The 2014 Subaru Forester, the fourth generation of the all-wheel driver crossover that debuted in 1997, will be slightly longer, taller and wider than its predecessor and will make its North American debut at the LA Auto Show in late November.
While featuring slightly bigger dimensions, the 2014 Subaru Forester will be closely related to its older siblings and will offer, according to the manufacturer: “An exceptionally roomy interior, featuring increased rear seat legroom, and an enlarged cargo area.”
New features will also include for the North American market: an infotainment system with smartphone integration, navigation, rear view camera, and harman/kardon premium audio amplifier and speakers.
In Japan, the new Forester’s powertrain options include a 146 horsepower, 2.0-liter flat four connected to either a six-speed manual or a CVT, and a 276 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer matched exclusively to a CVT.
For the North American market, the 2014 Forester will also be available with two engines, a based 2.5-liter boxer unit that makes 170hp and which can be linked to a 6-speed stick shift or a CVT, and a new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged flat-four producing 250 horsepower, again offered only with a CVT.
A new suspension and 8.7 inches of ground clearance will be featured and the Forester is expected to have increased mpg averages. The new mpg averages and pricing have not been announced.
The 2014 Subaru Forester will go on sale in Japan on November 13. It will debut at LA Auto Show on Nov. 30 with sales dates pending.
Article Last Updated: November 6, 2012.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.