TE vs. 2014 Forester XT Advice

[Tone]

Hi All,
First post here after viewing for some time and a great form.
Looking to replace our older Subaru Outback wagon with either a 2013/14 TE or the new 2014 Forester XT.

Anyone here have advice experience on this comparison?

My uses:
- Ski car heavily used during deep Sierra snows in the winter, parked outside during big storms needs to be often dug out 2-3ft+ of snow + drifts/plow ridges, and up a long drive.
- Avg. only 9K/yr mi. 1/2 during winter months in snow; rest local errands.
- Of the Skiing miles: our drive one way is 3 hours: 2hrs highway, with last 1/2 to 1hr + storm mtn passes etc.
Last mile the deep stuff where I've often high centered the Subaru, though it does very well.

Winners of each category and importance:
- Deep snow: 4R; important
- Reg snow: FXT; important
- Gas mileage: FXT; low/moderate
- Cargo: 4R; moderate
- Handling: FXT; moderate
- Quality-build: 4R; moderate-important
- Purchase Cost: FXT; low
- Trails/Offroad: 4R; low-moderate; however this could change as I've had jeeps and done the rubicon etc., but not in recent times. Most of the 4wd needs are for the extreme winter conditions which is important.

I know this is a T4R forum, but curious of relevant experience or insight.
Also if anyone disagrees with my ratings/observations above.

Cheers,

 

[GrantK]

What do you call reg snow and why do you think the Forester is better in it than a 4R?

Also, from your requirements a SR5 or Limited would better fit your needs than a Trail Edition. Probably the Limited since it has full time 4WD.

 

[Tone]

I meant regular snow as snow/ice covered roads, but plowed w/ <5" on road.
I'm assuming the subaru AWD system is better in these conditions than the 4R.

The reason I'm leaning towards the TE vs. the Limited or SR5 is primarily for the locking rear diff which I believe will help in the deep snow situations I've described. I also, like the extra HW in the rare event I get back on some serious off-roading. If the Limited had the locking diff, that would be nice...but also paying for more lux items i don't need.

The extra ~1" of ground clearance is another advantage of the 4R; though, tough to say how much it'll help in real-world.

Finally, will have dedicated snow tires on either vehicle.

Thanks

 

[KCcarguy]

I meant regular snow as snow/ice covered roads, but plowed w/ <5" on road.
I'm assuming the subaru AWD system is better in these conditions than the 4R.

The reason I'm leaning towards the TE vs. the Limited or SR5 is primarily for the locking rear diff which I believe will help in the deep snow situations I've described. I also, like the extra HW in the rare event I get back on some serious off-roading. If the Limited had the locking diff, that would be nice...but also paying for more lux items i don't need.

The extra ~1" of ground clearance is another advantage of the 4R; though, tough to say how much it'll help in real-world.

Finally, will have dedicated snow tires on either vehicle.

Thanks

If you're in stuff nasty enough to need a locking rear diff, you probably shouldn't be considering a crossover. I think the biggest advantage a 4runner has over the Forester is interior volume. I'm kind of with [MENTION=13878]GrantK[/MENTION] on the Limited. The full-time 4WD would be great for your uses...though I understand the appeal of the TE.

 

[M1911]

For your usage, I'd recommend a Limited, due to its fulltime 4WD. Get a second set of wheels and mount snow tires.

 

[1engineer]

Hi All,
First post here after viewing for some time and a great form.
Looking to replace our older Subaru Outback wagon with either a 2013/14 TE or the new 2014 Forester XT.

Anyone here have advice experience on this comparison?

My uses:
- Ski car heavily used during deep Sierra snows in the winter, parked outside during big storms needs to be often dug out 2-3ft+ of snow + drifts/plow ridges, and up a long drive.
- Avg. only 9K/yr mi. 1/2 during winter months in snow; rest local errands.
- Of the Skiing miles: our drive one way is 3 hours: 2hrs highway, with last 1/2 to 1hr + storm mtn passes etc.
Last mile the deep stuff where I've often high centered the Subaru, though it does very well.

Winners of each category and importance:
- Deep snow: 4R; important
- Reg snow: FXT; important
- Gas mileage: FXT; low/moderate
- Cargo: 4R; moderate
- Handling: FXT; moderate
- Quality-build: 4R; moderate-important
- Purchase Cost: FXT; low
- Trails/Offroad: 4R; low-moderate; however this could change as I've had jeeps and done the rubicon etc., but not in recent times. Most of the 4wd needs are for the extreme winter conditions which is important.

I know this is a T4R forum, but curious of relevant experience or insight.
Also if anyone disagrees with my ratings/observations above.

Cheers,

I would buy the Subaru as you have not listed any reason to buy the 4Runner except, and I paraphrase, "There is a rare chance I might take it off road." If it's that rare then rent a Jeep as this would be your cheapest option. The locker is of no real help in the snow or ice. If you are stuck that bad in the snow then chances are you need to dig anyway because you are high centered.

I bought a Subaru for my son. It is a great vehicle for everything you described. It is NOT a great vehicle for lots of off road use. Occasional dirt roads it's good though.

You are really comparing apples and oranges. Subaru is all automatic AWD. TE is part time 4WD. Get the Limited (full time 4WD) if you want to get closer to a true comparison.

 

[chmura]

I'd get the Subaru as well for the needs you described.

My friend just ordered a 2014 Forester non turbo version.

 

[Stifler]

if you get a subaru make sure they include the skirt and makeup bag with it

 

[Tone]

HA!
- I think the FXT is likely a better fit. Good feedback here and nice to see people recommending what's likely the best fit vs. going with a 4R bias.
I grew up with trucks and and 2 jeeps which where highly modified that ran serious trails. So when I've found myself digging out the subbie on occasion, the thought of a 4R is nice & fuzzy, though maybe it may not be all that much better in the situations I described unless I went with big lifts, tires etc to get the ground clearance which I'd pay for the rest of the time....

OK -- will update by fall when I pull the trigger... cheers

 

[Lolrax]

I just don't like the new FXT and its CVT transmission. For the amount of power it is supposed to have its also a surprisingly slow car on paper.

I had an 07 Legacy GT with the 5 speed manual prior to this car and that thing was unbelievable! I just feel like Subaru has lost its edge now, they have become driving appliances that lack the personality they once had, and truth be told the reliability wasn't very good on my Sube.

 

[McFly2003]

Honestly, and I may catch some flak for saying this here, but unless you are hard set on a 4runner, it sounds like a Forester may suit your needs better. I love my Trail, and absolutely swear by it, but I have personally owned 3 subi's and my wife currently owns a Forester XS 5speed. When it comes to wheeling in the snow or traveling on roads that aren't well cleared or maintained, The runner is damn near unstoppable. However, if I have to get from A to B in the snow and ice, I usually prefer the Subi. With the Trail, you won't have the option to lock or unlock the center differential as it doesn't have one. Because of this, when the snow starts to get bad, but still hasn't completely covered everything, I find myself shifting in and out of 4hi to prevent binding in the driveline while on surface streets. With the Forester (or a Limited with full time 4wd), you can just get in and go and not think twice about anything.

Our Forester is running factory suspension and good, new all season Pirelli's. That said, I would take it anywhere. With the exception of obstacles where its hindered by its ground clearance, I would take it a lot of places I would take my TE. In the snow it is an absolute beast, as are all Subaru's. I have had it on the road in with over a foot of snow fall on the road and it goes straight and true, every time. I used to have an STi that was only maybe 3-4 inches off of the ground and I wouldn't even have to shovel it out if I had my winter tires on it. It would plow right through the heavy east coast snow with almost no issue. I would only have to stop every once in a while to clear the snow from the radiator as it was acting as a snow plow.

In the end, it boils down to what you want. The 4runners are amazing at pretty much everything you throw at them and have plenty of storage space to boot. The Forester will do almost as much with almost as much room, and yield you better mileage and a little more driving fun. My vote: unless you want to take it on some actual jeep trails that will require pretty substantial ground clearance, or you need the extra interior room...go with the XT. You won't regret either choice.

 

[philsey]

If you haven't already, spend some time with the CVT. We've been shopping cars for the wife, and I've driven the Honda, Subie, and Nissan, and I just don't know if I could own one ... they're just weird.

 

[slugman2894]

Really?

How is that even a real option? XD

 

[McFly2003]

If you haven't already, spend some time with the CVT. We've been shopping cars for the wife, and I've driven the Honda, Subie, and Nissan, and I just don't know if I could own one ... they're just weird.

great point to think about. The CVT is terrible (IMHO). Standard is the only way to go

 

[j_shoe99]

I got rid of my 2010 Subaru Outback last Fall, and picked up a 2012 4R SR5. My wife inherited the Outback, so it's still in our garage.

I wanted something that had more cargo room, and could tow more. The 4R fit that bill nicely. I can fit a ton of stuff inside the 4R, all while towing my camper.

I also wanted something a tad more 'masculine' too. Mid-life crisis perhaps??

The one thing I strongly miss from my Outback is the ~29mpg, versus the ~18mpg of the 4R. If you're actually driving 3hrs to ski often, that mpg savings would add up fast, in favor of the Subaru.

EDIT: I just noticed the XT needs to run premium fuel, so that would cut into the cost savings a touch.

Both vehicles are great in the snow for sure. But..i think i'd give the edge to the Subaru for the alltime AWD. My SR5 only has the part time. For the DEEP snow, i'd prefer the 4R.

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

If you haven't already, spend some time with the CVT. We've been shopping cars for the wife, and I've driven the Honda, Subie, and Nissan, and I just don't know if I could own one ... they're just weird.

I have not found a CVT car that feels normal. Is it just me? It's like the damn thing is continuously confused and never in the correct gear.

 

[HOJeepster]

Keep in mind too if you get the Forester, you'll probably be like every else and have a roof top box for all your ski gear. This will lower your mpgs, whereas with the T4R you'll have more room.

 

[natepolean]

I had to make the exact same decision a month ago between 2014 Forester and T4R. I knew Forester was a far more practical decision for me for all the advantages you already mentioned. But I ended up getting the Limited T4R simply because I like the styling better, it looks like a real SUV with a higher stance. Second reason is T4R is better for camping and fishing trips. But this is a slight advantage because Forester will get me to 95% of the places i want to go to.

I chose Limited because it's full time 4WD. I don't want to have to switch between 2WD and 4WD between light snowy ground and dry pavement. Also I think full time 4WD is more effective in the rain and it rains a lot where I am.

 

[Newf4R]

I meant regular snow as snow/ice covered roads, but plowed w/ <5" on road.
I'm assuming the subaru AWD system is better in these conditions than the 4R.

The reason I'm leaning towards the TE vs. the Limited or SR5 is primarily for the locking rear diff which I believe will help in the deep snow situations I've described. I also, like the extra HW in the rare event I get back on some serious off-roading. If the Limited had the locking diff, that would be nice...but also paying for more lux items i don't need.

The extra ~1" of ground clearance is another advantage of the 4R; though, tough to say how much it'll help in real-world.

Finally, will have dedicated snow tires on either vehicle.

Thanks

I'm too lazy right now to read all of the replies, but I thought I would chime in on the snow. I just went through my first winter with my SR5 and there was nothing that slowed me down. We see over 16feet of snowfall during winter and when I put my 4Runner into 4wd in December, it doesn't come out until April. Keep in mind I am running Blizzaks, but every morning in Jan and Feb I wake up to 3-5feet of heavy slush/snow across the front of my driveway and I plow through it no prob... leave that for an after work project!

What I'm getting at here is that you're not going to find anything better in deep snow that a T4R. The SR5 or LTD will impress you in any snow conditions. You likely don't need the TE... unless you want to look badass.

 

[diverscale]

To anyone wondering about the original post, yes, indeed a subaru will act better in light snow as it's 4wd system is way faster and smoother to respond than our traction control/ATRAC gadgets. Of course in deep snow it will get high ce tered before the 4R.