I don't see that article is online as yet, but it seemed like a pretty fair evaluation given that they didn't take them off-road. Granted, what's the point of an SUV test if you don't hit the slop? But they explained that away as having caused too much damage last time around. Hey, at least they tried it once...
Anyway, the gist of it:
- loved the openness of the vehicle, and loved the outward visibility.
- best storage space, due to the suspension redesign which made it wider down low.
- creaks, groans, rattles.
- premium fuel required (they tested the XT) and it was a bit thirsty in testing, tying for next-to-last in economy.
- dinged for having just four gears, but they said it didn't hurt driving dynamics one bit.
So really, I think it summarized some of the major impressions around here, both good and bad. Now if they had taken them to the rough and tumble stuff, it probably would have gained a place or two. I think the fourth-of-eight placement came down to refinement, and I can live with that. The Forester sacrifices some niceties for all-weather, all-slop capability and I think most of us are okay with that trade-off.
Now C&D, take them back into the nasty stuff next time. Put the SPORT back into SUV testing!
Anyway, the gist of it:
- loved the openness of the vehicle, and loved the outward visibility.
- best storage space, due to the suspension redesign which made it wider down low.
- creaks, groans, rattles.
- premium fuel required (they tested the XT) and it was a bit thirsty in testing, tying for next-to-last in economy.
- dinged for having just four gears, but they said it didn't hurt driving dynamics one bit.
So really, I think it summarized some of the major impressions around here, both good and bad. Now if they had taken them to the rough and tumble stuff, it probably would have gained a place or two. I think the fourth-of-eight placement came down to refinement, and I can live with that. The Forester sacrifices some niceties for all-weather, all-slop capability and I think most of us are okay with that trade-off.
Now C&D, take them back into the nasty stuff next time. Put the SPORT back into SUV testing!