The 2014 Subaru Forester comes in a variety of different trims powered by one of two engines. The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder making 170 hp. This engine is offered with a choice two transmissions, a 6-speed manual or a continuously variable unit. The optional, turbocharged engine displaces 2.0L and makes a very healthy 250 hp. The turbocharged engine is only available with a continuously variable transmission, though the CVT does have a mode where it imitates a traditional manual, allowing upshifts and downshifts via paddles on the steering column.
2.5i Foresters come in four trims, Base, Premium, Limited and Touring. Base trims are stripped of most luxury features but still feature the basics like a tilting and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a sunglass holder and a 4-speaker stereo with MP3 capabilities. Premium models get a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a 10-way power adjustable drives seat, reclining rear seats, a 4.3-inch multifunction color display screen, a 6 speaker stereo and a rear view camera. Limited models come standard with the CVT transmission and with leather seating. Heated front seats, a power lift gate, fog lights, a rear spoiler and heated mirrors are also standard equipment on Limited model Foresters. Top of the line Touring models feature everything from the Limited trim plus a navigation system and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
Forester 2.0XT models come in two trims, Premium and Touring. Both get the more powerful 250 hp engine, better brakes and more aggressive styling, highlighted by a new front fascia and 18-inch wheels. The Touring and Premium models are otherwise similarly equipped to their 2.5i namesakes.
Accident avoidance is covered by several safety systems. Anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control are standard, but all Foresters other than the Base model benefit from a rear backup camera. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is of course standard across all model ranges. Passive safety equipment includes several airbags, including knee and side curtain airbags and a rollover sensor. Keyless entry and an engine immobilizer are also standard.
All-wheel-drive, Practical, Good Mix Of Fuel Efficiency And Performance, Good Ground Clearance, Improved Interior Space
The Forester has been completely redesigned for 2014. It features a new exterior and interior as well as a new turbocharged engine. Styling on the base Forester has grown up and become more mature, while the turbocharged version distinguishes its self with a much more aggressive front fascia. The new vehicle is roomier than the one it replaces, even though external dimensions have only grown by a couple of inches.
The Subaru Forester has always been a very nice compromise between the practicality of a small hatchback or station wagon and the capabilities of an SUV. Though it can't off-road like some of the more serious SUVs out there, the Forester does at least come standard with all-wheel-drive, unlike most of its competition. Though base model Foresters perform similarly to competitors from Ford and Mazda, turbocharged versions offers significantly more power, resulting in sprightly performance. On-road handling is also a step above what is generally offered in this segment. The Forester starts at just under $22,000.
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