Image via Complex Original
I received a phone call two weeks ago. It was Mercedes-Benz letting me know that I was not going to be able to drive the CLS63 AMG that weekend. You'd expect that I would start ripping posters off my walls, kicking my pile of sneakers under my desk and throwing my wireless keyboard at the picture of Big Sean we have up in our cubicle for some reason. Instead of a tantrum of disappointment, though, I found myself letting go of a giant sigh of relief. It had to be the only time in my life that I didn't want a 518hp bi-turbo luxury sedan. Why? Because I was supposed to be driving up to Connecticut in this:
A historic nor'easter named Nemo that, at one point, was estimated to dump 42 inches of snow in some spots was headed straight toward New York. No longer was I interested in rolling up in a $100,000 car. My gears had shifted to showing up in a car that would be able to save the day by handling snow without hesitation. And with that thought, Subaru popped into my head.
Despite the concerned "DO NOT GO, YOU WILL GET STUCK OR STRANDED" texts from my worrisome parents, I cruised right up into New York's neighboring state, just as the first few inches were accumulating. I parked in the open lot, sat in the house, and waited to see how much would actually fall. Growing up in the weather bubble that is northwest Indiana, I was skeptical of these bold guesstimates. I have grown accustomed to hopes of two feet of fresh powder melting under the figurative heat rays that come in the form of false predictions and disappointing snow turnouts. So, how much actually came down? This much:
The official number I heard was 30 inches, which was enough to force West Harford to bust out this behemoth:
This was pouring snow into dump trucks which would then take the mounds of white fluff out of the city. Naturally, it brought on the reaction of, "oooooooooohhhhhh, so that's how they get rid of the snow. So, how did the 2014 Subaru Forester handle 30 inches of frozen precipitation? Allow me to explain:
All-Wheel Traction Action
Obviously, the most important feature of all Subarus is the symmetrical all-wheel-drive, and in regards to a blizzard, I was heavily counting on the Forester to take care of business. Aside from the initial brake check slide (with nobody in front of me, of course), the car never unintentionally slipped from underneath me.
I actually had so much confidence driving over the snow-coated roads that a passenger commented on how impressed she was with my driving. The honest truth would have been that nothing about the driving was difficult, but I just let her appreciate my "skills." Even getting over that mound of snow that accumulates at the base of the driveway, courtesy of those damn plows, was pie, thanks to the 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
Heat in my Seat
We don't know if you've noticed, but Subies have been steppin' up their tech game lately. And in this case, their technology saved our ass, literally. After letting the car warm up for a bit, I opened up the door for my girlfriend and invited her in for a hot experience she'd never felt before: nice, toasty heated seats!
Oh, you thought ... ? Come on! This is a loaner car, guys, I don't do that kind of testing, sheesh. The back and butt warmth were perfect for transitioning from the house to restaurant or store, without turning into a Popsicle.
Sight Lines
One major issue that we've encountered with a few of the crouched crossovers is the inability to see all around the vehicle. The B and C pillars can be positioned in a way that block your view, when you're trying to back up or change lanes. With the Forester's beefed-up ride height and open cabin, I had no trouble whatsoever. If only the vehicle was equipped with a flamethrower to melt down the giant snow mounds that were restricting my corner vision.
Mr. Spacely
We're stealing this name (and not from Wiz Khalifa, from the Jetson character). With about 42 inches of rear-seat legroom, there was more than enough air to fit three marshamallow-jacketed, snow-booted roommates in the rear. Or, as the designated driver, enough for driving unexpected friends of friends of friends to their snowed-in homes from The Butterfly, seemingly the only open bar in town.
CVT-fficiency
Most of the time, we're complaining about CVTs. They just don't satsify that real driving craving. However, the CVT was perfect for my cautious, two-hour highway trip into Connecticut. The steady highway driving gave me a chance to witness the estimated 32mpg rating (excellent for a four-wheel-drive SUV and a full 5 mpgs better than the 2013 model with a four-speed auto) in action. And besides, Subaru offers a turbocharged model to help get the Forester kickin', if you're looking for more speed.
Aesthetically, It's More Crossovery
Yep, we're making up words. And, nope, this didn't at all help us with surviving a snowstorm. We just like that Subaru is making strides in this department. As opposed to the '08-'13 models, the fourth-generation 2014 Forester has much-improved style and presence from the exterior. Looking at the older models, you knew that they were built for utility and functionality. Now, the Forester looks like it wants to attack the road, and unlike some other crossovers, it has no problem pouncing on the challenge.
