One of the first things we noticed about the Forester is that the seating height is comparable to that of a sedan. It doesn't offer that master-of-the-universe driving position that many sport-utility buyers prefer. We don't see this as a negative. Being closer to the ground means a lower center of gravity for better handling. That's why expensive sports cars and sports sedans don't offer high seating positions.The driver's seat is comfortable and offers a myriad of adjustments. Visibility out front is excellent, a benefit of a low hood and large windshield. Controls have been revised this year for easier operation, though this wasn't really a problem before. Instruments are straightforward and easy to read. A windshield wiper de-icer prevents freezing. There's plenty of headroom front and rear with comfortable seating for four. When the split folding rear seats are down, the Forester offers 64.6 cubic feet of cargo space. That's slightly more than the RAV4, slightly less than the CR-V and nearly 80 percent of what a Ford Explorer offers. It's easy to load cargo into the back of the Forester; the rear gate lifts out of the way and a rubber cargo mat protects the interior. Interior trim comes in softer, warmer fabrics than the Toyota RAV4, though it lacks the design elegance and refinement of the Honda CR-V. The seats have been improved this year for more lateral support and comfort. Subaru's radio controls are on the small side.
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