2014 Subaru Forester is the Fastest Crossover
January 28, 2013
The Forester is hardly gorgeous, but the wider, longer, and consequently roomier Forester is certainly a lot sleeker than its predecessor. The most important thing to most hardcore Subie buyers is the fact that the base motor gets bolted to either a new, slick six-speed gearbox, replacing the not-so-slick five-speed, or a CVT that's much more efficient than the old four-speed automatic. The Forester XT is the fastest crossover in its class, hands down. That lovely 2.0-liter unit in the XT is based on the 200bhp BRZ engine, though here it's turbocharged. The extra 50bhp helps move the Forester faster. The latest Forester is a better planted, more composed, and quieter vehicle for the complete range of duties that most Subaru buyers are looking for. The 2014 Forester is pretty darned great by many measures. It's one of very few crossovers you can take on a muddy two-track without any problems.