The 2022 Subaru Forester is available in six different trims, each adding progressively more features. The exceptions are the Sport model, which gets bespoke styling accents and paddle shifters that emulate the feel of a seven-speed shiftable automatic transmission, and the Wilderness, which is an off-road-focused trim with a higher ground clearance and some bespoke off-roading equipment. All trims come with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and sends power to all four wheels via a CVT automatic. All models also feature the Subaru EyeSight suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control. All models are also equipped with adaptive LED headlights. Specs begin with 17-inch steel wheels on the base model with 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels available. You also get a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display as standard, but elsewhere in the range, an eight-inch screen is available and navigation can be equipped too. Sound systems vary too, with a four-speaker setup as standard and a six-speaker system available higher up. The top trim gets a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The base model of the Subaru Forester starts at $25,195 before a $1,125 destination charge. The Forester Premium Starts at $28,195 while the Sport is $29,765. The Limited trim starts at $31,895, the new Wilderness costs $32,820, and the top Touring variant has a base MSRP of $35,295. If you spec this model with all available accessories, a fully loaded model will reach the $38k mark, which is not too bad considering how much the base model costs.
On the base model, you can delete the unsightly steel wheels and plastic covers by speccing 17-inch alloys and roof rails for $600. The Premium model has access to a power rear tailgate and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert for $1,095. On the Sport trim, you can add reverse automatic braking, the top trim's nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a power rear tailgate, and an eight-inch infotainment display for $1,645. On the Limited variant, you can have the same additions as the Sport along with navigation and a heated steering wheel for $1,695. The top trim only gets access to minor accessories as it is fully loaded in standard form.
Each of the Subaru Forester trims has the same powertrain and capabilities, so the choice will come down to what features you like. Since you already have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, navigation isn't all that necessary. However, we do think the bigger infotainment screen is a help when driving. As a result, we recommend going for the Sport trim with its optional package that adds a better sound system, the bigger screen, and a power tailgate. This gives you a good mix of features along with a reasonable price of under $33,000, including the destination charge. However, the new Wilderness is an interesting alternative, not least for its significantly improved off-road ability, but also because it's the only trim to offer high-capacity roof rails, a 3,000-pound towing capacity, and a front-view monitor, at the expense of worse fuel consumption.
Subaru Forester Base vs Premium
Subaru Forester Base vs Sport
Subaru Forester Base vs Limited
Subaru Forester Base vs Wilderness
Subaru Forester Base vs Touring
Subaru Forester Premium vs Sport
Subaru Forester Premium vs Limited
Subaru Forester Premium vs Wilderness
Subaru Forester Premium vs Touring
Subaru Forester Sport vs Limited
Subaru Forester Sport vs Wilderness
Subaru Forester Sport vs Touring
Subaru Forester Limited vs Wilderness
Subaru Forester Limited vs Touring
Subaru Forester Wilderness vs Touring
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