2014 Subaru Forester Shows Off Impreza-Inspired Styling, Roomier Cabin – 2012 L.A

2014 Subaru Forester Shows Off Impreza-Inspired Styling, Roomier Cabin – 2012 L.A The 2014 Subaru Forester makes its public debut at the 2012 L.A. Auto Show, bringing many welcome changes to the nameplate that won our Sport/Utility of the Year award in 2009. “How do you replace the most successful Forester ever? The answer: very carefully,” Subaru of America’s Chief Operating Officer Tom Doll said at the brand’s L.A. Show press conference.

2014 Subaru Forester Shows Off Impreza-Inspired Styling, Roomier Cabin – 2012 L.A

2014 Subaru Forester Shows Off Impreza-Inspired Styling, Roomier Cabin – 2012 L.A

2014 Subaru Forester Shows Off Impreza-Inspired Styling, Roomier Cabin – 2012 L.A

2014 Subaru Forester Shows Off Impreza-Inspired Styling, Roomier Cabin – 2012 L.A

The update has produced a larger Forester, with the compact crossover now riding on a wheelbase that’s 0.9 inches longer. Overall length has grown by 1.4 inches, while width stretches by 0.6 inches and height by 1.3 inches. This affords the new model a roomier interior, with increased cargo space and rear legroom. Since I’m intimately familiar with the backseat of my dad’s 2009 Forester, I immediately noticed the new model’s gain in legroom. Even when a taller gentleman hopped into the driver seat and moved it back a few inches, I still had plenty of space.
The Forester also gains new sheetmetal, clearly influenced by the latest Impreza. A carryover 170-hp, 174-lb-ft 2.5-liter flat-four motivates the base model, but the archaic four-speed automatic is replaced by a CVT. A six-speed manual gearbox is also available. The big news is with the XT model, which packs a 250-hp, 258-lb-ft turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (up 24 hp and 32 lb-ft from the previous XT) and is mated exclusively to a CVT. Though the characteristic hood scoop is gone, the Forester XT does retain its top-mounted intercooler, with new ducting in the engine bay routing air to the unit.