It depends on your need, the
It depends on your need, the NA 2.5 with MT has pretty good solid road handling but is quite lethargic when you need that extra power for passing on the Highway (with 4 passengers and two hockey Bags in the trunk). On the other hand it is cheaper to buy and cheaper to run. My ideal Forester would have that 3.6L engine of the Outback with MT instead of CVT.