2014 Subaru Forester voted sport utility of the year by Motor Trend magazine

LAWRENCE, KS--Oct. 14, 2013: Motor Trend magazine recently named the 2014 Subaru Forester the Sport/Utility of the Year. The redesigned Forester beat out 12 other SUVs to become the third Subaru vehicle to have won the award since it was created six years ago. It's the second win for the Forester, which won the 2009 Sport/Utility of the Year award and preceded the Subaru Outback--which took the title in 2010.

According to Motor Trend Editor in Chief Ed Loh, the Forester was chosen based on six criteria: value, safety, efficiency, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function. He said the Forester is practical, affordable and efficient, but there were three specific qualities which helped the SUV land the prestigious award.

"Smart design, thoughtful engineering, and a compelling performance on road and off were the keys to the Forester's win," Loh Said.

As SUVs are designed for both on and off-road driving, all 13 of Motor Trend's contenders were tested on both road and dirt courses. The editors found that out of all the vehicles, the Forester was able to provide the highest fuel economy, despite being driven aggressively. It also delivered a comfortable ride and was fun to drive on both courses.

On top of the Sport/Utility of the Year award, the Forester was given a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It became one of the first vehicles to earn the highest rating of "good" in all five safety tests--including the newly implemented small overlap front crash test. Out of the 13 small SUVs which have undergone the rigorous test, the Forester is the only one to have earned an overall rating of "good."