tachometer and speedometer and other important analogue gauges are large in size, easy to read and clustered in clear view directly ahead of the driver. The centre stack in the 2.5X is nicely finished in matte silver and contains a basic three-dial HVAC system and audio head.
