2021 Subaru Forester

Pros: Excellent passenger and cargo room; abundance of standard safety features; nice ride/handling balance

Cons: Lackluster throttle response; observed fuel economy fails to match EPA estimates; engine stop/start system is a bit clunky

CG Says: The 2021 Subaru Forester gains standard steering-linked LED headlights with automatic high beams. The Limited model gets a 7-speed manual mode for the CVT automatic transmission. This feature was previously only on Sport and Touring trims. With its 2019 redesign, the Subaru Forester gained more horsepower, a bit more interior room, and new technology and safety features. Rear-seat legroom grew by a little more than an inch and cargo room was increased by 1.4 cubic feet. The sole powertrain is a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally opposed “flat four” engine paired with a CVT automatic. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine offered on the previous-generation Forester is no longer available. Like almost all Subarus, the Forester has 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. Available only on the topline Touring model is Subaru’s new 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. Despite a somewhat lackluster powertrain, the redesigned Forester builds on the strengths of the previous-generation model. It packs even more room inside its sensibly sized exterior dimensions, gains several desirable new features, and maintains the pleasant ride/handling balance of its predecessor. If you prefer a compact crossover SUV that’s a little bit more on the “car-like” side, the Forester should definitely be on your shopping list.