2014 Subaru Forester First Drive

Edmunds.comEdmunds.com Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,316
edited September 2014 in Subaru

image2014 Subaru Forester First Drive

We get behind the wheel of the redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester to see if it still has what it takes to compete in the compact SUV category.

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  • cjasiscjasis Member Posts: 274
    Bummed to read that max power (like most Porsches) is achieved using 93 octane since CARB precludes those of us in CA from even buying that level of performance. Yes, we can mix in some 100 octane race gas but that's neither readily available nor particularly cost effective.

    I like most of what I see here. I'm reserving judgment on the new look until I see one in person as it appears attractive in the right hue but a little odd in others.
  • bankerdannybankerdanny Member Posts: 1,021
    The 2.5/4EAT combo from the previous model (and my 2007 version) was a powertain I would only wish on somebody I really didn't like. The transmission was clearly programmed by someone that hated to drive.

    Maybe the CVT helps, but the 2.5 is just not a good engine and I wouldn't buy another Forester without the turbo.

    I am not impressed with the styling changes. The outgoing version was a nice freshening of the original design. I really am not a fan of the new nose and the styling is a riff on the ungainly blocky design found in the Outback.
  • wizard__wizard__ Member Posts: 10
    Thought I was interested, but been looking at the Acura RDX, and the 3.5 V6 gets similar mileage to the XT turbo.

    I doubt the turbo will get close to the EPA estimates. Seems none of the new turbo vehicles are doing well in the real world.
  • wizard8873wizard8873 Member Posts: 20
    shame that they got rid of the manual option with the turbo model. I know for the 2.5NA I would get a manual. tried both when I got my 2003 used a bit ago and wouldn't go with the automatic unless I was forced.
  • camarozonecamarozone Member Posts: 0
    Why change out the styling which is like a somewhat ESCAPE copy ! The Forester had a very nice distinctive look that set it aside from all the look alikes.
  • camarozonecamarozone Member Posts: 0
    Copy of the ESCAPE ! Too bad !
  • emajoremajor Member Posts: 332
    Genuinely good ground clearance, a six speed manual, better fuel economy, an interior that no longer feels as cheap as a mid-90s Ford, useful boxy shape, and a high power engine if you want it.

    Still kind of ugly, but I think this just replaced the RAV4 as my favorite CUV.
  • darthbimmerdarthbimmer Member Posts: 606
    I'm glad to read that Subaru is keeping what makes this vehicle a Subaru -- good engines, spry handling, good ground clearance -- while replacing that old slug of an automatic transmission.
  • frankpappyfrankpappy Member Posts: 1
    Took a test drive in the new 2014 Subaru Forester base model. Loved the new larger interior and increased mpg. It fit my 6'4" frame rather nicely. While wanting the added features of the Premium model my salesperson informs me the base model is the only model that comes without a sun/moon roof. The passenger seat does not fit a tall person. My head hits the ceiling by a good inch. Disappointing to find that the new model has a larger interior, but due to the sun/moon roof a taller passenger is limited to the base model. I have tested five similar small suv's and the new 2014 Forester was my favorite. Until the sun/moon roof becomes an option (I can do without) --- the Forester goes to the bottom of the list. Subaru loses the taller purchaser market that would have worked with the new design.
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