Subaru's 2006 Forester Priced to Compete with Front Running Crossovers

While more powerful, Lalka mentioned that it is not only more efficient, but only ended up being more

Subaru has revised the standard five-speed manual, and enhanced the gated four-speed automatic for smoother operation. (Photo: Subaru Canada)

powerful because Subaru was so focused on improving efficiencies.

Subaru has revised the standard five-speed manual too, and enhanced the gated four-speed automatic for smoother operation.

The same transmissions are available in the upgraded Forester XT, now featuring 230-horsepower instead of 210, and a thick, fat torque curve maximized at a sizable 235 lb-ft. Both engines meet new, stricter LEV2 emissions standards, which should please Subaru's environmentally responsible clientele.

The XT is quite a bit pricier than the 2.5X, at $37,095, but comes with a full load of top-tier features that makes it read more like a premium brand than entry-level luxury.

If you want more luxury features than the 2.5X but don't need all the

Top of the line is the $38,695 XT Premium, featuring a full load of luxury features. (Photo: Subaru Canada)

added power of the XT, the $31,995 2.5XS is a good bet. Making it more enticing is a price reduction of $1,400 compared to the 2005 model, despite the many upgrades of the 2006.

The Forester 2.5XS Limited also gets a price decrease, starting at $34,999 or $1,000 less than last year's XS Limited. It features the XT's luxury features, once again without all the get-up-and-go of the turbocharged model.

Top of the line is the $38,695 XT Premium, featuring a full load of luxury features.