1 – 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited (84.3%)
Were we shocked by this outcome? Not entirely, and here’s why: The Subaru Forester is one of the segment’s pioneers. When it arrived in 1997 (along with the Honda CR-V and RAV4) it helped set the tone for what would be one of the most successful segments, and one of the most competitive.
So, to see the Forester sitting at No. 1 above two models that are merely in their model infancy and another that’s clearly missing the mark (if only slightly) is comforting.
First things first: The exterior. Here’s where the 2014 Subaru Forester had some mixed reviews across our panel. While some drivers felt the exterior design appealed and was a step forward from previous generations, others felt it still looked dated, old and not at all attractive.
Inside, all hailed the designers at Subaru for updating an interior that was in desperate need of it. Materials have been upgraded, ergonomics considered and the general feel of the cabin is one of refinement and modernity; two things not often associated with Subaru. Save for the optional onboard navigation touchscreen and HMI interface (which we all felt was horrible), the interior scored big for the 2014 Subaru Forester.
Of note, we had the top-of-the-line 2.5i Limited with Eyesight. As no other compact crossover on this drive featured a safety system like Eyesight, we did not take into consideration its abilities (collision prevention, etc.). Of course, the inclusion of said package also meant that the 2014 Subaru Forester was the second most expensive in our lineup as well, sitting at $37,390.
When driving a Subaru, it never fails that it all comes back to the symmetrical AWD. On gravel-laden roads, and even a sand pit, the Forester performed without a hitch and felt grounded, solid, and safe. We also had the opportunity to test Subaru’s latest AWD gadgetry: X-mode. Designed to perform at speeds below 40 km/hr, X-mode features a hill decent control that proves extremely effective.
Despite being the only vehicle equipped with a CVT, the 2014 Subaru Forester still scored big in terms of transmission play and response. Featuring Subaru’s 2.5L BOXER engine, the Forester was good for 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was, on paper, the slowest of the bunch, and yet none complained that it was such.
In fact, comments on how sensitive the throttle response was (and therefore how quickly the vehicle responded to input) were common across the board. As was the engine’s ability to feel more powerful than it actually was.
The main complaint? Noise from the CVT.
The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited also managed the best fuel consumption numbers at the end of the day with a final reading of 8.4L/100km.
Were we shocked by this outcome? Not entirely, and here’s why: The Subaru Forester is one of the segment’s pioneers. When it arrived in 1997 (along with the Honda CR-V and RAV4) it helped set the tone for what would be one of the most successful segments, and one of the most competitive.
So, to see the Forester sitting at No. 1 above two models that are merely in their model infancy and another that’s clearly missing the mark (if only slightly) is comforting.
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| Were we shocked by this outcome? Not entirely, and here’s why: The Subaru Forester is one of the segment’s pioneers. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
First things first: The exterior. Here’s where the 2014 Subaru Forester had some mixed reviews across our panel. While some drivers felt the exterior design appealed and was a step forward from previous generations, others felt it still looked dated, old and not at all attractive.
Inside, all hailed the designers at Subaru for updating an interior that was in desperate need of it. Materials have been upgraded, ergonomics considered and the general feel of the cabin is one of refinement and modernity; two things not often associated with Subaru. Save for the optional onboard navigation touchscreen and HMI interface (which we all felt was horrible), the interior scored big for the 2014 Subaru Forester.
Of note, we had the top-of-the-line 2.5i Limited with Eyesight. As no other compact crossover on this drive featured a safety system like Eyesight, we did not take into consideration its abilities (collision prevention, etc.). Of course, the inclusion of said package also meant that the 2014 Subaru Forester was the second most expensive in our lineup as well, sitting at $37,390.
When driving a Subaru, it never fails that it all comes back to the symmetrical AWD. On gravel-laden roads, and even a sand pit, the Forester performed without a hitch and felt grounded, solid, and safe. We also had the opportunity to test Subaru’s latest AWD gadgetry: X-mode. Designed to perform at speeds below 40 km/hr, X-mode features a hill decent control that proves extremely effective.
Despite being the only vehicle equipped with a CVT, the 2014 Subaru Forester still scored big in terms of transmission play and response. Featuring Subaru’s 2.5L BOXER engine, the Forester was good for 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It was, on paper, the slowest of the bunch, and yet none complained that it was such.
In fact, comments on how sensitive the throttle response was (and therefore how quickly the vehicle responded to input) were common across the board. As was the engine’s ability to feel more powerful than it actually was.
The main complaint? Noise from the CVT.
 |
| Materials have been upgraded, ergonomics considered and the general feel of the cabin is one of refinement and modernity. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited also managed the best fuel consumption numbers at the end of the day with a final reading of 8.4L/100km.