When the 2014 Subaru Forester goes on sale in the spring, a base 2.5i model will start at $22,820 - up $730 from the previous model's $22,090 base price. Prices range all the way up to $33,820 for the top-line turbocharged Forester 2.0XT Touring model.

The 2014 Forester 2.5i base model includes Incline Start Assist, floor mats, Bluetooth, and a 4.3-inch LCD screen. Stepping up from the base Forester to the 2.5i Premium costs an additional $3000 (to $25,820) and includes an upgrade from 17-inch steel wheels to 17-inch alloys, a 10-way power driver's seat, privacy glass, a reclining rear seatback, plus a six-speaker sound system with HD Radio and Bluetooth audio streaming. The 2014 Forester 2.5i Premium with a six-speed manual has standard heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer, while the same model with a CVT throws in as standard a panoramic moonroof and offers the above equipment in a package. Add an additional $3000 for the 2014 Forester 2.5i Limited (to $28,820), which includes perforated leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, fog lights, a power rear liftgate, Hill Descent Control and an X-Mode that's said to provide increased wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines.

The highest-trim 2014 Forester with the 170-hp, 174-lb-ft 2.4-liter flat-four, the 2.5i Touring, will sticker for $30,820 and offer as standard a navigation system with a 6.1-inch touch screen (available on the Premium and Limited models), one-touch folding rear seatback, and a 440-watt eight-speaker sound system. The 2014 Forester 2.5i Touring model also offers the automaker's EyeSight safety package that includes lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation systems with hands-free keyless access and HID headlights. For model-year 2014, models equipped with the turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder are boosted to 250 hp of torque, up 26 hp from last year. The least expensive turbocharged Forester, the 2.0XT Premium, starts at $28,820 and adds 18-inch alloy wheels and Subaru's SI-Drive selectable performance programming. The $33,820 2014 Forester 2.5XT Touring includes the same standard equipment found on the 2.5i Touring model.

All Foresters receive standard all-wheel drive, and benefit from a lengthened wheelbase and overall dimensions. One of the resulting benefits includes increased rear passenger space, which grows significantly. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and CVT transmission on 2.5i base and Premium models, though the turbo is offered exclusively with the CVT. On the 2014 Forester, Subaru will offer the Starlink infotainment system that enables access to smartphone apps via Bluetooth as well as Aha internet radio.

Source: Subaru