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The good: The 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium offers a very economical and minimal emissions engine. Its all-wheel-drive system gives it back- and snow-country credibility.

The bad: tech is basically non-existent in all but the top trim level.

The bottom line: The 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium makes for a practical road trip car, but comes up short when it comes to cabin tech.

Specs: Body style: SUV; Trim levels: 2.5X; Available Engine: Gas  See full specs

After pulling over, we saw that it was our right front tire. We jacked up the car, installed the temporary spare, and gave up on the tree. It was still some miles distant, and we decided that this was enough adventure for the day. It was... // CNET Reviews

But the Forester benefits from Subaru's all-wheel-drive system, which has a locking center differential. It also boasts 8.7 inches of clearance to add to its back country qualifications.

For our road-going testing, we were very happy with that 28.5 mpg freeway average. The EPA only gives it 20 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, so we blew way over those numbers. Finally, 2009 Foresters outfitted with smog controls designed for California qualify as PZEVs , or partial zero emissions vehicles, because their polluting emissions are extremely low.

Our 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5X Premium came in at a base price of $22,495. The only options offered are dealer accessories, so what you see is what you get--from the factory, anyway. With its $665 destination charge,... // CNET Reviews