Subaru Forester 2.5X
Likes: This small SUV conquered any terrain we challenged it with. Two guys fishing don’t need anything more than what the new Forester provides. Gas mileage was exceptional even with the trailer in tow. Interior was spacious, and I especially liked the oversized sunroof. Cruising through the forest, it was great to slide the top open. I was impressed that the PZEV model added 5 hp over the non-PZEV 2.5X model. We were also happy to discover that the normally aspirated Forester used regular 87-octane fuel, not the more expensive 91-octane required by the 2.5X turbo engine.
Dislikes: The greatest disappointment was with some of the interior materials, such as the thin, foamy carpets (especially in the cargo compartment). While we were glad to have the low-emissions model, we look forward to testing the diesel version that will soon be introduced to the U.S. market. Better yet, we'd like to see a hybrid.
Jumping Jack Trailer
Likes: The Jumping Jack did what we expected with little fanfare. And the Subaru was the perfect tow rig for this tiny tent trailer. Assembly was simple. Although there are no bells or whistles aboard this model, it certainly fit our needs. It was also very affordable.
Dislikes: The lack of securable storage space was a real disappointment. While the trailer rode well with our minuscule amount of gear, if you plan to transport your ATVs with it, definitely get the optional brake package.