Subaru Forester [US] (2014)

All 2014 Subaru Forester models feature black side cladding and body-color door handles. The sporty Forester design for 2014 incorporates several functional benefits. All models use an aluminum hood for lighter weight. The A-pillar is moved forward compared to the outgoing model, yet Subaru also improved forward visibility, which was already a Forester strong point. New partitioned front door side glass, along with door-mounted mirrors, help improve side visibility and reduce potential sources of wind noise. On the Forester 2.0XT models, the hood scoop used to supply air to the previous Subaru Forester turbo model's intercooler has been replaced by under-hood ducting, which also enhances forward visibility.

Increased Comfort and Versatility

The 2014 Forester is built on a new platform featuring a 0.9-inch longer wheelbase (now 103.9 inches). Vehicle length is increased by just 1.4 in. and width by 0.6-in., yet thanks to Subaru's mastery of efficient vehicle packaging, the 2014 Forester offers notable gains in roominess. The efficient packaging also pays dividends in maneuverability - long a Subaru Forester hallmark - evidenced by the vehicle's tight 34.8-ft. turning circle.

The all-new interior design capitalizes on the increased roominess by also emphasizing a feeling of greater spaciousness. A longer distance between the front occupants and instrument panel, along with horizontal design elements, give the Forester a more open feel. All models feature a standard tilt/telescoping steering column.

The new front seats use a new type of cushion spring array to enhance long-distance comfort. The 2.5i Limited and Touring models feature a reclining rear seatback and a rear seat fold-down center armrest with dual cupholders. The front seat hip point is 1.1-in. higher than before, and the driver's seat height adjustment offers an additional 0.6-in. of range, along with 1.3-in. greater fore-aft seat cushion adjustment range.

The longer wheelbase and specially shaped front seat backs have increased Forester's rear seat legroom to 41.7 inches, up from 38.0 inches, to now rival that of some larger vehicles. Along with increasing legroom, Subaru improved comfort and room for the center rear seat passenger by raising the hip point by 1.4 inch, lowering the center tunnel by 2.6-in. and by reducing the length of the front center console by nearly four inches.

Combined with increased hip and shoulder room, those changes give the 2014 Subaru Forester exemplary three-across rear seating comfort. Wider-opening rear doors aid ingress/egress, and also help make it easier to install a child seat. Tether anchors located on the rear of the seatback also help make it easier to install a child seat in the 2014 Forester.

Aided by a flatter load floor, maximum rear cargo area capacity with the standard 60/40 split rear seats folded is increased to 74.7 cu. ft., up from 68.3 cu. ft. in the outgoing Forester. The 2014 models with the power moonroof see a cargo area increase to 68.5 cu. ft., up from 63.0 cu. ft.

New Powertrains Boost Performance and Economy

The Subaru Forester 2.5i models continue with the double-overhead-cam (DOHC) 2.5-liter FB series BOXER engine that debuted in the outgoing model. This engine produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque. Matched to either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the CVT, the 2.5-liter engine gives the Forester excellent response in everyday driving, with emphasis on low and mid-range torque.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT models use a new turbocharged variant of the FA-Series BOXER engine that debuted in the Subaru BRZ sports car. In the 2014 Forester 2.0XT models, the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder BOXER uses a combination of direct fuel injection, high compression (10.6:1), Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System (D-AVCS) and turbocharging with an intercooler to achieve outstanding performance and high efficiency. The Forester 2.0XT engine produces 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, accompanied by a broad torque curve that peaks at 258 lb.-ft. over a 2,000-4,800 rpm engine speed range.

The CVT in the 2.5i models and high-torque CVT in the 2.0XT models use new adaptive control. Based on vehicle inputs received by the transmission control module, pulley gear ratios are continually optimized based on driving preferences and road conditions. The 2.0XT models feature paddle shift controls for the CVT. The 2.5i models with the CVT include a driver-selectable low shift mode, which can provide additional engine braking when traveling down a grade.

The Subaru Forester 2.5i models have a single exhaust outlet, while the 2.0XT versions feature a dual outlet exhaust with stainless steel tips. All 2014 Forester models feature a new low-oil level indicator.

SI-DRIVE: More Control over Performance

Exclusive to the 2.0XT models, Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) is an engine performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes - "Intelligent," "Sport" and "Sport Sharp" - using a switch on the steering wheel.

With Intelligent mode selected, SI-DRIVE provides a more relaxed throttle response curve, making it useful for commuting in traffic, for example. "Sport" mode provides quick throttle responses and powerful, linear acceleration and also accesses a 6-speed manual mode for the CVT, using steering wheel paddle shift control switches. In "Sport Sharp" mode, SI-DRIVE modifies the engine's electronic throttle mapping to deliver even quicker throttle response and provides an 8-speed manual mode for the CVT.

Agile Handling, Smooth Ride

The 2014 Subaru Forester builds on the reputation for agility and smooth ride quality firmly established by the previous Forester models. The front strut suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension have been retuned for the new model, and on all versions, the rear suspension gains pillow ball joint mounts for the lateral links. The 2.0XT models deliver even sharper handling responses from a sport-tuned suspension, with front springs 10-percent stiffer and rear springs 20-percent stiffer than those on the 2.5i models, along with exclusive chassis reinforcements. In addition, the 2.0XT models use larger brakes than the 2.5i models, with ventilated rotors front and rear.

For all 2014 Forester models, a new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system contributes to fuel efficiency and also provides excellent feedback to the driver. The Subaru Forester 2.5i base model now rides on standard 17-inch steel wheels, up from the 16-inch wheels used on the previous model. The 2.5i Premium has standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and 2.0XT models exclusively use 18-inch alloy wheels with a machine finish.

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Off-Pavement Control Systems

The 2014 Forester models feature two versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, each of which continuously powers all four wheels and can transfer more power to the wheels with the best grip. Both versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive integrate the Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system to further enhance all-weather stability and traction, but they do not rely on VDC to distribute power, as some other AWD systems do.

Subaru Forester 2.5i models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission utilize a viscous-coupling locking center differential that distributes power 50:50, transferring more power to the wheels with the best traction should slippage occur.

In all Forester models with the Lineartronic CVT, an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively manages power distribution based on acceleration, deceleration, cornering and available traction. This Active All-Wheel Drive system automatically transfers more power to the wheels with the best grip should slippage occur. In the 2014 Subaru Forester, the Active All-Wheel Drive system has been enhanced for more confident vehicle control when turning on slippery surfaces or changing lanes at highway speeds. Taking input signals for steering wheel angle, yaw rate, and lateral acceleration from the Vehicle Dynamics System, Active AWD responds to the vehicle's slip angle when turning.

In the Forester 2.5i Limited and Touring and all 2.0XT models, a new X-Mode feature provides optimized control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutching force, brakes, VDC and other critical systems to provide better wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

Also in those models, Hill Descent Control, which is automatically engaged with the X-mode, uses the VDC system to help maintain a constant vehicle speed when the Forester is travelling downhill to help enhance control.

Safety: Building on Proven Strengths

The Subaru Forester has established a distinguished reputation for safety, backed up by achieving the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" rating over many years. The 2014 Subaru Forester builds on that record and continues to be built around the company's proven Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure.

New safety features for the 2014 Forester include anti-whiplash front seats, a driver's knee airbag, Brake Override and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff. With the front seats engineered to help protect the occupants from whiplash injuries in a rear collision, the active front seat head restraints of the outgoing model are no longer used, enhancing comfort. The Brake Override system cuts engine power if the driver applies both the brake and accelerator beyond a certain threshold. During an airbag deployment, the new impact sensor cuts fuel supply to the engine.

All Forester models for 2014 feature as standard equipment front seat side impact air bags and side curtain air bags that offer additional head protection for front and rear occupants. Intelligent dual-stage deployment front air bags use sensors to determine front air bag deployment strength for optimal occupant protection. A rollover sensor activates the seat belt pre-tensioners and deploys the curtain airbags if it detects potential vehicle rollover.

EyeSight® Driver-Assist System

The 2014 Forester will offer Subaru's new EyeSight® driver-assist system, which debuted on the 2013 Legacy® and Outback® models. EyeSight, which will be available as an option on the 2.5i and 2.0XT Touring models, integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning. EyeSight uses a stereo camera system developed by Subaru to provide a detection angle wider than that of radar-based systems.

New User Technology

Standard and high-line multi-information displays will be offered on the 2014 Subaru Forester. The basic version, in the 2.5i model, uses a 4.3-inch LCD screen to relay outside temperature, road surface freeze warning and a selection of fuel economy displays.

The high-line multi-information display, used in all other 2014 Forester models, adds, among other features, a color display for the standard rear vision camera, audio and Bluetooth information, climate control displays, vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder and, where applicable, X-Mode and Hill Descent Control operation.

The 2014 Forester offers infotainment upgrades over the outgoing model, with Premium and Limited versions getting a new standard audio system featuring six speakers, AM/FM stereo HD Radio™ and the ability to play music from CD, Bluetooth® audio streaming, iPod® and other media players.

Available for the 2014 Subaru Forester Premium and Limited versions and standard for the Touring models, the optional navigation system provides a 6.1-inch LCD touch screen, voice-activated controls and Aha® smartphone integration features, including radio stations, newsfeeds, audiobooks and more. Additional features include iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, SMS Text Messaging Capability, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® (subscription required for XM services). The Forester 2.5i and 2.0 XT Touring models further upgrade that system with a harman/kardon 440-watt amplifier and eight harman/kardon speakers.

Renowned Subaru Value

In addition to making Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on all Forester models, Subaru has equipped the 2014 versions with the largest array of amenities and conveniences ever offered in this SUV. The base Subaru Forester 2.5i model comes equipped as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch wheels, Incline Start Assist, outside temperature display, security system with engine immobilizer, carpeted floor mats, multi-function display with readouts for outside temperature and fuel economy, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming with steering wheel control switches, tilt/telescopic steering column, and much more.

Stepping up to the Premium trim adds an upgraded audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power driver's seat, rear vision camera, upgraded multi-function display, reclining rear seatback, dark tint privacy rear glass and more. With the 6-speed manual transmission, the 2.5i Premium comes standard with the All-Weather Package, which includes heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. With the CVT, the 2.5i Premium comes standard with a panoramic power moonroof and offers the All-Weather Package as an option.

The 2.5i Limited model makes the CVT standard and also includes the All-Weather Package, perforated leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, fog lights, automatic climate control system, an upgraded instrument cluster with LCD display, power rear gate, and more.

The Touring version tops the Subaru Forester line, for both the 2.5i and 2.0XT versions. In addition to including all the Limited content, the Touring makes the touch-screen navigation system standard and also adds a harman/kardon 440-watt premium audio system with 8 speakers, Aha® smartphone integration features, electroluminescent instrument cluster with LCD display, a one-touch folding rear seatback and more. Available exclusively for the Forster Touring models is the Driver Assist Technology package featuring the EyeSight system, Keyless Access and Start and HID headlights.