The Subaru Forester has long been a strong model for Subaru, and the new 2014 Subaru Forester looks to bring a new level of refinement and civility to the quirky off-roading runabout.
The new Forester, like those that came before is powered by a choice of engines, one turbocharged and one naturally aspirated. The naturally aspirated engine is the same 2.5-liter boxer four found in the current Forester, but the turbo is a new 2.0-liter direct injection unit boasting 250 horsepower and 258 lb ft of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a CVT. The Forester rides on a new suspension setup with a whopping 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The interior, arguably one of the weakest points of the outgoing model, gets more room and new upgrades like a harman/kardon stereo. Look for improved material throughout.
The exterior doesn’t see as big of a change. Anyone who is familiar with the forester will recognize it immediately. There is a new front end with more family resemblance to the rest of the lineup. The biggest alteration is the removal of the hood scoop on turbo models (boo!). It does much to make the Forester XT look much more refined and grown up, but we like our Subarus ugly.
Overall the new Forester looks to be moving in the right direction. Many of the key features that long-time buyers are looking for are still present, but we will hold final judgment until we can snag the keys for ourselves.
