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My family just finished an epic cross-country move from our previous home in the Washington, D.C. Metro area, to our new home in Portland, Oregon. We did the trip in our new 2014 Subaru Forester XT – our 4th Subaru, and the 2nd Subaru we’ve used for a cross-country move.

The Route:

As my wife & I have taken a southern & middle route before when going cross-country, we selected a Northern route this time for a change of scenery.

We had the little Forester loaded up with our things, and got the Subaru-supplied long box for the roof to put our camping equipment, sleeping bags, etc. It was the perfect size for our family of four. The dual-hinged box on the roof was easy to access, and the 13-cu-ft of space was exactly right for fitting our tent, sleeping bags, pads and other camping items – leaving the car itself for only our clothes, food & travel distractions.

Gas Mileage

Prior to affixing the box to the roof, we were getting almost spot-on with the EPA estimates for the Forester XT, getting between 20-22mpg in the city, and 28-30mpg on the highway – not bad at all for a 250hp turbo.

The box on the roof definitely took its toll on mileage, however – especially felt on speeds above 70mph. Below 60mph or so, we had no problem staying in the same 28mpg range as before, but there’s no way to really cheat the aerodynamics of having a big box up there.

Our mileage log was as follows:

Left Silver Spring, MD. Mile Zero!! 6/28

Lawrenceville, PA – 330/14.07 = 23.45mpg

– 330/14.07 = 23.45mpg Port Huron, MI – 361.8 / 15.60 = 23.1mpg

– 361.8 / 15.60 = 23.1mpg Portage, IN – 293.7 / 13.77 =21.3mpg

– 293.7 / 13.77 =21.3mpg La Crosse, WI – 322.4 / 13.7 = 23.53 mpg

– 322.4 / 13.7 = 23.53 mpg Sioux Falls, SD – 310.3 / 14.87 = 20.86 mpg

– 310.3 / 14.87 = 20.86 mpg Presho, SD (100m out of Badlands) – 195.5 / 9.91 = 19.73 mpg <– worst MPG on trip. Totally flat terrain, 80mph speed limit and sustained headwind = no bueno.

(100m out of Badlands) – 195.5 / 9.91 = mpg <– worst MPG on trip. Totally flat terrain, 80mph speed limit and sustained headwind = no bueno. Custer, SD – 244 / 11.17 = 21.84mpg

– 244 / 11.17 = 21.84mpg Worland, WY – 271.6 / 12.19 = 22.28mpg

– 271.6 / 12.19 = 22.28mpg Yellowstone National Park, WY – 278.8 / 10.92 = 25.53

– 278.8 / 10.92 = 25.53 Three Forks, MT 308.2 / 12.02 = 25.6 mpg <– best MPG on trip. Despite the mountain climbs, dirt roads, etc that we traversed in Yellowstone, we also kept the speed below 55mph almost exclusively, so the aerodynamic liability of the rooftop carrier wasn’t a factor.

308.2 / 12.02 = mpg <– best MPG on trip. Despite the mountain climbs, dirt roads, etc that we traversed in Yellowstone, we also kept the speed below 55mph almost exclusively, so the aerodynamic liability of the rooftop carrier wasn’t a factor. St Mary (Glacier), MT – 267.5 / 12.44 = 21.5mpg

– 267.5 / 12.44 = 21.5mpg Hot Springs, MT – 301.5 / 12.94 = 23.29mpg

– 301.5 / 12.94 = 23.29mpg Kennewick, WA – 313 / 13.07 = 23.95

– 313 / 13.07 = 23.95 Portland, OR (6/14) – 284.8 / 14.02 = 20.3mpg – END TRIP

TOTAL TRIP = 4082 MILES!

The Drive

The little Forester was outstanding as a road trip car. As much as I continue to bemoan the car not having a manual transmission (especially since I sold my WRX when buying this car), the CVT + torque-rich turbo does make it extremely smooth and effortless on any sort of highway. There is never any lack of power for 2-lane passing, and I found that keeping it in [S#] mode on 2-lane roads was the best – allowing for quick & controllable downshifts for passing. Interstates, however, were best left in [I]ntelligent mode, which kept the transmission from hunting, and maximized gas mileage. I still would much, much rather have a stick in this car, but have grown to understand and respect the CVT for what it can do.

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