DecodedCars2014 Subaru Forester
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2.0xt, 4dr SUV 2.5i
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 181.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,417–3,677 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2014 small SUV (21.8 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,677 lb (4dr SUV 2.0xt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2014 small SUV average of 21.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 364 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.
What changed for 2014
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 23 to 27
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Forester →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 Forester configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2.0xt | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 68.5 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,677 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV 2.5i | 181.1 in | 70.9 in | 68.5 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61 in | 3,417 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 27 | +24% | $2,500 | 332 |
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 27 / 25 | +15% | $3,300 | 359 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +10% | $2,800 | 368 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Subaru Forester.
Similar 2014 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Subaru Forester (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Honda CR-V | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2014 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2014 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Feb 28, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V149000 · 1,303,530 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
- Risk
- Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Equipment · Apr 24, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V159000 · 10,137 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
- Risk
- Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru issued an interim notification during April 2013. Notification that the remedy is now available was mailed to owners on June 5, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
Not every 2014 Subaru Forester is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Subaru Forester buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Suspension — 89 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Engine — 56 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 54 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Subaru Forester. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forester years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 32 |
| 2025 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 99 |
| 2024 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2023 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2022 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 100 |
| 2021 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 212 |
| 2020 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 603 |
| 2019 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 834 |
| 2018 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 498 |
| 2017 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 592 |
| 2016 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 416 |
| 2015 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 608 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →