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Best Recreational Four-Wheel Drive


Subaru Forester X

Subaru Forester X
2.5-litre, 4-cylinder
5-speed manual
5-door wagon
$31,490



Value for Money
Importance
Pricing 4 Critical
Depreciation Cost 4 Medium
Running & Repair Costs 4 Critical
Fuel Consumption 4 High
Warranty 3 High
Standard Features 4 Critical



Design & Function

 
Safety 4 Critical
Security 4 Medium
Comfort 4 High
Space 3 Medium
Practicality 4 High
Ergonomics 4 High
Build & Finish Quality 4 High
Innovation 2 Low



On the Road

 
Performance 4 Medium
Ride 4 Medium
Handling 4 Medium
Braking 3 High
Smoothness/Quietness 4 Low
4WD Ability 4 Medium



Overall Average


3.81



Key to Ratings

 
Well Above Average 5 .
Above Average 4 .
Average 3 .
Below Average 2 .
Well Below Average 1 .

Importance Weighting

 
Critical 1.00 .
High 0.80 .
Medium 0.40 .
Low 0.20 .



View Scores for all Recreational 4WDs
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Subaru Forester has once again proven itself to be the best all-around package for the type of dual-purpose lifestyle that drives recreational 4WD sales. Forester is now the only vehicle to have won its class every year since Australia's Best Cars awards began.

In terms of value, Forester scores well with an above-average level of standard features and attractive ownership and operating costs. Around the suburbs is where Forester's car-like attributes come to the fore.

It all starts with comfortable seats and well-placed controls. Even though the cabin is not as spacious as some, the vehicle's general smoothness and quietness adds to the driving enjoyment. The 2.5-litre engine delivers a good mix of performance and economy, while the well-controlled ride and handling tops off the above average on-road attributes.

In the bush, many will be surprised at just how far they can take the manual Forester, with its dual-range 4WD and viscous coupling limited slip differential. The limiting factor is ground clearance.

Although Subaru Outback is judged the best in class for security, comfort, build quality, ride, handling and smoothness and quietness, it loses ground to Forester in the all-important value for money and 4WD sections. Our third placegetter, Honda CRV, scores well on space and practicality but falls behind in the areas of security, handling and 4WD ability.

Top 5

Subaru Forester X, Subaru Outback, Honda CRV, Holden Adventra, Toyota RAV4 Extreme

Previous Results
2007 - Nissan X-Trail ST
2006 - Subaru Forester X
2005 - Ford SX Territory Ghia AWD
2004 - Ford Territory TX AWD
2003 - Subaru Forester X
2002 - Subaru Forester 2.5X
2001 - Subaru Forester Limited*
(*Best Recreational Vehicle Under $45,000)
2000 - Subaru Forester Limited

 
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