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The 2022 Subaru Forester should have no trouble continuing its climb as it’s updated for the this year with refreshed styling and some new options.
2022 Subaru Forester – subaru.jp | Shop Subaru Forester on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has long been one of the unsung heroes of the compact SUV class thanks to its go-anywhere attitude. It can be difficult to find a healthy balance of both on and off-road capability while maintaining a good value for money, but the Forester should have no trouble continuing that trend as it’s updated for the 2022 model year with refreshed styling and some new options.
Consider the 2022 Subaru Forester the promise of even better things to come in the future. It gets a few design changes that will better fit in with the next generation of vehicles from Subaru. Included in those changes are a much bolder front end with sharper headlights, a larger grille, and updated wheel designs to go along with it. We expect at least three new paint colors and if the JDM version is anything to go on, an optional set of seats that are waterproof. There’s also a good chance that a “Wilderness” variant arrives sometime later in the year with taller ride height and more off-road focused tech. An “Onyx” package might also surface with blacked-out trim and a few extra features over the Premium trim level.
The Breakdown
Impressive off-road chops
Stand out styling
Highly configurable design
Lack-luster engine available
Lazy continuously variable transmission
We miss the Forester XT
2022 Subaru Forester Specs
- 182 horsepower from base engine
- 176 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 31 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- Standard Android and Apple connectivity
- Subaru EyeSight is excellent
- Warranty coverage is industry standard
2022 Subaru Forester Powertrain
At the heart of the new 2022 Subaru Forester will be the same 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder mill we’ve become so accustomed to. Paired with a CVT, it’s by no means enthralling. In fact, it’s a bit of snooze-fest if we’re completely honest. Driving with any sort of gusto isn’t what this SUV is about. Steering is more numb than nearly any other vehicle in the segment and braking, while adequate, feels less refined as well. Still, for everyday driving, the Forester will get the job done.
Where the powertrain shines is off-road. We’ve had a chance to check out X-Mode, a feature also found in the Subaru Outback, and find it to be absolutely excellent in nearly any condition. We expect the Forester to leverage its taller ride height and more aggressive tires to provide even better off-road and soft-roading capability. When it comes to car-camping vehicles, the 2022 Subaru Forester might easily make our list next year.
2022 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy & MPG
Considering that all Subaru Foresters are equipped with the same drivetrain, all should get somewhere near the EPA-rated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for 29 mpg combined. While there have been whispers about a hybrid model coming, we don’t expect it until a whole new generation makes its debut.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2022 Subaru Forester also shines in terms of comfort and cargo space. If it falls down in any area with regard to utility it might be that it can only tow 1,500 pounds, but it makes up for that with outstanding creature comforts. Visibility is class-leading with big clear windows and a fairly high seating position. Those seats are well-bolstered, have great lumbar support, and are firm enough that long drives are comfortable. The heating option is great and very quick to react regardless of seating position. It would be great to have the option of ventilated seats, but maybe next year. Rear seats are spacious and can easily accommodate taller passengers.
We also love the layout of the Forester as it just feels so natural to get in and go. Unlike some rivals, Subaru places all the controls we want instant access to on physical buttons or knobs and then stows more niche features away in the infotainment system that’s bright and easy to use. Cargo space in the back is slightly above average too and can handle more than enough for four adults on a weekend trip. Fold the seats down and the Subaru Forester makes for an excellent hauler.
2022 Subaru Forester Entertainment & Technology
Subaru’s infotainment system has largely flown under the radar in past years and it’s far better than most know. Both the smaller 6.5-inch system and the larger 8-inch are excellent, but of course we’d suggest getting the big one as it simply fits the dash better and is marginally easier to use. Voice commands that are easily understood, and the addition of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are features not seen in many rivals. While also a part of our Safety Feature conversation, EyeSight as a system is worth mentioning here as it’s highly intuitive and really does make driving easier and less stressful.
Safety Features
While we’re still waiting on scores from the IIHS and NHTSA, there’s reason to believe that the new 2022 Subaru Forester will be one of the safest vehicles on the road. Not only was it a “Top Safety Pick+” last year, but it also achieved a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA. In addition to those merits, EyeSight, Subaru’s advanced safety technology suite of features, is one of the best in class and comes standard on every Forester.
2022 Subaru Forester Trims & Pricing
Base – $25,795
The standard 2022 Subaru Forester is very well equipped for a vehicle at this price point. To begin with let’s talk about EyeSight, a set of advanced driver safety aids that includes lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. Every single Forester will come with this suite even without a single option being checked.
In addition, all Foresters use the same 182-horsepower flat-4 engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that routes power to all four wheels at all times. Beyond that, the base SUV comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, adaptive headlights that aim into the turn as you turn the steering wheel, and automatic high-beams. Though only available on the Premium and above trim levels last year, we expect keyless entry to now be standard on the base model as well.
Premium – $28,495
Some of Subaru’s nomenclature can feel a bit counterintuitive, and the Premium is the first example of that as it’s nowhere near the top of the range. It does however offer 17-inch alloy wheels, an all-weather package with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, selectable drive modes to handle specific conditions like snow or ice, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. It also gets a panoramic sunroof, fog lights, roof rails, and the driver’s seat is now power-operated.
Sport – $30,795
Another example of odd naming is the “Sport” model which is only sporty in terms of styling. Black and orange trim is standard as are 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and blind-spot monitoring. We expect the waterproof seating to be standard as well at this trim level.
Limited – $33,000
Buyers of the Forester Limited will be greeted with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, and a power liftgate that is optional on all trims at and above the Premium level.
Touring – $36,995
The Touring trim level is the most opulent and features a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, integrated navigation, heated rear outboard seats, a driver fatigue warning system, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, and rear automatic braking.
Warranties
Subaru stands out as one of the only Japanese or Korean companies to offer nothing more than standard Limited warranty coverage of 3 years or 36,000 miles and 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. No complimentary service is offered either. We’d love to see them up their game here.
What we think
2022 Subaru Forester – subaru.jp | Shop Subaru Forester on Carsforsale.com
The 2022 Subaru Forester remains one of the most practical SUVs available today. While it might not have a special feature or ability, it can do almost anything one might need and it can do it with a high degree of competency. That flexibility and overall quality make it worth consideration for those in the market.
