(Text & Photos by Ricardo Rodriguez-Long)
If there is a car that has a certain charisma and attributes
that make people tick, that is a Subaru. In a world full of cars, Subaru has
found that some folks like dependable, no-frills, efficient go all-around
vehicles that can take them on adventures every weekend for a lower entry price.
The Forester came into America in 1999, and it has
transformed into a small SUV. The fifth-generation still has the basic same
boxer type 4 cylinder motor that powered the first one. Of course, with many
improvements, the engine and trans have proven reliable, which is what Subaru
customers want. I had the opportunity to drive the newest 2022 version. The
Forester Wilderness edition is one for those who want to go on trails and camp
under the stars of the Mojave sky. I was very curious about how this car would
handle the trails. Since many companies are labeling some of their models as
"adventure" vehicles, I have been disappointed more than once. Beyond
all terrain tires and badges, this Subaru didn't look much different than the
standard version.
To find out, I headed to Johnson Valley, where Soggy dry lake
makes it one of the best places to watch meteorite showers at dawn. I noticed
that the Subaru EyeSight driver aid
system on the highway is quite good. In addition to adaptive cruise control and
lane departure warning, the forward collision can be a life saver. The car will
take over and apply the brakes for you if it detects an imminent contact. The
Forested will stay on its lane by slightly steering itself without much
intrusion to you.
This model comes with LED fog lights, a front skid plate, an
anti-glare black decal over the hood, a roof rack, 17 inch special wheels to
fit off-road tires, and 9.2 inches of wheel clearance. The AWD system has a
switch in the center console that allows you to adjust the level of traction
and power to suit the surface you are driving on. It does make a big difference
in terms of how the character of the car changes. The best part for me though
is one that most specialized journalist does not mention. The suspension on this
Forester is the best of the whole car. The shocks and springs are tuned to let
the wheels move according to the ups and downs of the trail, and the wheel
clearance enables you to roll over sand and rocky terrain without fuss. I was
impressed by the ride on the trails. If, at one point, I felt the car could use
a bit more power (rated at 180HP or so), the handling on the dirt made it up in
spades.
What lacks in exterior design makes it up in interior space.
And it is built to take it to the snow or mud. Fitted rubber mats and washable
seats are not something you find in any SUVs today. The trunk ( and foldable
rear seats) give you enough room to get all your camping gear, cooler, and
equipment you may need for the weekend. It can also tow a couple of motorcycles
or skidoo's since it can pull 3,000 lbs. Another plus to the Forester is that
you have a reliable commuter for the whole week with a quick wash on Monday
morning.
The base Forester starts at $27,000, and the fully-loaded
Wilderness edition can get close to $34,000. There are many car options at the
$30K mark, but for those that go out there and are not afraid to get their car
dirty, this Subaru may fit. On top of that, you may become part of the Subaru
family and never look back.