Further bolstering its appeal, the 2017 Subaru Forester arrives in showrooms this summer with cosmetic and functional upgrades across the lineup. In addition to more refined visuals and comfort/convenience/safety enhancements, this popular compact SUV also boasts improved EPA numbers on all 2.5i models fitted with the optional Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.
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Visual changes to the 2017 Forester are understated but effective. Naturally aspirated models get a revised front bumper while all versions boast a new hexagonal grille treatment and restyled “C-motif” headlamps with black bezels. The taillamps also go LED with a modified “hawk-eye” look of their own and Premium-grade Foresters now sport a body-color decklid spoiler already present on 2.0XT Limited, Touring and XT Premium models. New 17-inch alloy wheels grace Forester 2.5i Premium and Limited models with the 2.0XTs getting revamped 18-inch upgrades. All Touring variants offer an exclusive new Sepia Bronze Metallic finish.
Interior upgrades
Inside, the 2017 Forester family boasts a new and more user-friendly multifunction steering wheel — heated on 2.5i/2.0XT Touring models — while the Touring trim also gains Keyless Access with Push-Button Start along with a new Saddle Brown leather option. The entire Forester line also benefits from an acoustic windshield, thicker glass and upgraded seals on the doors as well an extra measure of underfloor sound deadener to for a quieter cabin. Some Forester trims add express up/down windows, memory seats and dual-zone climate control with the 2.5i Premium now offering a power liftgate option. On the safety front, the available EyeSight driver assist system now features improved color cameras and adds Lane Keep Assist. Limited and Touring models also gain Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert along with Reverse Automatic Braking.
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Whether fitted with the naturally aspirated 170-horsepower/2.5-liter flat-4 (base/Premium/Limited/Touring 2.5i) or the 2.0-liter/250-horse turbocharged alternative (Premium/Touring 2.0XT), all Foresters feature some form of Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. CVT-equipped 2017 Foresters now get the automaker’s X-Mode traction assist system with Hill Descent Control as standard while EyeSight-equipped 2.0XT Touring versions further enhance their handling with new Active Torque Vectoring which was adopted from the Subaru WRX/WRX STI models. Finally, revised calibrations on the Forester’s naturally aspirated 170-horsepower/2.5-liter flat-4 raise its EPA city rating from 24 to 26 mpg when equipped with the optional Lineartronic transmission and bump its combined mark from 25 to 26 mpg while leaving the 32-mpg highway unchanged.
The 2017 Subaru Forester arrives in showrooms in late summer. Pricing will range from $23,470 for the Forester 2.5i with 6-speed manual transmission to $35,170 for the range-topping Forester 2.0XT Touring that will start at $35,170.
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