The Forester was Subaru’s top-selling vehicle in 2020, with over 180,000 units sold, a record for the car maker. It is highly regarded amongst those who value both adventure and practicality in a vehicle. Thanks to the Forester’s high ground clearance and sturdy all-wheel-drive system, few compact-SUV models can compare with its performance off the road. On the road, the well-built interior and smooth ride offered by this model can make a long daily commute quite comfortable.
In this review, we take a quick look at the 2021 rendition of the Subaru Forester, including its interior and technological features.
What Is the 2021 Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover SUV that is highly regarded for its solid build and spacious interior. The 2021 Forester is the third model of the fifth generation of the Forester, so that Subaru has had plenty of time to smooth out any problems with reliability that consumers reported in previous years. The car maker has largely stuck with the winning formula that makes this model so popular with outdoor enthusiasts who want a smaller SUV capable of taking on a wide variety of terrain.
What Is Under the Hood of the 2021 Subaru Forester?
Under the hood, the 2021 Subaru Forester largely retains the specifications of the record-breaking 2020 model. All trims contain the same 2.5 litre 4-cylinder engine pushing 182 horsepower with 176 pound-feet of torque, allowing consumers to tow up to 1,500 pounds. The engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission carrying power to Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system. Although the Forester isn’t exactly quick, it handles well at high speeds and gets outstanding gas mileage, with US EPA ratings of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometers (26 miles per gallon) in the city and 8.6 litres per 100 kilometers (33 miles per gallon) on the highway.
The Interior of the 2021 Subaru Forester
The Forester has an impressive amount of cargo space for long road trips and other excursions. The base model contains about 880 litres (31.1 cubic feet) of cargo space in the trunk, with a total area of 2,103 litres (74.3 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded down. Although there is no third-row option for bigger families, rear passengers have a ton of room and can sit very comfortably without feeling crowded. Complete sets of LATCH connectors are available for two full-size car seats. The front seats also provide plenty of space for both driver and passenger. Drivers enjoy excellent road visibility.
Although Subaru includes a lot of hard plastics in the central console of its infotainment system, mixed with materials of higher quality, the interior of the Forester is quite nice to look at; the plastic does not look or feel at all cheap. The Limited Edition of the Forester comes with beautiful leather-trimmed upholstery in a luscious caramel. The rest of the trims are outfitted with black cloth seats.
The Technology of the 2021 Subaru Forester
The base model of the 2021 Subaru Forester has a 6.5-inch infotainment system with a high-resolution touch screen display. In the higher trims, the infotainment system is upgraded to eight inches. All models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, dual USB ports, integrated steering wheel controls, and Bluetooth. In the Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited, and Premier, navigation and 4G LTE capabilities are standard, enabling connectivity in even the most desolate areas.
The Forester is also replete with safety and security technology. All models come with a keyless entry system, an anti-theft security system, and an engine immobilizer. Keyless access and push-button start are standard in every trim but the base model. The proprietary features of Subaru’s trademark EyeSight Driver Assist technology include pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, lane departure and sway warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Our Take on the 2021 Subaru Forester
Subaru brings back the Forester with few major changes, instead mostly reinforcing everything that has made the highly popular compact SUV as successful as it is. To allay any concerns about reliability, Subaru offers new buyers a 36-month, 60,000-kilometer limited warranty and covers major components for 60 months and 100,000 kilometers. With its best-in-class storage space and excellent gas mileage, the Subaru Forester is a perfect road-trip vehicle. Its sturdy and smooth all-wheel drive is a lifesaver for drivers traveling on wet and snow-covered roads. With a base MSRP of $28,995, the Forester is a fine option if you want both off-road utility and practical daily driving. If you are looking for a few extra features and a more opulent interior, you can choose one of the five higher trim levels.
