Subaru Forester question.....?

I know that Foresters have low range awd that is why I want one, however they only have a lever for low range on the manual. Does the auto have exactly the same off road potential, eg good in soft sand?

I own a Forester that's a great all around car. I live on an unpaved road which is quite sandy and has lots of potholes. We had flooding in the spring and we have tons of snow and ice in the winter, and I can go anywhere I have to go in mine. it's a great car. It is regarded as to be the "small" Suv. I had owned a couple of used Subaru wagons before and they were great as well, but this car is just more rugged and stable. I would not take it off roading for sport or anything, but it can certainly handle lots. I was really to get out of my neighborhood in serious storms when my neighbors were to get stuck in other vehicles. It gets good mileage as well, about 32 mpg, which is useful with the current gas prices. I hadn't planned on buying that specific model when I went to the dealership, I goed to get another wagon. When the salesman brought it over and I went for a test drive, in a snowstorm with icy roads and bumps and all, I drove the car off the lot and home less than an hour afterward. Mine is an auto, I don't drive standards, but you may want to certainly go test drive one and see what you think. Good luck and happy driving..