Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring. This isn't just your average family SUV; it's a turbocharged, adventure-ready machine that's got a lot to offer. If you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and fun-to-drive vehicle, the Forester XT Touring might just be what you’re looking for. So buckle up, and let's explore everything this model has to offer!

    Overview of the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring

    The 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring is the top-tier trim of the Forester lineup, blending practicality with a sporty edge. The main appeal of this model lies in its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which provides a significant boost in power compared to the standard Forester. It’s designed for those who need the space and utility of an SUV but don't want to sacrifice driving enjoyment. Subaru has built a reputation for reliability and capability, and the Forester XT Touring carries that torch admirably. The exterior design is functional and rugged, while the interior boasts premium materials and a host of tech features aimed at enhancing comfort and convenience. Safety is also a strong point, with Subaru's EyeSight system offering advanced driver assistance features. Whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, the Forester XT Touring offers a compelling package.

    Performance and Handling: The heart of the Forester XT Touring is its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides brisk acceleration and ample power for passing and merging on the highway. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is tuned to maximize fuel efficiency while still delivering responsive performance. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. The XT Touring also features a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a more engaging driving experience with reduced body roll and sharper handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and providing confidence on winding roads. Overall, the Forester XT Touring strikes a good balance between performance and practicality, making it a joy to drive in a variety of situations.

    Interior and Features: Inside, the 2015 Forester XT Touring offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and automatic climate control provide a premium feel. The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, navigation, smartphone integration, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The panoramic sunroof adds an airy and open feel to the cabin. The rear seats are spacious and offer plenty of legroom for passengers. Cargo space is generous, with 34.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The Forester XT Touring also includes a power liftgate for added convenience. The interior design is functional and user-friendly, with controls that are easy to reach and operate. Overall, the interior of the Forester XT Touring is a pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip.

    Safety and Reliability: Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2015 Forester XT Touring comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. Other safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. In government crash tests, the Forester earned a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru has a reputation for building reliable vehicles, and the Forester is no exception. Consumer Reports consistently gives the Forester high marks for reliability. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the Forester running smoothly, but overall, it is a dependable and durable vehicle. With its combination of advanced safety features and proven reliability, the Forester XT Touring provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

    Key Features of the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring

    Let's break down the features that make the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring stand out:

    • Turbocharged Engine: The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is the star of the show, providing a significant power boost over the standard Forester. This engine delivers strong acceleration and makes the Forester XT Touring fun to drive.
    • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is standard on the Forester XT Touring, providing excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions. This system ensures that power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, maximizing grip and control.
    • Sport-Tuned Suspension: The sport-tuned suspension enhances the handling and reduces body roll, making the Forester XT Touring more engaging to drive on twisty roads.
    • EyeSight Driver Assist System: The EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, helping to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.
    • Leather Upholstery: The leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the interior, making the Forester XT Touring more comfortable and refined.
    • Harman Kardon Audio System: The Harman Kardon audio system provides excellent sound quality, making your favorite music sound even better.
    • Panoramic Sunroof: The panoramic sunroof adds an airy and open feel to the cabin, making the Forester XT Touring feel more spacious and inviting.
    • Power Liftgate: The power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, especially when your hands are full.

    These features combine to create a well-rounded and capable SUV that is both practical and enjoyable to drive.

    Performance and Engine Specs

    Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring is all about that turbocharged engine. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
    • Horsepower: 250 hp
    • Torque: 258 lb-ft
    • Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
    • All-Wheel Drive: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
    • Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 28 mpg highway

    This engine provides brisk acceleration and ample power for passing and merging on the highway. The CVT is tuned to maximize fuel efficiency while still delivering responsive performance. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. The XT Touring also features a sport-tuned suspension, which provides a more engaging driving experience with reduced body roll and sharper handling. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and providing confidence on winding roads. Overall, the Forester XT Touring strikes a good balance between performance and practicality, making it a joy to drive in a variety of situations.

    Interior Comfort and Technology

    Stepping inside the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring, you'll find a cabin designed for comfort and convenience. Let's explore what makes the interior stand out:

    • Leather Upholstery: The leather seats offer a premium feel, making long drives more comfortable.
    • Heated Front Seats: Perfect for those chilly mornings, the heated front seats provide warmth and comfort.
    • Automatic Climate Control: Maintain the perfect temperature with automatic climate control, ensuring a comfortable environment for all passengers.
    • 7-inch Touchscreen Display: The infotainment system features a 7-inch touchscreen display, providing easy access to navigation, audio, and other features.
    • Navigation System: Get to your destination with ease using the integrated navigation system.
    • Smartphone Integration: Connect your smartphone to the infotainment system for access to your favorite apps and features.
    • Harman Kardon Audio System: Enjoy high-quality sound with the Harman Kardon audio system, making your music sound its best.
    • Panoramic Sunroof: The panoramic sunroof adds an airy and open feel to the cabin, making the Forester XT Touring feel more spacious and inviting.
    • Spacious Rear Seats: The rear seats offer plenty of legroom for passengers, making the Forester XT Touring a comfortable choice for families.
    • Cargo Space: With 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 74.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, the Forester XT Touring offers plenty of room for your gear.

    The interior of the Forester XT Touring is a blend of comfort and technology, making it a great place to spend time on the road.

    Safety Features

    When it comes to safety, the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring has you covered. Here’s a rundown of the key safety features:

    • EyeSight Driver Assist System: This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking, helping to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road.
    • Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you with adaptive cruise control.
    • Lane Departure Warning: Receive alerts if you start to drift out of your lane, helping you stay on course.
    • Pre-Collision Braking: This system can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision, helping to reduce the severity of an accident.
    • Blind-Spot Monitoring: Stay aware of vehicles in your blind spots with blind-spot monitoring.
    • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Receive alerts when vehicles are approaching from the side while you're backing up.
    • Rearview Camera: The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces.
    • Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): ABS helps prevent skidding during hard braking, allowing you to maintain control of the vehicle.
    • Stability Control: Stability control helps prevent the vehicle from losing control in slippery conditions.
    • Airbags: The Forester XT Touring is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags.

    With its combination of advanced safety features and a strong safety rating, the Forester XT Touring provides peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

    Pros and Cons of the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring

    To give you a balanced perspective, let’s look at the pros and cons of the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring:

    Pros:

    • Powerful Turbocharged Engine: The turbocharged engine provides strong acceleration and makes the Forester XT Touring fun to drive.
    • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
    • Spacious Interior: The Forester XT Touring offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
    • Comprehensive Safety Features: The Forester XT Touring is equipped with a wide range of safety features, including the EyeSight system.
    • Premium Features: The leather upholstery, Harman Kardon audio system, and panoramic sunroof add a touch of luxury to the interior.

    Cons:

    • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not like the feel of the continuously variable transmission (CVT).
    • Fuel Economy: While the fuel economy is decent, it's not as good as some of its competitors.
    • Infotainment System: The infotainment system can be a bit complicated to use.
    • Reliability: While Subaru has a good reputation for reliability, some owners have reported issues with the Forester.

    Is the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring a Good Buy?

    So, is the 2015 Subaru Forester XT Touring a good buy? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a versatile, reliable, and fun-to-drive SUV, the Forester XT Touring is a fantastic option. Its turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, and comprehensive safety features make it a standout in its class. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the pros far outweigh the cons. Whether you're commuting to work, hauling cargo, or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, the Forester XT Touring is up to the task.