Feature

The 2014 Subaru Forester: What the critics say

How did the 2014 Subaru Forester fare with the critics? The price starts at $21,995.

The New York Times
For Subaru’s popular compact SUV, “the time has come to start throwing some punches.” Last reworked in 2008, the Forester stood still in recent years as sales slowly eroded and rival after rival improved performance, luxury features, and fuel economy. But the 2014 Forester has finally answered in kind. With its new power train and larger, better-equipped cabin, this versatile all-wheel-drive family car is once again a “serious contender.”

Car and Driver
On the outside, the Forester has gotten “a nip here and a tuck there,” plus “a blockier, more SUV-like nose.” The rear seat now provides “limo-esque leg- and headroom,” and interior gadgetry includes a backup camera, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a power liftgate. Fuel economy improves across the line, hitting a highway number of 28 mpg in the XT, which weds a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with a continuously variable transmission.

Motor Trend
Manual shifting is available only with the 2.5-liter base engine, which “seems snappy and energetic” at first but feels merely adequate at higher speeds—especially compared with the “seriously quick” XT. Still, both models deliver where it matters. “There may be cheaper or handsomer options in the class, but the Forester remains a solid all-arounder.”

Recommended

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa
House.
Feature

6 worthwhile homes in Iowa

Actually, it is nice to be rich
Piggy bank with pennies falling on top.
Feature

Actually, it is nice to be rich

The Check-In: The world's best airport, an Autio adventure, and more
The waterfall at Singapore's Changi Airport.
Feature

The Check-In: The world's best airport, an Autio adventure, and more

The Week contest: Clothesline drone
Drone carrying package.
Feature

The Week contest: Clothesline drone

Most Popular

Russia's spring Ukraine offensive may be winding down amid heavy losses
Ukrainian tank fires near Bakhmut
Attrition

Russia's spring Ukraine offensive may be winding down amid heavy losses

Adam Gopnik recommends 6 classic books for literature fans
Adam Gopnik.
Feature

Adam Gopnik recommends 6 classic books for literature fans

Nearly 200 banks at risk of SVB-type collapse, study finds
Bank ATM.
not fun to hear

Nearly 200 banks at risk of SVB-type collapse, study finds