“The Subaru Forester is great for those who need a large internal capacity. You can easily put the seats down and carry a lot in the car. It's comfortable and easy to drive. The AWD is nice too.”
2014 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2014 Subaru Forester is fully redesigned as the first model of its fourth generation. The headline change is a roomier body and cabin, backed by new transmissions, a new turbo engine, and added safety equipment.
About the 2014 Subaru Forester
4th generation Forester (SJ, 2014-2018), first year of the redesign.
Subaru marketed the Forester as a small SUV for people who wanted everyday practicality with real bad-weather confidence. The big draws were standard all-wheel drive, tall outward visibility, easy cargo access, generous passenger room, and dirt-road ability that went beyond many city-focused rivals. It was not sold as a flashy style piece. The pitch was a practical family crossover that could handle snow, camping gear, and daily commuting, with a turbo version for shoppers who wanted much quicker acceleration.
The 2014 lineup ranges from the straightforward 2.5i with standard all-wheel drive to Touring models with leather, navigation, premium audio, and a power rear gate. The 2.5i Premium adds useful everyday features such as a power driver’s seat and rear camera. The performance-focused 2.0XT models use a 250-hp turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, and driving modes that adjust response.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The regular 2.5-liter models replace the old five-speed manual and four-speed automatic with a six-speed manual or Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission. The automatic is rated as high as 32 mpg highway. Turbo models move to a new 250-hp, direct-injection 2.0-liter engine paired with the continuously variable automatic.
Styling
The fourth-generation redesign brings a new body and a redesigned cabin.
Safety
Seven airbags are standard, including a new driver knee airbag.
Tech
Upper trims gain X-Mode for low-speed traction and Hill Descent Control for managing steep downhill sections. The 2.5i Premium gains a rear camera, while Touring trims add touchscreen navigation, Harman Kardon audio, and a power rear gate.
Structural
The larger body provides significantly more rear-seat legroom and cargo space than the 2013 Forester.
2014 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/ Lineartronic | Auto, CVT w/ Lineartronic | Auto, CVT w/ Lineartronic | Auto, CVT w/ Lineartronic | Auto, CVT w/Lnrtrnc & MM | Auto, CVT w/Lnrtrnc & MM |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 250 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74.7 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft | 68.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 41.7 in | 41.7 in | 41.7 in | 41.7 in | 41.7 in | 41.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Subaru Forester a redesigned model?
Yes. The 2014 Forester is the first year of the fourth generation, with a larger body, a redesigned cabin, more rear-seat legroom, and more cargo space.
What engines and transmissions does the 2014 Subaru Forester have?
The 2014 Forester has either a 170-hp 2.5-liter engine or a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Regular 2.5-liter models use a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic, while turbo models use the automatic with paddle shifters.
Is the 2014 Forester roomier than the 2013 model?
Yes. The 2014 redesign adds significantly more rear-seat legroom and cargo space than the 2013 Forester.
What safety feature was added to the 2014 Forester?
A driver knee airbag was added for 2014, bringing the standard airbag count to seven.
Which 2014 Forester trims have X-Mode and Hill Descent Control?
X-Mode and Hill Descent Control are included on the 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium, and 2.0XT Touring. These systems help manage traction at low speeds and control speed on steep descents.
2014 Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2014 Subaru Forester.
3.8
2014 Subaru Forester
(36 reviews)
“my 2014 Subaru Forester provides just what I need right now: it is comfortable in the front seat, spacious in back for hauling stuff and is easy to handle on highways and rough terrain. It is comfortable and nice enough to go to a special event but I am primarily using it in my work, carrying tools and equipment and navigating country roads.”
“Very good versatile vehicle for the money. Very safe and AWD system can't be beat. Options for value are very good.”