The XT is an excellent all-rounder. I agree with you on the CVT. As a driving enthusiast, it's one of the biggest compromises you have to make when you choose a Subaru. That said, I also understand why Subaru chose the option. For the longest time, fuel economy has been Subaru's Achilles' heel and they had to do something about it to remain competitive. And to give credit where it's due, Subaru manufactures one of the best CVTs in the industry. In fact, theirs is tension-driven while most others are compression-driven. And when you switch to Sports Sharp mode, it will give you sufficient power to whack a CX-5 and the lot any day. You'll obviously miss the thrill of the downshifts and upshifts but I think it somehow manages to achieve the best of both worlds. Power when you need it, and fuel economy when you want to hypermile.
Thanks for the video. My thoughts The sources that claim that XT means maximum traction in relation to X mode. Then how would those people explain the SG5 Forester XT that never had X mode? When you look through old Japanese catalogues of the face lifted SG5 for example you'll notice the Foresters were dived into two. 1.The Forester X 2. The Forester Cross Sports Under the Forester X we had he following trims: 1. The Forester 2.0 XS [Non turbo] 2. The Forester 2.0 X [Non turbo] 3. The Forester 2.0 XT [Turbo] Under the Forester Cross sports we had: 1. 2.0 T [Turbo] 2. 2.0i [Non turbo] As you can see that 'T' references turbo. The whole XT thing began with the SG5 and went all the way to the SJ series. In the SF5s the turbo variants were the S/tb and T/tb. I also heard there was C/tb somewhere as well. The non turbo variants of the SF5 were the S/20 and T/20
Fan from TZ, sadly i've delayed to discover this channel now I'm declaring that I've an assignment to view all the episodes I missed. Asante kwa kazi nzuri n keep that fire burning as hell.
earlier subarus were the best looking ones thats why they still cost more the well looked after ones especially the wrx with round headlights and gold rims
Wokabi: Mbugua enda mbele tuone kama eyesight inafanya ama tutakugonga *Mbugua does it* Wokabi: (yelling) ona huyu mjinga vile karibu tumgonge 😅😂😂😂 A typical kenyan driver for you
Eye sight is amazing...and it's only level 1. Very good capability offroad...and I am a daily driver on a farm with a hilux 4wd... my wife drives a 2.0 N/A and its amazing what I can do offroaf and in hill decent. Good blend of both worlds and well mannered on the tarmac
This is the best value for money in its class and if you've had a chance to drive the 2018 XT, you may reckon it's a lot of improvement. Body to Chasis compromise is largely a compromise on cost per unit in relation to the competition.
As a subaru owner, all other factors held constant, one of my fears(kind of minor) is parking my subbie in towns, hizi headlight washers zinaenda kuenda and i don't want to rivet them because why are they there in the first place 🤣
Nice job Wokabi. I agree with you on most of the observations and analysis. 1 thing though: the forester is not overpriced. This car offers value for money. Its on road and off road capabilities, especially its AWD system is unbeaten in its category. I am a huge fan of the cross over SUV category and I have followed numerous objective tests of this car against its peers. The forester is a gem in its class. Si utufanyie ya XV tafadhali 🙏
guy in a subaru: i've got X mode I can go through all terrains what do you have guy in a Premio: hold my glass (attempts to go through mud in snow mode)
For throttle response: I - intelligent for normal driving and best fuel economy; S - sport, more nimble and responsive throttle but higher fuel consumption; S# - sports sharp, mainly for racing. All in all, you'll rarely need to use them in an XT. Maybe the NA versions.
@@brianmwirigi200 Hell no! In the Japanese category, Subaru crossovers are the most hardy but for harriers, Rx450 this are just Toyota luxury cars where also today's Subarus also pocess some luxury appeal esp on the outback...the only Japanese cars that can beat Subaru's off-road capabilities is the landcruiser models, pajeros, nissan patrol and the Lexus 570
@MartinAloo true but going with the latest trend i would not go for a 1.5 litre turbo charged cvt Honda crv i better go for 2.5 litre Rav4 or the Subaru
I would have liked more detail into the interior. The seat comfort, interior quality, the air conditioning, features, headroom, drivers have to interact with those things more than the rear air vents and ports where a lot of time was spent
Thank for finally honouring my request, in the crossovers category Subaru has the best cars and you can't compare with the German competitors in this category especially on off-road performance thanks to their all wheel drive system and most importantly Subaru's history of initially being meant for construction workers in Japan with their first model Subaru Leone thus the reason it offers best off-road system in our market here locally...now kindly we won't mind a review of the outback😁
Great review! I own a Mark X and would love to hear review of it from your perspective especially in comparison to its competitors. Looking forward to your review of this soon.
This is the best review of the Subaru Forester 2014 model I've watched on youtube.Please I suggest that you stick to English 100% when reviewing these cars because some of us don't understand kiswahili. Have you ever reviewed one of the second generation Subaru Forester models(2003-2008).Please share the video link.Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬.
Very good review. But I think the XT denotes that its all wheel drive and turbo charged and not necessarily a trim level. The trim levels are, base, limited, premium and touring. The XT is only available in premium and touring trims. I mean, depending on the preference you can still get a non-turbo SJ5 in the high end touring trim.
I don't advise the tuning as mine, same model, done tuning and the fuel consumption changed from 9km/L to 5.5km/l.I'm still looking for the fundi to restore the car back to the factory settings!
Thanks Wokabi for this informative video. I am Robert here in Kampala. I have watched this video and another about the Harrier 2014 and I would like to seek your guidance on which car you would choose to buy between the Harrier 2014 and the Subaru forester 2014. In Kampala here a certain colleague was telling me that the Subaru electronic power steering rack is a bit problematic so this is why I wanted to ask for your expert opinion. Thanks Sebo.
I got one this year (yup late to the party😁). I put a stage 1 ECU tune on it and it is very quick IMO To get the up/downshift feel, you can use the paddles whenever you want (or force "gears" with S or S#), but I mostly enjoy the kick down and away I go😁 I have the Harman Kardon audio system in mine (maybe a European standard option for the XT?), and to my humble audio taste/knowledge, it's plenty.
And also when it comes to durability and reliability, which of the two cars is better also putting in consideration our bad Ugandan roads. I mean the Subaru forester xt 2014 and the harrier 2014?
The range rover, new land rover, new nissan patrol and pajero exceed are all monocoque chassis cars. They are considered propper off road vehicles. The subaru et al crossover suv are light weights not because of the chassis but because they lack a dual range gearbox. Correct me if i am wrong
Wokabi, this as usual was an excellent review. It was very informative. I have learnt a lot about this car that I never knew before. I'm wondering if you could do a review of the X-trail and the other competition of the Forester like the CX5?
Hi Erick, nice job you are doing. Please review 2015 Nissan Note, its very common on Kenyan roads. Please also elaborate more about Aftermarket CVT oil Coolant. Does it end problems of Nissan Xtronic CVTs transmissions??? Thanks
Wonderful and excellent review👍. Still can't believe it doesn't have side and curtain airbags though. Now waiting for a head to head between T Wish and Mazda Premacy (sky activ) 🙏 or even just a review of the Mazda.
Very impressive. You clearly articulated FA engines downside ... is they don't play nice to mods. EJ engines are exceptional. Great stuff. Looking forward to a review for the Forester tS...
Superb work as usual. I feel you cut the drive short because of low fuel warning 😈. With the CVT, I guess Subaru boys won’t get the crazy dump valve sounds, correct?
The XT is an excellent all-rounder. I agree with you on the CVT. As a driving enthusiast, it's one of the biggest compromises you have to make when you choose a Subaru. That said, I also understand why Subaru chose the option. For the longest time, fuel economy has been Subaru's Achilles' heel and they had to do something about it to remain competitive. And to give credit where it's due, Subaru manufactures one of the best CVTs in the industry. In fact, theirs is tension-driven while most others are compression-driven. And when you switch to Sports Sharp mode, it will give you sufficient power to whack a CX-5 and the lot any day. You'll obviously miss the thrill of the downshifts and upshifts but I think it somehow manages to achieve the best of both worlds. Power when you need it, and fuel economy when you want to hypermile.
Correct. This is very true
Wtf man, cx5 it's a lawn mower against a XT even on I.
this comment and response has answered a lot of questions thanks everyone.
Thanks for the video.
My thoughts
The sources that claim that XT means maximum traction in relation to X mode. Then how would those people explain the SG5 Forester XT that never had X mode?
When you look through old Japanese catalogues of the face lifted SG5 for example you'll notice the Foresters were dived into two.
1.The Forester X
2. The Forester Cross Sports
Under the Forester X we had he following trims:
1. The Forester 2.0 XS [Non turbo]
2. The Forester 2.0 X [Non turbo]
3. The Forester 2.0 XT [Turbo]
Under the Forester Cross sports we had:
1. 2.0 T [Turbo]
2. 2.0i [Non turbo]
As you can see that 'T' references turbo.
The whole XT thing began with the SG5 and went all the way to the SJ series.
In the SF5s the turbo variants were the S/tb and T/tb. I also heard there was C/tb somewhere as well.
The non turbo variants of the SF5 were the S/20 and T/20
Fan from TZ, sadly i've delayed to discover this channel now I'm declaring that I've an assignment to view all the episodes I missed.
Asante kwa kazi nzuri n keep that fire burning as hell.
The Forester's performance here is a testament to its ability to handle both city streets and offroad trails.
FINALLY MAZE . the big boy forester . thank you big times bro
earlier subarus were the best looking ones thats why they still cost more the well looked after ones especially the wrx with round headlights and gold rims
Wokabi: Mbugua enda mbele tuone kama eyesight inafanya ama tutakugonga
*Mbugua does it*
Wokabi: (yelling) ona huyu mjinga vile karibu tumgonge
😅😂😂😂 A typical kenyan driver for you
hahahahhahaa
The lower trim level Forester is for DCI and their weird number plates
Subaru said the hood scoop wasn't so important as there was now enough space for air circulation in the engine bay
Hood scoop was removed because it would interfere with Subaru's eye sight system located on the top part of windshield
Diesel xt with xenon lights is available in the market?which trim is it
Great work wokabi!have been watching all your content since I known this channel,you never disappoint
Unfanya kazi poa sana carvesations,,thanks sana..keep on
Eye sight is amazing...and it's only level 1. Very good capability offroad...and I am a daily driver on a farm with a hilux 4wd... my wife drives a 2.0 N/A and its amazing what I can do offroaf and in hill decent. Good blend of both worlds and well mannered on the tarmac
I don't like the eyesight. I'm a more traditional driver. I want to control the car not the car controlling itself
Subaru ascent is the real deal
This is the best value for money in its class and if you've had a chance to drive the 2018 XT, you may reckon it's a lot of improvement.
Body to Chasis compromise is largely a compromise on cost per unit in relation to the competition.
As a subaru owner, all other factors held constant, one of my fears(kind of minor) is parking my subbie in towns, hizi headlight washers zinaenda kuenda and i don't want to rivet them because why are they there in the first place 🤣
Hahaha hot cake I tell you
Nice job Wokabi. I agree with you on most of the observations and analysis. 1 thing though: the forester is not overpriced. This car offers value for money. Its on road and off road capabilities, especially its AWD system is unbeaten in its category. I am a huge fan of the cross over SUV category and I have followed numerous objective tests of this car against its peers. The forester is a gem in its class. Si utufanyie ya XV tafadhali 🙏
Noted, thank you for your insights
guy in a subaru: i've got X mode I can go through all terrains what do you have
guy in a Premio: hold my glass (attempts to go through mud in snow mode)
Haha if u know u know 😂😂😂
Hahaha...I remember that post kabisa. Mwambie achukue sub.
I think this could be my favourite crossover SUV I guess I prefer it over the cx-5
The paddle shifters are very useful when going on long downhills using engine braking. It gives better control and saves your brakes
hill assist for that
Thats a nice car. I was eager to hear about the S and I button on the steering wheel.
For throttle response: I - intelligent for normal driving and best fuel economy; S - sport, more nimble and responsive throttle but higher fuel consumption; S# - sports sharp, mainly for racing. All in all, you'll rarely need to use them in an XT. Maybe the NA versions.
If you take your foot off the throttle between gears as you do in a manual trans when manually shifting the CVT it shift alot better!
This awesome Wokabi. You have done your part now let Kenyans decide between XT,CX-5,Honda C-RV and RAV-4 !
Does Toyota harrier fall under this category @Ruthless focus
@@brianmwirigi200 Hell no! In the Japanese category, Subaru crossovers are the most hardy but for harriers, Rx450 this are just Toyota luxury cars where also today's Subarus also pocess some luxury appeal esp on the outback...the only Japanese cars that can beat Subaru's off-road capabilities is the landcruiser models, pajeros, nissan patrol and the Lexus 570
Xt beats all of them in many ways..honda crv for the space but alot of noise (wind)
@@dennismutuku157 but XT can't match Honda CR-V's reliability. Plus, hardly do people go off-road anyway.
@MartinAloo true but going with the latest trend i would not go for a 1.5 litre turbo charged cvt Honda crv i better go for 2.5 litre Rav4 or the Subaru
Fanya review moja ya Audi...either A3 ama A4!
Carwow ya Kenya! This channel is such a vibe.
Another quality review for our local market! Sisi watu ya German cars we're still left out, bring BMW X3 next sasa :)
I would have liked more detail into the interior. The seat comfort, interior quality, the air conditioning, features, headroom, drivers have to interact with those things more than the rear air vents and ports where a lot of time was spent
Forester Edition XT trim. The "T" indicates it is coupled with a turbocharged Boxer engine. "maximum traction"
Thank for finally honouring my request, in the crossovers category Subaru has the best cars and you can't compare with the German competitors in this category especially on off-road performance thanks to their all wheel drive system and most importantly Subaru's history of initially being meant for construction workers in Japan with their first model Subaru Leone thus the reason it offers best off-road system in our market here locally...now kindly we won't mind a review of the outback😁
Toyota bought Subaru shares so sioni difference ya Toyota na subaru
@@dirkxon there is a difference since toyota owns only 20% stake.
@@dirkxon even BYD of China owns shares in Mercedes does that make Mercedes a Chinese car company?
@@rodneyagesa1851 NYC point by the way.
@@rodneyagesa1851 agreed with ur point but sioni difference sana siku hizi
Finally umefikia watu wa Subaru. Tumekua tukiwika sana.
I enjoy your car conversations , keep it up bravo. Can you please review the Mitsubishi outlander phev, pros and cons
Great review! I own a Mark X and would love to hear review of it from your perspective especially in comparison to its competitors. Looking forward to your review of this soon.
There was one done for Mazda atenza which is a competitor for mark X.
Nice video. lakini nimengojea kuona iyo x-mode😂😂
This is the best review of the Subaru Forester 2014 model I've watched on youtube.Please I suggest that you stick to English 100% when reviewing these cars because some of us don't understand kiswahili.
Have you ever reviewed one of the second generation Subaru Forester models(2003-2008).Please share the video link.Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬.
This is a really great review. XT remains my favourite SUV.
Thank you
Outstanding review, Kindly review Honda Vezel
finally i was eagerly waiting for this particular one.👊👊
You welcome it long overdue
a very honest review here
I really love Forester SG9, legacy and Forester XT
Very good review. But I think the XT denotes that its all wheel drive and turbo charged and not necessarily a trim level. The trim levels are, base, limited, premium and touring. The XT is only available in premium and touring trims. I mean, depending on the preference you can still get a non-turbo SJ5 in the high end touring trim.
Exactly my thoughts
Please can you review a full electrical car eg Tesla VW BMW Nissan and etc
The rear AC is available on some Trim levels, I have one with rear AC and USB for rears. Even Sunroof is available.
You're right, the model he used looks pretty trimmed down.
Forester XT Zukuwa BA 💪🏾. 2.5l Turbo engine 👌🙌🏾🙌🏾
I don't advise the tuning as mine, same model, done tuning and the fuel consumption changed from 9km/L to 5.5km/l.I'm still looking for the fundi to restore the car back to the factory settings!
Great work. Incredibly informative channel tailored for Kenyan car buyers. Well done!! Keep going, keep growing!
Thanks Wokabi for this informative video. I am Robert here in Kampala. I have watched this video and another about the Harrier 2014 and I would like to seek your guidance on which car you would choose to buy between the Harrier 2014 and the Subaru forester 2014. In Kampala here a certain colleague was telling me that the Subaru electronic power steering rack is a bit problematic so this is why I wanted to ask for your expert opinion. Thanks Sebo.
Looking forward to an Outback review
Wueh! Reflection ya cameraman between 2:52-2:56 minutes.! Ongeza jamaa mshande Eric with a see Kay.
Favorite place. Unmatched!
Shukran support pale tiny pesa
I did 13km/l on the same care .... used fuel ya 5k from Bondo to athi river
Great Review wokabi and team. XT is not value for money IMO, great car regardless.
Quality video Wokabi & team! Muendelee hivyo hivyo.🤙
U haven't given a comment bon the si drive mode.... Moto sana.
Some time back I drove a Vanguard with paddle shifts and I tried it I was confused. Sikujua CVT ni nini back then.
Whats your advice, I would like to dispose off my Subaru Exiga GT Turbo for a Mark X...🤷♂️
Awesome video! Can you please do a video for Mazda CX-5. Tunataka kuona how it compares. Keep up the good work👍🏾
I got one this year (yup late to the party😁). I put a stage 1 ECU tune on it and it is very quick IMO To get the up/downshift feel, you can use the paddles whenever you want (or force "gears" with S or S#), but I mostly enjoy the kick down and away I go😁 I have the Harman Kardon audio system in mine (maybe a European standard option for the XT?), and to my humble audio taste/knowledge, it's plenty.
Did you install an afternarket cvt cooler?
Such an informative video Wokabi👏🏾
Good car , best on road and off-road handling 👍
Nice review as always.. Hapo kwa tumbler...if you know you know. 😆
Love your honesty,on the car 🚗
Thanks I only knew paddle shifts are only used in steep ascents and boost of power
Great review Wokabi.Tufanyie review ya Mark X
2:53 i like the camera man's socks :-)
Kind request for a review of the landrover discovery
Looking forward to review ya outback 2015 and above
Kama kawaida good stuff
Shukran
Kindly also review the Subaru XV 2015 - Compact crossover
Keep up Erick Wokabi for the great insights.... This channel has become a favorite. Id suggest u Consider doing a review on the Honda crv
i always watch your videos of which i do like them,but i would like you as a carnversation to feature a mazda atenza wagon 2014 model
Was in one. That's why I am here❤
And also when it comes to durability and reliability, which of the two cars is better also putting in consideration our bad Ugandan roads. I mean the Subaru forester xt 2014 and the harrier 2014?
Brilliant feature, quite informative and entertaining
Maybe you can do a similar feature for the Mobius 3 vehicle to see how well it holds up
Wokabi 👍👍👍.... Subaru Forester XT Naaaaice 👏👏
Ebu talk about the BMW X1 as a Subaru person, am SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING a BMW X1....
The range rover, new land rover, new nissan patrol and pajero exceed are all monocoque chassis cars. They are considered propper off road vehicles. The subaru et al crossover suv are light weights not because of the chassis but because they lack a dual range gearbox. Correct me if i am wrong
Imagine this car and the crown 2015 are almost same price
Great review as always.
Wokabi, this as usual was an excellent review. It was very informative. I have learnt a lot about this car that I never knew before. I'm wondering if you could do a review of the X-trail and the other competition of the Forester like the CX5?
Coming your way soon
Hi Erick, nice job you are doing. Please review 2015 Nissan Note, its very common on Kenyan roads. Please also elaborate more about Aftermarket CVT oil Coolant. Does it end problems of Nissan Xtronic CVTs transmissions??? Thanks
Noted
Great work. Looking forward for review of Subaru Impreza sport forth generation.
The picking will blow off your mind if not your gasket. 😁😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂
Nice review. Kindly do one on Subaru XV crosstrek
Thanks for this review. Have you done any for X1? It would be a great idea now that it’s actually within the same rank.
we heard more about the eyesight but we got to seen it today
Only on carnversations
Between the xt and 2017 Tiguan which is the fastest
Nice review. Please review the CR-V.
Review Subaru legacy or outback
Wonderful and excellent review👍.
Still can't believe it doesn't have side and curtain airbags though.
Now waiting for a head to head between T Wish and Mazda Premacy (sky activ) 🙏 or even just a review of the Mazda.
It actually has 2 curtain. 2 behind the driver and passenger seats and one below the steering for the driver's knees
Did not hear him mention the fuel consumption or i must have missed. What is are the figures??
Hello.. Please review the subaru XV
Well done bro.requesting a review on bm9
Awesome explanation
Great work wokabi and I love and like the way you do your homework
Very impressive. You clearly articulated FA engines downside ... is they don't play nice to mods. EJ engines are exceptional. Great stuff.
Looking forward to a review for the Forester tS...
I have a love hate approach to CVTs,.......yeah the tS review would be a worthy one.....noting its only tuned by STi but not a proper STI:)
and this motor was adopted from EJ22 TT
Well informative review thanks. The subaru is a good machine.
This Subbie XT and Harrier plz am Confused gani Kali Plz
Superb work as usual. I feel you cut the drive short because of low fuel warning 😈. With the CVT, I guess Subaru boys won’t get the crazy dump valve sounds, correct?
Nope. You can sill simulate stepped shifting in S# and get dump valve sounds.
Great review,
Do a review of Honda insight
I like your review, it is straight and honnest
Hello,could you do a review on Toyota Prado j120
Great work Wokabi.
Can you do a Mark X review. I will really appreciate it.
Hey why don't you do the 2013 non turbo sj5