2022 Subaru Forester: Gone Wild
Competes with: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan
Looks like: The 2021 Forester with some new headlights or, in the case of the new Wilderness version, the 2021 Forester with some new headlights and a sensible lift kit
Powertrains: 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: October 2021
Subaru’s popular Forester compact SUV is getting a light visual makeover for 2022 and, like the Outback before it, a new Wilderness version that makes it a more capable off-roader. The Forester will also get the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features.
Related: 2021 Subaru Forester: 6 Things We Like and 4 We Don’t
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Shop the 2021 Subaru Forester near you
If not for the Wilderness’ noticeably different appearance, it would be hard to tell this generation of Forester apart from previous ones, but this is officially the fifth generation of the compact SUV (despite arguments to the contrary).
Into the Wild
Let’s start instead with the Forester’s most significant update: the new Wilderness trim. Based off a Forester Premium, Subaru gives the Wilderness 9.2 inches of ground clearance — an extra half-inch compared to a regular Forester — thanks to longer coil springs and shocks. This increases the Forester’s approach, departure and breakover angles, allowing it to more easily overcome obstacles. The Forester Wilderness’ wheelbase is just a bit shorter than a standard Forester, too.
Subaru also gave the Forester Wilderness an improved version of its X-Mode drive mode system for better off-road capabilities, including a low-speed/low-gradient feature that Subaru says mimics traditional low-range gearing. Additionally, the manual mode of the Wilderness’ continuously variable automatic transmission has lower ratios than non-Wilderness models, according to Subaru. Power from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder is unchanged, however, at 182 horsepower and 176 pounds-feet of torque.
The exterior styling is more rugged than other Foresters, with new front and rear bumpers, unique grille styling, larger wheel arch cladding, a front skid plate, unique foglights, and black badging and decals. The Wilderness also gets a ladder-style roof rack for carrying outdoor gear.
The interior gets unique styling elements, as well, to make the Wilderness more at home outdoors. The upholstery is Subaru’s durable StarTex material with copper-colored stitching; all-weather floormats are standard; the rear seatbacks are waterproof; and there’s a waterproof rear cargo tray, too.
What About the Other Foresters?
Changes to the rest of the Forester lineup are much more minimal. New angular LED headlights are probably the easiest way to tell the 2022 Forester apart from its predecessors, though the grille, front bumper and rear bumper underguard are also revised. Touring models also get new exterior trim.
The Forester also includes the fourth generation of Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety technologies, which adds improved cameras and automatic emergency steering. Foresters with the optional Driver Monitoring System also add gesture controls for the climate system, which Subaru says reduces driver distraction.
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- 2022 Subaru Ascent Adds New Trim, Keeps Familiar Prices
- What Is Subaru EyeSight?
Pricing and Release Date
Subaru says the 2022 Forester will go on sale in October. Prices rise slightly from the 2021 model, with the destination fee also rising to $1,125 from $1,050. Full pricing, including destination, is below:
- Base: $26,320 ($475 increase)
- Premium: $29,320 ($475 increase)
- Sport: $30,890 ($445 increase)
- Limited: $33,000 ($555 increase)
- Wilderness: $33,945 (New for 2022)
- Touring: $36,420 ($475 increase)
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