The 2017 Subaru Forester is a class of its own. While the Tokyo-based automaker has been under the radar against popular brands like Toyota, Honda, and Ford, it has managed to put a competitive showing in the sports utility market.

It must be noted that the compact crossover SUV field is an emerging segment in the auto industry. Although flashy designs and high-speed displays are the elements that factor in a car's popularity, technological advancement is also a critical component in a vehicle's wide-scale acceptability.

In terms of popularity, the 2017 Subaru Forester is out of the top 5 best sports utility units. With the Chevrolet Equinox and the Nissan Rogue outclassing it, the Japanese-manufactured car is number six on the list. Being in the top ten is altogether an achievement for the vehicles considering that it is only ranked eighth across the United States in terms of sales grade.

What keeps the 2017 Subaru Forester within striking distance is the presence of sophisticated safety measures. Its engine efficiency is also a contributing denominator. Under the hood, a 250 horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0XT machine with 258 pound-feet of torque is placed. Its distinct horizontally-opposed platform, wherein the crankshafts accommodate the cylinders on both sides, provides gravitational balance in handling the tall SUV build.

The 2017 Subaru Forester has an all-wheel drive system whose power is distributed through the continuously variable transmission (CVT). This automatic mechanism allows manual shifting on the steering wheel. The CVT has three shift systems. Both the Sport and the Sport Sharp modes can be maneuvered by paddles to intensify performance. The third one, which is an intelligent approach to routine driving, increases the engine's torque without shift points.

The sporting orientation of the 2017 Subaru Forester is further enhanced by the presence of brake-activated torque. This type of vectoring provides the unit with precision when turning around curves. In terms of precautionary procedures, the sports utility car has been instituted with the EyeSight suite of driver assist components. Aside from cruise control, a pre-collision braking scheme has been installed. More than that, a hill descent control can also be activated to limit wheel slips.

The 2017 Subaru Forester has a spacious cabin. Besides having enough room for cargo, visibility is remarkable due to an expansive headroom setting.

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