2014 Subaru Forester XT road test

[haven]

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_1304_2014_subaru_forester_first_test/index.html

Truck Trend got a chance to run the 2014 Forester XT through some instrumented tests. The turbocharged 2.0L engine turned in a 2.8 second improvement to 60 mph, compared to the standard 2.5L gas engine. The XT comes only with a CVT, but Truck Trend says it works well with the turbo motor.

Fuel economy doesn't take too big a hit with the turbo. The XT's EPA rating of 23/28 is down 1 mpg in city driving, 4 mpg highway, compared to the standard 2.5L gas engine. Pretty good for today's quickest compact SUV.

 

[WagoneerSX4]

I'd have to drive it before I like it, because I definitely don't like how it looks. I hope the CVT is well-tuned. I'm not a CVT guy but subaru seems to have it right, I like the one in the new impreza. They seem to get lost when you're off-roading though. Ever try and climb a hill with a CVT? Yikes.

The towing capacity is really wimpy at 1500lbs, that's pretty pathetic. Is the CVT tranny limiting that?

 

[Regcabguy]

My friend's a Subaru dealer so I'm able to test drive Subaru or V-Dub products without a salesman. I need to go by and checkout the Forester. Being 6'3",the first obstacle is interior comfort or lack of. I drove the turbo model yrs ago and had a blast. Sucker was quick.

 

[BillTex]

Can we assume the turbo eats hight test?
It doesn't really say in the article...

 

[E.J.]

I'd have to drive it before I like it, because I definitely don't like how it looks. I hope the CVT is well-tuned. I'm not a CVT guy but subaru seems to have it right, I like the one in the new impreza. They seem to get lost when you're off-roading though. Ever try and climb a hill with a CVT? Yikes.

The towing capacity is really wimpy at 1500lbs, that's pretty pathetic. Is the CVT tranny limiting that?

Probably has a lot to do with the new towing standards. I'll bet we see a reduction in stated towing capacity across the board soon.

 

[madmax718]

Its ironic how the tow ratings are lowered here.. but still just as much overseas. Its just the american will buy the SUV's and trucks- other countries won't buy them unless they absolutely need them. Hence auto makers would like to put you in a high profit SUV over a low profit smaller car.

 

[ssbtech]

I see the hood scoop is gone but the top mount intercooler is retained. How is cool air now directed to the intercooler?

There's a duct between the grille and the hood, affixed to the underside of the hood to direct air to the intercooler.