When I test-drove the Subaru Forester last year, I felt like I had found the golden retriever of compact SUVs — a small ’ute that’s ready to go wherever you are, enjoys taking you there, and is a true pleasure to be around. No wonder it became my favorite compact sport utility vehicle to date.

How could it get any better?

Adding power would be a great way to start. And Subaru does exactly that with the XT version of the Forester, which trades the regular vehicle’s 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine for one of the same size but with a turbocharger attached. The result is a 54-horsepower increase to 224.

That added power makes the Forester a feisty friend with a lot more bite. Whereas the regular version performed admirably, it really couldn’t be called all that quick. This one is.

The first time I sank my foot into the right pedal to get up to freeway speeds, I found myself exclaiming out loud how much faster the XT version of the Forester feels compared with the naturally aspirated (or non-turbo) model. Expect a 0-60 mph time in the mid-6 second range, a good two or three ticks faster than its lesser brethren.

When not rocketing forward, the XT provides a relatively comfortable, quiet ride, just like the other Forester.

Looks and dimension-wise, the XT nearly mimics the regular version, which I loved for its size. At 179.5 inches long, it fits just about anywhere and is a snap to park, yet makes the most of its space for cargo and passengers alike.

Excellent visibility also carries over in the XT. The Forester is among the best SUVs in this regard. Its boxy shape may not appeal to everyone, but because the designers skipped the swooping rear that’s so en vogue now, they permitted much better sight lines, which I’ll take any day over aesthetics.

Looking forward, however, you will see one significant difference in the XT, and that’s the hood bulge. This isn’t for aesthetics, though it does look muscular; it lets air feed into the engine compartment and signifies that this version of the Forester is the souped-up one. I dig it.

And, in good news for off-roaders, the XT has slightly more ground clearance, 8.9 inches compared with the other version’s still-ample 8.7 inches.

That brings me to another reason why I love the Forester: It actually can venture off road. Unlike so many other front-wheel-drive crossovers that merely look like they could get dirty but would instantly object once the asphalt ends, the Forester, XT or not, is quite capable. No, it doesn’t have low-range gearing for the seriously rough stuff, but all models come standard with a sophisticated, full-time, all-wheel-drive system.

That doesn’t just help when you’re getting dirty, either. By putting power to all four wheels, the Forester XT helps transmit its extra ponies better under full acceleration, and feels very secure when cornering.

The XT, while not cheap, provides quite a bit of value. Including destination, an XT starts at $27,870. That’s $6,500 more than a base Forester, but actually $800 less than a top-line version of a non-turbo one.

And the XT, available in "Premium" or "Touring" versions, comes standard with a host of goodies such as 10-way power driver’s seat, premium audio system and 17-inch wheels. Further options like heated leather seats, navigation system, panoramic moonroof and rear seats that flip forward with the touch of a button can also be had, making it feel like a quasi-luxury vehicle.

Like all other Foresters with an automatic transmission, the XT still uses one with only four forward gears. In an age where automatic transmissions are regularly sporting six speeds and some up to eight, four seems downright antiquated. Yet, just like in the other Forester, I found the XT somehow makes it work with aplomb.

The XT version, it should be noted, also has a sport mode that is enabled by moving the gearshift to the left. This allows for even quicker acceleration and provides the option of moving through the gears yourself with a push or pull on the lever. (Unlike the prior generation, wagon-like Forester XT, this one cannot be had with a manual transmission.)

The only place where I can knock the XT is in fuel economy. Whereas I somehow managed over 25 mpg in the non-turbo Forester, in this one I only got 22.2 mpg over a week of driving — no big surprise due to that added power. Also, going with the turbo means you’ll be feeding it premium gas, whereas the other models drink regular unleaded.

Yet the Forester XT excels literally and figuratively in just about every other way. In addition to giving Forester buyers an option for a more potent ride, when optioned up it makes a great case for potentially luring those looking for an entry-level luxury compact SUV.

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2011 SUBARU FORESTER XT:

—Type: Five-passenger, all-wheel-drive SUV

—Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged four cylinder

—Total power: 224 horsepower

—Fuel economy rating: 19 mpg city/24 highway

—Base price, with destination (2012 model, including destination charge): $27,870

—Price as equipped, estimated: $32,000

—The good: Power, size, roominess, visibility, handling

—The bad: Fuel economy, still only rated to tow 2,400 pounds