Subaru Forester 2007–2012 car dimensions: 4560 mm long, 1780 mm wide and 1700 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,465 kg. Braked towing is 2,000 kg.
The cabin offers climate control air conditioning as standard along with cruise control, heated front seats, electric windows all round and a multi-information display. Higher grades add a 7-inch colour screen for navigation and a reversing camera. Parking sensors appear on select trims or as accessories. Living with it means straightforward controls and good all-round visibility for daily use.
Boot space measures 450 litres with seats up and expands to 1660 litres with the 60/40 split rear seats folded. A retractable cover and underfloor storage help keep gear organised for family or outdoor trips.
Braked towing capacity reaches 2000 kg with unbraked at 750 kg. Payload sits at 475 kg. Self-levelling rear suspension comes as standard to maintain ride height when loaded. This setup suits light trailer work or carrying outdoor equipment without major changes in handling.
The cabin is spacious with good head and legroom for five adults and supportive front seats that feel durable. Automatic climate control with dust filter keeps the interior comfortable. Higher grades add an 8-way power driver’s seat and large electric sunroof for a brighter feel. Visibility is strong thanks to thin pillars and large glass areas. Heated front seats, mirrors and wiper de-icers help in cold weather. Rear seats split 60/40 and recline with a centre armrest and cupholders.
Combined fuel use 8.4 l/100 km and 198 g/km CO2 for the 2.0 petrol.
Fuel tank holds 60 litres.
Service every 12 months or 12,000 miles / 15,000 km.
Standard safety includes ABS with EBD and brake assist, VDC stability control, dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags with rollover sensor, active front headrests, seatbelt pretensioners and ISOFIX anchors.
Three-year or 60,000-mile warranty with 12-year anti-corrosion cover.
The 2.0X petrol returns official combined consumption of 8.4 litres per 100 km with CO2 output of 198 g/km. A 60-litre tank supports decent range for mixed driving. Dual-range manual gearboxes help on steeper or looser surfaces.
Servicing is due every 12 months or 12,000 miles (around 15,000 km), whichever comes first. Timing belt replacement is scheduled around 105,000 km or seven years on the EJ20 engine. Regular oil checks are advised as some examples show higher consumption with age.
Safety kit is comprehensive as standard: ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control, dual front, side and curtain airbags plus active head restraints and ISOFIX. The ring-shaped reinforcement frame aids crash energy management. This generation was not rated by Euro NCAP.
The car is practical to live with thanks to a 450-litre boot that expands to 1,660 litres with seats folded, self-levelling rear suspension and 2,000 kg braked towing capacity on manuals. Build quality feels solid and dealers have a strong service reputation. Expect normal wear items such as suspension bushes and occasional AC compressor attention after higher mileages.
Length 4560 mm, Width 1780 mm, Height 1700 mm, Wheelbase 2615 mm (Forester 2007–2012)
Sources: manufacturer data, Subaru Deutschland GmbH, Forester Preise · Technische Daten · Ausstattung, Modelljahr 2009 , 2.0X 5-speed column, Black roof rails are standard on every 2.0X grade, so that sheet, the 2.0D without a sunroof or roof rails is.