Also available is a removable 4.3-inch TomTom Navigation System for directions on the cheap. Subaru is also adding a 2.5XT Premium model (old model was 2.5X Premium), which includes a 10-way power driver's seat, an upgraded stereo with six speakers, Bluetooth and a USB port for your iPod. Among the standard features on the Touring model are HID headlamps, backup camera and dual-zone climate control. Other changes include a new model the Subaru 2.5XT Touring, which slots above the Limited model. Those tires are so sticky on ice, it’s amazing.
requires you to carry and/or install chains. Hood in the winter because there are rare times O.D.O.T. That's up one mpg versus the outgoing model. Goodrich Winter Slalom tires on our 2009 Subaru Forester and it goes anywhere without chains.
The new 2.5-liter helps the Forester post 21 miles-per-gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway whether you're sporting the manual or automatic transmission. The result is maximum horsepower available at a lower RPM and an additional four pound-feet of torque (to 174 lb-ft). When "chains required" signs are posted, all-wheel drive vehicles will be exempt from the chain requirement when all wheels are in gear and are equipped with approved traction devices as specified in WAC 204-24-040 provided that tire chains for at least one set of drive tires are carried in the vehicle.The new engine retains the same displacement as the outgoing mill and achieves the same 170-horsepower, but it's now packing a chain driven double overhead cam versus the belt driven single overhead cam before. (a) Exception for all wheel drive vehicles. WAC 204-24-050: Use of tire chains or other traction devices. However, generally when weather is that bad up in the pass - law enforcement has a lot more on their minds. Also, according to the link below, you are supposed to have chains with you even though AWD is exempt. So technically, if you had summer tires on your AWD, then you could get a ticket, and if you caused an accident with such a configuration, you most assuredly would. When you're driving over the pass, if there are signs that say "Chains Required", does that mean that you can get a ticket, even if you're perfectly safe driving with AWD?ĪWD vehicles with all-season or snow tires are exempt. I am going to head out to Stevens Pass tomorrow a.m. I do have some decent all season tires on my car, and a set of Hakapolita snow tires in the garage which are going on (just not by tomorrow). It's not all about the elevation of the passes. Lots of freeze/thaw cycles and icy roads.
Vermont is not flat all all - very hilly and has some of the worst winter driving anywhere. The summit of Killington is lower than Stevens pass! On a Subaru, even budget snow tires like the Hankook Ice Bear ($450/set) will make it vastly more capable than all-seasons.įrom what I recall Vermont is pretty flat compared to the PNW. FWIW, the stock tires on our Forester were pretty mediocre in deep wet slushy snow even when they had 9/32nds tread depth. Lowest price guaranteed, easy online ordering at or call 80. Thousands of customer tire chains reviews, expert tips and recommendation.
If you have summer tires or poor all season tires - nearly bald or ones that barely meet the M+S designation - in that case you probably need to upgrade either to real winter tires or carry chains for your own safety and that of everyone else on the road. Guaranteed fit Subaru Forester Tire Chains. You don't legally need chains if you have AWD/4WD.