Pros: Excellent passenger and cargo room; abundance of standard safety features; nice ride/handling balance; Wilderness model’s outdoors-oriented features
Cons: Lackluster throttle response; observed fuel economy fails to match EPA estimates; engine stop/start system is a bit clunky
CG Says: For 2022, the Subaru Forester gets styling updates and a new off-road oriented model, along with a couple of safety-feature enhancements. The Forester is offered in base, Premium, Sport, Limited, new-for-2022 Wilderness, and Touring models. The Wilderness includes unique off-road-oriented features such as a raised ride height, front skid plate, increased roof-rack weight capacity, “StarTex” water-repellant upholstery, and unique off-road tires on 17-inch wheels. Regardless of trim level, all Foresters have a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally opposed “flat four” engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
Also standard is EyeSight, a suite of safety features that includes forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-keep assist, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and Lead-Vehicle Start Alert, which beeps to let you know if the vehicle ahead of you in traffic moves away from a stop and you don’t. Subaru says the EyeSight system’s camera sensors have been upgraded for 2022, and an Automatic Emergency Steering feature (which assists with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph) is newly available. Available only on the topline Touring model is Subaru’s DriverFocus system, which gives visual and audible warnings for driver drowsiness and inattention. Other available features include reverse automatic braking, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, steering-linked adaptive headlights, hill-descent control, and panoramic sunroof.
Subaru arguably pioneered the concept of the compact crossover SUV, and the current version of the Forester remains a fine pick in the category. Granted, the Forester’s engine power doesn’t quite match its rivals, but this trim little rig is nonetheless satisfying to drive, offering car-like, confidence-inspiring handling and a relatively smooth ride. And although the Forester isn’t suitable for truly hardcore off-road driving, the new Wilderness model’s enhancements enable outdoor-adventure enthusiasts to get a bit further off the beaten path.
Class | Compact SUV |
Body Style(s) | 4-door wagon |
Passenger Count | 5 |
Drive Wheels | all-wheel drive |
Manufacturer | Subaru |
Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
Base Prices | Base: $26,320 Premium: $29,320 Sport: $30,890 Limited: $33,000 Wilderness: $33,945 Touring: $36,420 |
Base Engine 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower 182 |
Std. Transmission CVT |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 25-26 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 28-33 |