2011 Subaru Forester 2.5X Sport Utility 4D

The Subaru Forester has one of the better track records in its class, and the 2.5X trim is the no-nonsense version of that story — all-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter boxer four, and a manual gearbox that keeps you connected to the road in a way most SUVs simply don't. This one's finished in blue, and it wears it well.

Foresters from this generation are known for their boxy, practical proportions — which sounds like a backhanded compliment until you're actually loading one up. The cargo area is genuinely useful, visibility out of the cabin is excellent, and the elevated ride height gives you enough ground clearance to handle a rough boat ramp, a muddy trail, or just a Hampton Roads pothole without drama. It seats four adults comfortably and doesn't feel cramped doing it.

The manual transmission is worth singling out — it's increasingly rare in any vehicle, let alone a practical AWD SUV. If you like driving, actually like it, this is the kind of car that rewards you for it. The 2.5L four is smooth and capable, and Subaru's symmetrical AWD system is the real deal for wet roads and low-traction conditions, which around here means it earns its keep every time it rains.

This Forester is sitting on our lot in Suffolk — come take it for a drive and see how it feels with your hands on the wheel. That's where this one really makes its case.