2009 Subaru Forester Priced: $1200 less than 2008 model

Subaru is giving consumers looking for a midsized crossover 1200 reasons to check out its 2009 Forester. The vehicle, which arrives at Subaru dealers in April, will cost $19,995 (plus a $665 destination and delivery charge), which represents a decrease of $1200 over the 2008 model.

Of course, base 2008 Foresters already have $2000 on their hoods in most areas today, but the 2009 Forester has updated styling, inside and out, plus a standard Vehicle Dynamic Control stability system and a wheelbase that's 3.6 inches longer than that of the last generation. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer four comes standard on less expensive models while the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produces 224 horsepower on higher end models like the 2.5X L.L. Bean Edition model, which drops $700 below the similar 2008 model's price.

Dropping the price on a new model competing in the oversaturated $20,000-$30,000 crossover SUV class sounds like a good idea to us. The new price and other changes should be enough to keep this latest Forester going strong until its refresh in a few years.