Over the Rainbow
The Forester, whose $28,860 "XT Limited" badge is slightly dearer than that of the Mazda, brings to the party leather trim, automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, 10-way power driver's seat, 17-inch alloys, and a 224-horse turbocharged flat-4, but it lacks some of the others' premium features, notably Xenon headlamps, CD changer, and backup camera. Still, our nicely equipped tester, boasting one option-an $1800 navigation package with six-speaker stereo and Audyssey MultiEQ enhancement-wears a best-in-test price tag of $30,660.
Speaking of best in test, the Subaru claims most of those titles-over twice as many as the Mazda and nearly four times those of the Volkswagen. It's the quickest to 60 (6.6 seconds) and the quarter mile (15.1 at 89.0 mph), yet it sips the fewest gallons of petrol, both for EPA (19 mpg city/24 mpg hwy) and observed fuel economy (19.6 mpg), even with a four-speed automatic. It weighs the fewest pounds (3423) yet it tows the most (2400). It provides the most front headroom (40.0 inches), the most ground clearance (8.9 inches), and the highest approach and departure angles (24.8/24.8 degrees). Need to transport tall passengers in the rear seat? Help your friend move? The Forester affords the most rear legroom (38.0 inches)-as well as front legroom (43.1)-and the biggest cargo area, whether the back seat is up (30.8 cubic feet) or down (63.0).
"You have to be impressed with what you get for the money," says St. Antoine, "a lot of convenience, room, and capability for the bucks." Loh concurs: "The Forester is an impressive feat of performance and packaging." Not that it's perfect, mind you, as it's sometimes overmatched in details and refinement. The steering feels artificial and vague against the others. The softer suspension equals a wealth of body roll, although the ride is markedly plush and the figure-eight time (28.1 seconds) is as quick as the others' but at higher lateral grip (0.60 g average). The interior is a WRX rip-off and not as posh as the VW's nor as chic as the Mazda's. And the exterior styling is the least stunning or innovative of the three, a quasi-combination of Mitsubishi Outlander and Honda Pilot.
Nonetheless, this Subie never ceases to amaze. It costs over three grand less than the CX-7 and nearly eight thousand less than the Tiguan, yet it's quicker, roomier, more fuel-miserly, and more off-road-capable. More for less. That's the kind of formula that wins comparison tests.
1st place: 2009 Subaru Forester XT Limited
Quick, roomy, fuel-efficient, and well-priced, the Forester checks just about every box-most important, the one for first place.
2nd place: 2008 Mazda CX-7 Grand Touring AWD
Striking lines, sublime steering, and athletic chassis make this the driver's choice. Subpar fuel economy and hefty curb weight make it our second choice.
3rd place: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 4Motion
Cute, refined, and feature-laden, the Tiguan is a winner. Were it five grand less, it might've been this test's winner.