It may be boxy, but the Forester's shape makes perfect sense.

The Forester was slightly updated a couple of model years ago with a facelift and a new rear end, but a meaningful generational change is due out the following year. For now, we get the same boxy-but-beautiful shape we’ve come to love over the years.

As Subaru’s small crossover, the Impreza-based Forester competes in a crowded segment that includes the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but it’s the AWD Subaru that comes out feeling like the true athlete of the group.

That sporty sensation comes with somewhat unrefined road manners, but the Forester has enough stability where it counts to be comfortable in most circumstances. Where the Subaru comes up a little short against its competition is in fuel economy, where it lands much closer to the SUV side of the spectrum than it does to the car side. That said, new car buyers wanting a more rugged experience will be happy, and won't have to give up everything to get it.