2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i

The Subaru Forester, since its initial debut back in 1997, has always been a non-nonsense AWD vehicle built with purpose. There is a cult following for the Forester as it is one of the very few truly off-road capable small SUVs out there. Over the years, it has developed a reputation of a rugged workhorse beloved by those who live in rural locations and those who need a durable vehicle for all-terrain activities.

For 2014, the Forester was redesigned top to bottom and improved in areas its predecessors suffered a bit. In essence though, the initial concept of what a Forester should be all about thankfully remains intact.

It still sits higher up than a regular station wagon providing the necessary ground clearance and in contrast to other competitors, it is exclusively available with AWD. It is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission that is preferred by the hard-core followers. The two engine options available, are a 2.5lt naturally aspirated DOHC motor and a new 2.0lt Turbocharged alternative. Both engines are lightweight Boxer 4-cylinders, with excellent response and a low centre of gravity.

The 2014 Subaru Forester is offered in nine trim levels in total and prices start at $25,995 for a base 2.5i, like our test vehicle, and go all the way up to $37,995 for a 2.0XT Limited Package with EyeSight™ & Multimedia Option.

The exterior has been conformed to modern day standards, which means that it no longer looks like an all-road station wagon. Instead, it now looks like what it is, a small and capable SUV.

The Interior is simplistic and down to the point. There are no fancy stuff that will distract you from concentrating on carving the best route across fields or dirt roads. For the upper part of the dashboard, soft to the touch material has been used which is good for eliminating squeaks and rattles while the rest of the cabin is trimmed with hard durable plastics. The fit and finish is good and ergonomically it scores high as everything is easy to operate and well in reach.

The ideal driving position can be a bit of a challenge to find in the base model, as the seat height adjustment is symmetrical and cannot be tilted forwards or backwards. At least the steering column is adjustable for both height and reach, which helps a bunch. The front seats are comfortable enough but side support in the base model is definitely a weak spot. The rear seats are roomy and will accommodate three adults as long as they are not pro-basketball players. The cargo area is a good 974lt (including total height) and is well shaped so you don’t lose any space. Under the base liner, there are hidden storage compartments for smaller or fragile items. The only odd thing about the cargo area is that the top cover is an optional extra. Visibility is great, as the thin a-pillars do not block your view and the windows are on the large side. The side mirrors are big enough but at the same time do not produce aerodynamic noises on the highway.

When it comes to safety, Subaru does not like messing around. The proof of that fact is that safety gear is the same across all trim levels. Even on our base model, there is nothing missing compared to the top of the range model. There are six airbags all around and one for the driver’s knees, for a total of seven. Anti-lock brakes with brake assist and stability control are also standard across the range.

The base model also comes with power windows and mirrors, heated mirrors, heated front seats, A/C, trip computer, cruise control, multi functional steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity with voice control, MP3 capable CD player with auxiliary in and a USB port with iPod integration, three 12V power outlets, an instant fuel consumption ECO gauge, 60/40 rear folding seats, rear tinted windows with UV protection and 17” steel rims with all-season Yokohama Geolandar G91 225/50/17 tires.

The 2.5lt DOHC Boxer 4-cylinder engine is rated at 170BHP and 174lb-ft of torque and is capable of moving around the Forester at decent speed. The Boxer-specific sound is cool and It feels really smooth and refined as at idle you can barely hear it running. It pulls well from low revs but performs best above 3500rpm. The first 100km/h come in 9.2 seconds and at the same time it is very reasonable on fuel. During our test, we averaged 8.8lt/100km on a combined circle, which was easily achieved also thanks to the 6-speed manual gearbox and its well distanced gears.  Subaru claims equally good numbers with the CVT gearbox, so if the manual is not your cup of tea do not worry that fuel consumption figures will be affected.

On the road the Forester is surprisingly comfortable. It literally smoothens out any type of road anomaly and keeps the cabin isolated from external disturbances. The MacPherson struts in the front keep the steering sharp and the double wishbone rear suspension with its long travel does a great job keeping the body stable. When cornering, there is a negligible amount of body roll and the handling is as good as you would expect in a Subaru. Off-road the Forester is very capable and will only be defeated if its ground clearance is not enough for the occasion. If you choose the all-new LinearTronic CVT gearbox, you will be getting hill descent control and X-Mode AWD which further increases the Forester’s off-road ability. Overall, it seems like Subaru has re-defined what the perfect median is between handling, comfort and off-road ability.

Another remarkable highlight worth mentioning are the brakes as they are a reference point for the segment. The pedal feels crisp and the effectiveness is astonishing. From 100km/h, the Forester came to a complete stop in just 40m which was about 3m less from where my guts were found after that test.

So to wrap this up, the 2014 Subaru Forester is a very good all-rounder that lives for the moment you decide to put it through the wringer and at the same time values your safety more than anything else. Try to go for the Touring trim level to get more seat adjustments and a leather wrapped steering wheel and you will happily smirk every time you pass by an RVR or a RAV4.