2011 Subaru Forester Gets New Base Engine, Improved Fuel Economy
Subaru has just announced updates for the 2011 Forester, including a new base engine that adds more usable power and improved fuel economy. The new 2.5-liter boxer engine in the 2.5X model retains the same 170-hp, but gains 4 ft-lbs of torque for a total of 174 ft-lbs. We agree that the increase is a small one, but drivability is up thanks to power that comes on slightly sooner, and torque that arrives at 4100 rpm vs. 4400 rpm on the previous engine.
The increase is the result of an all new powerplant with a new bore and stroke, along with a slightly larger engine size. While it’s still 2.5-liters, there are a few extra ccs, up to 2,498 compared to 2,457 for the old motor. Also of note is the switch from SOHC to DOHC.
The new engine helps improve fuel economy to 21/27-mpg (city/highway) for both manual and automatic transmissions, compared to 20/27-mpg (manual) and 20/26-mpg (automatic) for last year’s models.
Also of note is a new 2.5X Touring model with HID headlights, a display audio system with backup camera, dual zone climate control, silver finished roof rails, new gauges and side mirrors with integrated turn signals. For the 2.5XT model, the Touring trim now replaces the Limited trim with some added features. The 2.5X Premium model will also be available with a new, removable TomTom nav system.
For full info on all the 2011 Subaru Forester trim changes, see after the jump:
PRESS RELEASE
2011 Subaru Forester
• All-new engine for Forester 2.5X models (turbocharged 2.5XT retains current engine); new
bore/stroke dimensions with slightly longer stroke; displacement slightly larger (2,498 cc vs.
2,457 cc); chain driven double overhead cam vs. belt driven single overhead cam before; 170
horsepower is same as before, at slightly lower rpm; torque is up to 174 lb.-ft. at 4,100 rpm
(vs. 170 @ 4,400 rpm); fuel economy is improved: 2011 manual and automatic transmissions
— 21 mpg city / 27 mpg highway vs. 2010 20/27 for manual and 20/26 for automatic.
• New 2.5X Touring positioned above Limited: features HID headlights (low beam) with
automatic height adjustment; display audio system with backup camera; dual zone automatic
climate control; silver finish roof rails; electroluminescent gauges, and side mirrors with
integrated turn signals.
• 2.5XT models now include 2.5XT Premium and 2.5XT Touring, the latter replacing 2.5XT
Limited as top Forester model.
• 2.5XT Premium gets new 10-way power driver’s seat.
• Bluetooth® standard on all but base model.
• Backup camera standard on 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring as part of new audio system.
• New standard audio system for 2.5X Premium and 2.5XT Premium: AM/FM stereo with single-
disc CD player and six speakers; 3.5mm auxiliary input jack; Bluetooth® hands free calling and
audio streaming; iPod control capability; USB port and Sirius Satellite Radio capability.
• New optional TomTom Navigation System for 2.5X Premium includes removable 4.3-inch
touch-screen portable navigation device; AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/DVD player and
six speakers; 3.5mm auxiliary input jack; Bluetooth hands free calling; iPod control capability
and USB port. Also, a backup camera is available as an accessory with this system.
• New audio system with rear camera for 2.5X Limited and Touring and 2.5XT Touring models:
AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/DVD player and six speakers; 4.3-inch display screen,
Radio Broadcast Data System; 3.5mm auxiliary input jack; Bluetooth hands free calling and
audio streaming; iPod control capability; USB port and Sirius Satellite Radio capability. (The
backup camera is standard on 2.5X Touring and 2.5XT Touring and available as an accessory
for 2.5X Limited.)
• Driver’s auto up/down window with pinch protection (except base model).
• New 17-inch alloy wheel design for 2.5X Premium.
• New body-color roof spoiler on 2.5XT models
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I bought a 2011 Forester with the automatic transmission, and love it. We have hills here where I live (Washington State), and there is no problem whatsoever for the Forester to climb them without shifting down two gears. I think the new longer stroke (torque)in the Boxer engine is responsible for this. And, traction in ice and snow is equal to my wife's 2010 Outback. I have the telescopic steering column, winter package (heated seats, windshields and rearview mirrors)and the Tom Tom navigator package. It's a great combination, and I highly recommend others to experience it for themselves. BTW, the synthetic oil (0W-20 Mobil 1) introduction into the Forester line is intelligent - no swollen seals, no dry starts and longer engine life. You gotta' buy one!
Just went on a 500+ mile trip around the State (Washington) today. The best part of the trip was eating at Five Guys in Longview before running the pass (White Pass) back to the Tri-Cities. I pulled up to fill my tank and see what kind of mileage the Forester delivered. 27.4 mpg! The 4-speed automatic had to downshift a gear now and then when the hills got very steep up near Mt. Rainier. The Forester now has 2,770 miles on it. The synthetic oil level has stayed the same since it passed 400 miles. I love this little SUV! I updated the Tom Tom on the computer last week, and it's spot-on for accuracy!