• Redesign for 2006 gives Forester all-new front and revised rear styling, more powerful engines, plus refined drivetrain, suspension and braking systems.
• Sport Utility Tough, Car Easy™ crossover design approach blends positive SUV attributes such as a high seating point and interior versatility with passenger car comfort, handling and fuel efficiency.
• Model line re-alignment: all Forester models equipped with the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine are now designated 2.5 X; highline 2.5 XS model discontinued and all of its features plus a power tilt/slide glass moonroof are now included in the available Premium Package; new 2.5 XT Limited is sole turbo model and the ultimate Forester for 2006.
• Forester L.L.Bean Edition remains the top normally aspirated Forester model.
New for 2006
• More refined, yet rugged exterior styling with new front fascia and new tail lamp clusters. On entry-level models, body color replaces textured-gray for the bumpers and protective body cladding. All except 2.5X models also get new larger body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
• Revisions to turbocharged/intercooled engine in 2.5 XT Limited add 20 horsepower (now 230 hp); horsepower in naturally aspirated engine increased from 165 to 173 hp mainly due to new i-Active Valve Lift System variable valve lift technology.
• Strengthened rear crossmember and retuned suspension enhance ride smoothness and handling response in all Forester models; improved braking feel on all models; ground clearance increased from 7.5 inches to 8.1 inches (7.9 inches for 2.5 XT Limited).
• New adaptive shift control in 4-speed electronic automatic transmission enhances responsiveness under all conditions; 5-speed manual transmission gains a double-cone synchronizer on first and third gears for enhanced durability.
• New All-Wheel Drive logic control improves responsiveness and traction performance in models with the automatic transmission.
• Interior enhancements include revised rear seat for more thigh support, plus fold-down rear armrest and a new multi-function center console. Standard equipment is expanded on entry-level model and includes interior upgrades and security system; cargo capability enhanced by new utility bars and hooks.
• L.L.Bean Edition gains a new MOMO® wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching shifter handle; security system adds a new shock sensor; durable, water-resistant surface for cargo area floor and rear seatback now expanded to cargo area sidewalls.
Key Facts
• All Forester models are equipped with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Models with the 5-speed manual transmission feature a viscous coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50/50 front to rear. Models with the 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission feature an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch housed in the transaxle tailshaft. Both systems power all four wheels all the time and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip.
• Robust body structure, heavy-duty raised 4-wheel independent suspension and 16-inch wheels make Forester models fun to drive while preserving a smooth, quiet ride and off-pavement driving ability; load-leveling rear suspension is exclusive to L.L.Bean Edition.
• Hill Holder system in models with 5-speed manual transmission helps make starting off on an incline easier and safer.
• Forester meets all Federal passenger car safety standards and achieved the highest rating (“good”) in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests. Standard safety features include a 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS), dual-stage deployment driver’s and passenger advanced front air bags, standard front seat head/chest side-impact air bags, redesigned active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and belt force limiters.
• Seating for five; cargo capacity behind rear seat is 32.0 cu. ft. and doubles to 57.7 cu. ft. with the rear 60/40 split rear seatbacks folded down (29.6/56.4 cu. ft. in models with moonroof).
Basic Specifications
Body 5-pass. SUV
Wheelbase 99.4 in.
Length 176.6 in.
Base weight P
Ground clearance 8.1 in.(7.9 in. 2.5 XT Limited)
Engine
2.5 X models: H4, 2.5-liter with i-Active Valve Lift System
Horsepower 173 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 166 lb-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
2.5 XT Limited: H4, 2.5-liter, turbocharged/intercooled
Horsepower 230 @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 235 lb-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
Key Standard Features (2.5 X)
• 16 x 6.5-inch styled steel wheels with 215/60R16 all-season raised black-letter tires
• 4-channel/4-sensor anti-lock brake system (ABS)
• 100-watt AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with single-disc CD player and four speakers
• 60/40 split rear folding seatbacks with center armrest
• Air conditioning
• Air filtration system
• Body-color bumpers and side cladding
• Cargo area cover, bars and utility hooks
• Center console, multi-function with arm rest and front and rear cupholders
• Cruise control
• Digital outside temperature gauge
• Fog lights
• Foldable power side-view mirrors
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Power door locks
• Power windows with driver’s auto down
• Rear window wiper/washer and wiper de-icer
• Remote keyless entry system
• Roof rails with cross bars
• Security system
• Tilt-adjustable steering column
Premium Package adds:
• 120-watt AM/FM/Weatherband stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer and upgraded speakers
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• 8-spoke, 16 x 6.5 inch aluminum-alloy wheels
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• All-Weather Package with dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer.
• Automatic climate control system
• Body-color side view mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle
• Power tilt/slide glass moonroof
• Viscous limited-slip rear differential
Forester 2.5 XT Limited includes Premium Package and leather-trimmed upholstery, 6-spoke alloy wheels, 7-speaker audio system with sub-woofer, sport-design gauges and engine cover.
Forester 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition includes the Premium Package and also adds:
• 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels
• 4-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission
• Auto-dimming rear-view compass mirror
• Desert Beige leather-trimmed upholstery with perforated Alcantara® bolsters and L.L.Bean logo-embossed front seats
• Bumpers and body cladding: steel gray metallic or platinum silver metallic
• L.L.Bean-embroidered floor mats
• MOMO® wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching-design shifter handle
• Durable, water-resistant hard surface for rear seatback, cargo area floor and sidewalls
• Security system with shock sensor
• Self-leveling rear suspension