I visited my local dealer three times during the year, each at scheduled 7500-mile intervals. At every stop, six quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil and the associated filter were swapped, tire pressures checked, and multi-point inspections completed. The second service called for the rotation of the 225/60R17 Yokohama Geolander M+S all-seasons, while the last mandated that a new cabin air filter be installed. The best part? Subaru Care picks up the tab. Owners don't pay a cent. The maintenance program comes with each new vehicle and varies in length and scope depending on region. The sole exception to that generous Subaru rule were the Falken ZIEX ZE950 A/S tires we purchased ($100 each) at 24,000 miles. The new Japanese rubber provided an even quieter ride than the Yokohamas and paralleled them in comfort. They should also outlast the stock rubber, given their 600 UTQGS (versus 320) tread-wear rating.

As for the overall driving experience, I had but two gripes. The first was an annoyance with an overeager throttle. I learned very quickly to ease my toe-in to barely there levels. Still, every day I'd dart from stoplights as if I had my pink slip on the line.The second, and less significant, dealt with the lack of paddle shifters. I regularly wondered, if the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo had paddles, how difficult could it be to give a set to the 2.5-liter? It would add an entertaining aspect to the Lineartronic CVT's boring, yet highly capable, demeanor. Don't get me wrong; this CVT, matched with the potent and fuel-conscious boxer, is one of the best on the market. It's smooth and quiet. That's exactly what you want.

For a solid 12 months, our 2014 Sport Utility of the Year had me abandoning all worries of where to go and what to do. I simply went anywhere, and brought everything and everyone I needed along. It withstood the rambunctiousness of a staff that is particularly demanding of vehicles. To which I say: Awesome. The toughness it possessed and the freedom it permitted were special traits that my previous long-termers, a thirsty 2011 Nissan Juke and a front-wheel-drive 2013 Mazda CX-5, could never really offer.

Taking into account the Forester's significant degrees of comfort, style, fuel efficiency, and safety (it's an IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus), I would say it's worthy of our coveted SUOTY title. But, we already did that. Twice. In other words, the Forester did its job. And it did it extraordinarily well.

More on our long-term2014 Subaru Forester2.5i Touring:

Our Car
SERVICE LIFE	24,962 mi
BASE PRICE	$30,820
OPTIONS	Option Package 30 ($2400: EyeSight driver-assist system, keyless access, HID headlights)
PRICE AS TESTED	$33,220
AVG ECON/CO2	25.6 mpg / 0.76 lb/mi
PROBLEM AREAS	None
MAINTENANCE COST	$0 (3-oil change; 2-rotate tires, inspection; 1-engine-air filter)
NORMAL-WEAR COST	$0
3-YEAR RESIDUAL VALUE*	$17,721
RECALLS	Carpeted floor mats
*Automotive Lease Guide data

2014 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
DRIVETRAIN LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD
ENGINE TYPE	Flat-4, aluminum block/heads
VALVETRAIN	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
DISPLACEMENT	152.4 cu in/2498 cc
COMPRESSION RATIO	10.0:1
POWER (SAE NET)	170 hp @ 5800 rpm
TORQUE (SAE NET)	174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
REDLINE	6000 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER	20.3 lb/hp
TRANSMISSION	Cont. variable auto
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO	3.70:1/2.11:1
SUSPENSION, FRONT; REAR	Struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar; multilink, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING RATIO	15.5:1
TURNS LOCK-TO-LOCK	3.5
BRAKES, F;R	11.6-in vented disc; 10.8-in disc, ABS
WHEELS	7.0 x 17-in, cast aluminum
TIRES	225/60R17 98H M+S Yokohama Geolandar G91
DIMENSIONS
WHEELBASE	103.9 in
TRACK, F/R	60.9/61.1 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	180.9 x 70.7 x 66.4 in
GROUND CLEARANCE	8.7 in
APPRCH/DEPART ANGLE	23.0/25.0 deg
TURNING CIRCLE	34.8 ft
CURB WEIGHT	3444 lb
WEIGHT DIST., F/R	57/43%
TOWING CAPACITY	1500 lb
SEATING CAPACITY	5
HEADROOM, F/R	40.0/37.5 in
LEGROOM, F/R	43.0/41.7 in
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R	57.0/56.5 in
CARGO VOLUME BEH F/R	68.5/31.5 cu ft
TEST DATA
ACCELERATION TO MPH
0-30	3.3 sec
0-40	4.8
0-50	6.7
0-60	9.0
0-70	11.7
0-80	15.3
0-90	19.6
PASSING, 45-65 MPH	4.5
QUARTER MILE	16.9 sec @ 83.9 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	120 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.78 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	28.6 sec @ 0.55 g (avg)
TOP-GEAR REVS @ 60 MPH	1700 rpm
CONSUMER INFO
STABILITY/TRACTION CONTROL	Yes/yes
AIRBAGS	Dual front, front side, f/r curtain, driver knee
BASIC WARRANTY	3 yrs/36,000 miles
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY	5 yrs/60,000 miles
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE	3 yrs/36,000 miles
FUEL CAPACITY	15.9 gal
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON	24/32/27 mpg
ENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY	140/105 kW-hrs/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.72 lb/mile
RECOMMENDED FUEL	Unleaded regular

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