Subaru Forester: A Redesign to Excite

With vehicles, five years is about the maximum a model can really last without a drastic redesign and overhaul.  Interesting how the normal length of a car loan is the same length, five years or sixty months, is this a coincidence, probably not.  Keeping this in mind it only makes sense when an owner is getting ready to be in the market for a new vehicle the manufacturer has a new model of the same vehicle ready to turn their heads and continue to win over their loyalty.

The Subaru Forester is no stranger to this remodel phenomenon either, last being redesigned in 2009; the new 2014 model is a serious upgrade from the last model, which was actually a really great vehicle in its own right.

Keeping with the AWD systems from the previous model, the 2014 Forester offers the active AWD with an available X-Mode locking feature and Hill Descent Control for the off-road enthusiast.  The standard four-cylinder engine reaches the 170 horsepower at a lower rpm than before and the transmission is upgraded to either a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

To obtain greater horsepower, up to 250 horsepower the Forester is available with a turbocharged engine with a 2.0-liter 4-cyliner direct-injected engine.  One great new feature is the available 6-speed or 8-speed manual shifting modes in the 2.0XT model with use of the sift paddle switches located on the steering wheel.

Because the top horsepower is reached at lower rpm’s the 2014 Forester should be more fuel efficient showing up with a 22 city/29 hwy mpg for the manual transmission and 24 city/32 hwy for the models equipped with the CVT.  Only a small loss is felt with the power gained by the 2.0XT model bringing it in at 23 city/28 hwy mpg, a respectable tradeoff for the additional power.

Due to a less than stellar performance for safety when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) increased the rigor for the crash tests in 2011, the Forester did not receive the five star rating it had come accustomed to earning.  To regain a higher safety rating from the NHTSA Subaru added knee air bags for the driver, anti-whiplash front seat designs, a brake override system and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff to the 2014 Forester.

Backup cameras are standard on all models of Forester for 2014 except the base model 2.5i, and many of the models can be equipped with EyeSight driver assist technology.  All these safety upgrades make the new Forester safer than ever before to allow the driver and passengers a peace of mind knowing they are well protected in a crash.

The price range for the new 2014 Subaru Forester ranges from the most basic at $22,820 on up to the 2.0XT with all the bells and whistles at $36,220, making the Forester very affordable even when fully equipped.

Standard equipment is provided for the new Forester in a huge way.  Offering electric steering, better transmission than before, a brake override safety system, Bluetooth capability, and the new X-Mode locking control are just a few of the fantastic upgrades in standard features for the Forester.  To add some optional upgrades, a car buyer can opt for keyless access, push-button ignition, an improved audio system, and smart phone integration, added internet access for radio, Facebook, Twitter, and hotel and restaurant information at the touch of a button.

Overall the new 2014 Subaru Forester is a genuine upgrade over its previous model giving the owner a ton of new technology, safety features, and engine and transmission options.  The Forester is still one of the most reliable vehicles on the road providing previous owner the chance to get the most from their trade possible when upgrading to the new 2014 model.