The 2017 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that offers a spacious cabin, capable off-road performance, and advanced safety features. The fourth-generation model of the Forester was first introduced in 1997.
Improvements over previous models
Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 Forester received some significant upgrades. It features a new front fascia, updated suspension, and a revised continuously variable transmission (CVT), providing a smoother and more responsive ride. The interior also received some updates, including a larger touchscreen display, and more comfortable seats. The 2017 Forester offers new features and added soundproofing to provide a more comfortable experience for drivers and passengers. Thicker door glass and restructured door seals reduce wind noise, while added underfloor insulation and an acoustic windshield contribute further sound deadening to create a quieter, more refined interior. A heated steering wheel – a first for the Forester line – is now standard on 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring models, as well as Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. Additional convenience features such as two-position memory seats, auto up/down on both driver and front passenger windows, and automatic climate control are now standard across multiple trims, and a power liftgate is now offered on the 2.5i Premium model.
Design and technology
The 2017 Forester has a rugged and athletic design that emphasizes its off-road capabilities. It features a spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers. The infotainment system is intuitive, and the Forester received an update to Subaru’s highly rated EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, incorporating color cameras that provide a wider, longer field of vision. The revised system also includes Lane Keep Assist, which can gently guide the vehicle back to the center of its lane if sway is detected.
Dimensions
The 2017 Forester is 181.5 inches long, 70.7 inches wide, and 68.2 inches tall. It has a wheelbase of 103.9 inches and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. It offers 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expands to 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Powertrains, drivetrains, transmission, and consumption
The 2017 Forester offers two engine options. The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The other engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, and both engines are paired with a CVT. The 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg combined (26 city/32 highway), while the turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg combined (23 city/28 highway). Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI, is now standard on Forester 2.0XT Touring models with EyeSight.
Performance
The 2017 Forester offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with responsive handling and solid off-road capabilities. The base engine provides adequate power for daily driving, while the turbocharged engine offers more impressive acceleration and passing power. The continuously variable transmission is smooth and responsive, and the standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability.
Safety
The 2017 Forester received high safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, and a rearview camera. Optional safety features include the EyeSight driver assistance system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. With a goal of “all-around safety,” 2017 Limited and Touring models equipped with EyeSight include Reverse Automatic Braking. This new preventative safety technology is designed to assist the driver by detecting large objects and to help avoid a possible collision when the vehicle is moving in a low-speed reverse direction. The system uses four ultrasonic sonar sensors located in the rear bumper cover and can automatically stop the vehicle if the driver does not respond.
Overall, the 2017 Subaru Forester is one of the best midsize SUVs in Kenya that offers a spacious cabin, impressive off-road capabilities, and advanced safety features. Its fuel-efficient powertrains, solid performance, and comfortable ride make it a great choice for daily driving and outdoor adventures.
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