Today, Subaru announced that pricing for the 2014 Forester will start at $21,995 (plus a $825 destination charge) for the 2.5i base model with a six-speed manual transmission.
The 2.5i model will additionally offer Premium, Limited and the high-end Touring versions alongside the turbocharged Forester 2.0XT, which starts at $27,995 (plus destination) and is available in Premium and Touring versions.
The five-passenger 2014 Forester comes standard with Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and a new Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system comes standard, which is focused towards fuel efficiency and increased driver control.
New safety features include anti-whiplash front seats, a driver’s knee airbag, Brake Override and an impact-sensing fuel system cutoff.
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-inch, and width by 0.6-in.
The 2.5i models feature a 2.5L naturally aspirated BOXER engine capable of 170hp and offers a choice between a new 6-speed manual transmission and the Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s also used in Subaru’s Impreza, Legacy and Outback models. With CVT equipped, the manufacturer-estimated fuel economy ratings show 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.
The 2.0XT models use a new 2.0L direct-injection turbocharged BOXER engine capable of 250hp. In addition, the 2.0XT models deliver sharper handling responses from a sport-tuned suspension with 18-inch wheels, and also features larger-than-2.5i-brakes with ventilated front and rear rotors. A high-torque version of the CVT is standard in the Forester 2.0XT models, where it features 6-speed and 8-speed manual shift modes with steering wheel paddle switches. The 2.0XT exterior embellishments include a sport-designed front bumper along with a one-piece, mesh style grille and chrome-rimmed fog light bezels.
High-line 2014 Forester models equipped with the CVT also feature a new X-Mode control for the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Hill Descent Control.
The optional Eyesight driver assistance system with an all-new STARLINK cabin technology, uses a stereo camera system developed by Subaru, rather than radar, for integration of its Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning systems.
The available touchscreen navigation system offers smartphone integration features using Aha.
The top-line Touring models come standard with the navigation system plus an eight-speaker, 440-watt harman/kardon audio system.
All but the base 2.5i model comes with a standard rear-vision camera and color multifunction display. New available features include a power rear liftgate with automatic close and a Keyless Access and Start.
Expect the new Forester to arrive in Subaru dealerships this spring.
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