Its similar to the regular cvt just made for higher powered engines. I believe there is a similar/same cvt behind the H6 engine as well as the turbo.
Somewhat unbelievably, I'd say the CVT is one of the best things about the car. This is from a confirmed CVT hater. I did go with the manual but the CVT is EXCELLENT.
The best thing about the Forester is the best in class visibility out the windows. No "high beltline" other other nonsense where you feel like you are sitting in a box.
The worst thing about the 2.5 is the bad throttle tip in. They REALLY need to remap the gas pedal abit.. favoring smoothness over the "power feeling" of the fast tip-in.
The HD radio is supurb, HD channels sound like CD's
Stock speakers are weak but you can get a set of kicker upgrades that drop right in.
The Premium package is well worth it esp if you are getting the CVT.
The base model the cvt is a 1000$ charge, with Premium package its a 500$ charge. Which makes it under 2000$ for the premium package.
Giant sunroof, upgraded wheels, Tinted windows(very nice), Better radio, power seat are just some of the features of the premium package.