The Forester 2.5XT does not come standard with winter tires, but does include 215/60R16 94H all-seasons decorated with 16-inch 12-spoke turbo design aluminum alloy rims. Despite having all-season tires, the

The XT comes equipped with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and an amazing sound system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

rubber still gripped very well. I can only imagine how well the full-time all-wheel driver would perform with season-suited snow tires. The Forester 2.5XT driving experience was enhanced by its AM/FM/Weather Band/6 Disc in-dash CD changer with 4 speakers, 2 tweeters, and subwoofer; it was fantastic. Even when I pumped up the volume to my favorite songs, classical or hip hop, the sound quality did not become distorted.

The next standard feature to fall in love with was its enormous glass sunroof, or more formally known as the "large moonroof." It is huge, and I'm not exaggerating. It spans all the way from directly above the

I fell in love with the Forester's moonroof, it is simply huge and lets in copious amounts of light. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

driver's and front passenger's seats to half way past the rear passengers' seat. I loved it. It let so much light in, and no matter where a person was sitting in the car rays of sunshine illuminated the cabin. On the topic of letting light in, the Forester has amazing visibility. The front windshield is wide open, along with the side windows. I was astounded that when looking out the rear window, I could see all around me! I found this to be one of the vehicle's strongest points because visibility out the rear of many cars is often limited, but not so in the Forester. Parallel parking and backing up was a breeze.