Forester

Squint at the side profile of the newest Subaru Forester and you can trace the compact SUV's evolutionary path back to its roots as a boxy, go-anywhere crossover. The sixth generation introduced last year gives the Forester modern curb appeal, but inherited traits lie underneath. Every Forester marries a flat-four engine with standard all-wheel drive and enough extra ground clearance to comfortably handle moderate off-road treks. It's not all old news, though, as the Forester's expansive interior features updated materials that make its cabin feel contemporary. Tough-terrain frequenters can rejoice that the Wilderness trim has reunited with the rest of the Forester pack after a year in limbo. The Wilderness receives the same refresh that the standard models got last year while also adding a few new features, including a ride height increase to 9.3 inches of ground clearance, revised transmission tuning for better off-road responsiveness, larger all-terrain tires, and more. While the Forester provides a fresh enough experience to elevate it above older versions of itself, it appears to tread old ground when compared with niftier rivals like the Mazda CX-50 and the Ford Bronco Sport.