Ucluelet, British Columbia – Taking the baton from the highly successful, outgoing 2007-2013 Forester, the all-new, 4th-generation 2014 Subaru Forester will feel the pressure. But now, with progressive exterior styling, an increase in cargo, and even a bit faster, the 2014 Forester should continue to climb the success chart, with or without X-Mode.
Progression is a peculiar thing. Whether we accept that or not, it’s inevitable. And in today’s fast-paced, hungry-for-new society, change is the name of the game. Subaru understands this, and for an SUV that’s been around since 1997, going into its ‘new life’ is only fitting. It’s like replacing Michael Jordan in his prime. Or Chrissy on Three’s Company, just when she and Jack Tripper were getting along. Ok, not quite. But the Forester accounts for nearly a quarter of all Subaru sales in Canada alone. Nearly all of this success has come from the more streamlined, 3rd-generation Forester over the past six years of its cycle.
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Where the 2014 Forester Makes Sense
Subaru held the official 2014 Subaru Forester media launch event two hours north of gorgeous Nanaimo, British Columbia, where a 15-minute plane ride from Vancouver to Nanaimo reminded me of CBC’s BeachCombers, followed by a stunning 2-hour drive west through Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, finally landing in Ucluelet — a small town settled along the cliffs exposed to the vastness that is the Pacific Ocean, where surfers and Subarus abound.
I’ve never seen so many old-school Subies, often 2 or 3 in a row on the highway. And, of course, the more nostalgic Subarus with roof-strapped surfboards, almost like the modern-day VW bus or Bug. Except with more Mary-Jane and utilitarian, off-road capability with AWD, no less.
It’s clear why Subaru loyalists have embraced this somewhat unconventional SUV—because it’s just that: a Sport. Utility. Vehicle. Where function may outweigh form, but when you’re up before dawn to catch that first wave, rocketing down the twisty, rocky path en route to the shore, I’d imagine utility and safety are your primary concern.
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2014 Subaru Forester Exterior Styling
Yes, I’m a fan of the outgoing 2013 Forester exterior styling. But if change is inevitable, the all-new 4th-gen 2014 Subaru Forester redesign is done proper. The 2014 is essentially the exact same dimensional footprint as the outgoing, and the general styling proportions are the same as well, but now with dramatically more chiselled features, particularly the new front grille fascia. Below, comparing the 2013 Forester front-end vs the 2014 Forester:
2013 vs. 2014 Forester Front Grille:
The wider camera lens on the 2014 grille may exaggerate the wider proportions a little, but you get the general front-end styling cue differences. From the side, the 2014 Forester looks almost indistinguishable from outgoing (trust me, I know…gawking at my neighbour’s 2013 Forester, making mental comparison notes, the styling is etched into my mind):
Subaru has done a great job updating the styling without overdoing it. With 220mm ground clearance, this SUV sits high enough to traverse mountains yet low enough to stow groceries. It’s jacked-up without ever looking jacked-up because the long shoulder lines and swooping long hood help proportion the vehicle.
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Granted, many will disapprove (as usual), disliking the progressive front end. However, for those in the SUV market who are not entirely familiar with the Forester brand, the newly designed, bold 2014 Forester may garner some potential buyers. From a distance, the 2014 Subaru Forester does look stunning, clearly veering onto a new, perhaps more enlightened design path:
The 2014 Forester’s rear doesn’t see the drastic design cues as the front; the look is less aggressive yet works well with the front and overall design. The taillights aren’t funky, and the bottom grille fascia is clean and streamlined. The rear tailgate now also finds a rear-inner gate switch for hands-free door duties. Always nice.
2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i vs. 2.0XT
The all-new 2014 Forester is available in the Forester 2.5i with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine making 170 hp. Or the sportier new Forester 2.0XT with the 2.0-litre turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine producing 250 hp.
The 2.5i now has the Lineartronic CVT (a 6-speed stick is still optional on the entry-level model), which felt responsive and tight through the windy mountainous twisties. But the 2.0XT is blessed with the good stuff, including a high-torque CVT with 6-speed and 8-speed manual shift modes and steering-wheel paddle shifters.
The entry-level 2.5i will be available in a Convenience Package with a PZEV option, a Touring Package, and a Limited Package with the EyeSight option. The 2.5i entry-level and Touring Package offers a choice between a new 6-speed manual transmission or Subaru’s CVT. All CVT-equipped Foresters have a brand-new X-Mode and Hill Descent Control feature, which works in conjunction with Subaru’s full-time AWD.
Forester 2.0XT Performance and Driving Impressions
Of the two models, the turbocharged 2.0XT has the most significant changes. New features in the 2.0XT include the 2.0L turbo engine mated to the CVT with steering-wheel-mount paddle switches, an SI-Drive mode, tighter performance-tuned suspension with 18-inch stylish wheels, dual exhaust, larger front and rear disc brakes with vented rears, blackened headlamps, and distinct front/rear fascias.
Another distinct feature of the Forester 2.0XT is the sporty front bumper that provides an updated appeal while showcasing the differences between the engine choices—18-inch alloy wheels with black and machined, high-relief finish.
X-Mode and Hill Descent Control
Activated by a switch on the centre console, X-Mode is essentially a magic button. This one button controls the engine, transmission, AWD system, brakes, VDC, and other critical components. All are optimized for steep inclines and wet surfaces, all increasing safety and performance.
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An Even Better Subaru Symmetrical AWD System
The Japanese automaker’s renowned all-wheel-drive system finds enhancements for 2014, including a new-generation active torque split AWD. Whereas previous systems responded to input torque and differential speed compensation based on the wheel speeds, the new system adds input from the VDC system, improving steering wheel angle, yaw rate, traverse, and acceleration. The new AWD system improves traction, handling, and responsiveness in low-friction environments.
2014 Forester Interior and Cargo Space
Inside, the 2014 Subaru Forester feels spacious for a compact SUV. For 2014, the centre console back is moved 99mm forward. Scalloped front seatbacks and rear seat occupants moved 23mm back, also opening things up in the rear cabin. Also, the centre tunnel height dropped a hefty 66mm, opening up to the back. Up front, the instrument panel top moved further forward; shoulder room and driver/passenger separation also increased. Overall, the 2014 Forester gets a 9-percent bump in cargo capacity.
In other words, Subaru has stripped the SUV of its essentials. And now, with some sexy styling, the 2014 Subaru Forester may hit the mainstream. I’d bank on it.
Driver position and seat comfort in the all-new Forester are also improved, with tilt-adjustable front seat headrests improving lumbar pressure, to name a couple. Also, improved ingress/egress, opening up the door passages, i.e., the A-pillar has been moved forward, and a clean sill design reduces stepover distance.
The instrumentation and control layout are super simple yet super straight. One may feel a Japanese automaker indulges in glitzy electronics like many of its rivals. But the 2014 Subaru Forester keeps it honest…the controls are within reach and logically organized. The Colour Multi-Function Display includes a plethora of driver-aware features.
Family-Friendly Features
If you’re a parent, as I am, you undoubtedly lose patience over vehicular, non-child-friendly annoyances, like kids strapped in the back who can’t reach the cup holders. Or they can’t board/onboard with ease. Well, the all-new Forester has acknowledged us as helpless parents. With wider rear door openings and a larger rear door sill with an anti-slip texture, kids will have an easier time. Also, tether anchors have moved to the seatback, and the rear seat surface is contoured a bit better to accommodate child seats. Subaru, we thank you.
Takeaway
Pros
- The CVT transmission and tight suspension provide stellar handling
- 2.0XT turbo steps it up with new features
- Reasonable price-point: under $40K for top-of-line
- Bold new exterior styling
Cons
- Progressive exterior styling is not for everyone
- The cabin may lack the glitz some SUV consumers seek
- Outgoing Forester remains at the top of its game
The 2014 Subaru Forester is a clear step forward without losing the useful, outdoorsy character that made the nameplate work in the first place. It’s sharper looking, roomier inside, and more capable with X-Mode and Subaru’s improved Symmetrical AWD system, while the 2.0XT adds the kind of turbocharged punch that gives this compact SUV some real personality. The cabin still favours function over flash, and the new styling may not win everyone over, but that’s also part of the Forester’s appeal: it feels built for people who actually use their SUVs, not just park them in front of a coffee shop.
2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Technical Specs
- Engine: 2.0-litre DOHC, 16-valve, horizontally opposed, 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler
- Horsepower: 250-hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with manual 6 and 8 manual modes
- Type: 5-passenger, compact SUV
- Wheels: 18″ x 7″ aluminum alloy, black and machined finish with high-relief design
- Tires: 225/55R18 97H Bridgestone Dueler all-seasons
- Brakes: ABS, 4-channel/4-sensor/4-wheel
- Suspension: 4-wheel fully independent with rear double-wishbone
- Cargo: 974/892 (volume with seats up)
- Towing capacity: max. weight with trailer brakes- 680kg; without brakes- 453kg
- Fuel economy – City/Highway (L/100km/h): Auto Transmission- 8.9/7.2L/100km
