2014 Subaru Forester is bigger, safer and a turbo!

The Subaru Forester has always been a top pick for families. Especially those who are inclined to take the road less traveled where dirt, mud and snow leave temporary tattoos of a wild weekend.

But in 2014, the Japanese automaker is adding a new wrinkle to the Forester’s portfolio: TURBO!

A new 250-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine leads the line, which will also include models powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine.

Safety always a top priority for families and the 2014 Subaru Forester tops them all, being the first vehicle to ace every aspect of the challenging small overlap front crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester is the only one of 13 small SUVs to earn an overall rating of good in the test.

Here are some of the highlights of the new Forester:

• All-new design with improved performance, economy, comfort and space
• Up to 32 mpg estimated highway fuel economy
• New 250-hp direct-injection turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer engine available
• New 6-speed manual transmission for 2.5i models
• New Lineartronic CVT, with 2.0XT also featuring 6-speed and 8-speed manual shift modes
• Enhanced Active AWD system with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control
• Available EyeSight driver assist technology

For backseat riders, the 2014 Forester offers notable gains in roominess, with legroom is 41.7 inches, and the cargo rear area features 60/40 split rear seatbacks that fold flat to reveal 74.7 cu. ft. of space, which is among the best in class.

According to Dominic Infante, National Manager, Product Communications for Subaru, the 2014 Forester 2.5i model will be available in base, Premium, Limited and top-line Touring versions. The turbocharged Forester 2.0XT will be offered in the Premium and Touring versions. The 2.5i models offer a choice between a new 6-speed manual transmission and the Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).

New available features include a power rear liftgate with automatic close, Keyless Access and Start and the EyeSight driver assist system. Using a stereo camera system developed by Subaru, rather than radar, EyeSight integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

Check out our sneak peek of the new Forester provided by Dominic during the Western Automotive Journalists Media Days in Monterey, CA.