Subaru has unveiled the gently updated 2022 Forester and has announced that pricing for the model will start at US$ 25,195, a US$ 400 increase over the 2021 model, not including destination and handling The new model introduces an updated front fascia, as well as new tech, safety and convenience features, and the new Wilderness trim. Across the range, the 2022 Subaru Forester gets a new grille, headlights, and fog light covers, and fascia. These changes vary across the lineup, though, to match the character of each vehicle. In all, there will be six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring, and of course Wilderness.
Joining the Outback Wilderness, the Forester version of this trim option was revealed early on Subaru’s Canadian website and features mechanical, design, and functional enhancements to make the SUV a little more rugged and off-road-ready. That means, first and foremost, an extra half-inch (12.7 mm) of ground clearance over the standard model, for a total of 233.6 mm. The extra height is accomplished thanks to longer coil springs and shock absorbers, which are tuned specifically to prevent the car from wallowing and leaning on the road.
The exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels are finished in matte black, embossed with raised white lettering, and wrapped in Yokohama GEOLANDAR all-terrain tires for better traction off the beaten path. A standard full-size spare is stored in the cargo area, to help prevent you from getting stuck out on the trail. A skid plate, unique hexagonal LED fog lights, an anti-glare hood decal, and a roof rack capable of carrying 100 kg on the move and 363 kg when parked help finish the look off on the outside. On the inside, meanwhile, the seats are finished in water-resistant StarTex so that you can throw anything inside the vehicle.
One other change over the regular Forester is a revised final-drive (4.11:1 versus the standard model’s 3.70:1) and different gearbox ratios for the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for increased low-end torque. The 2022 Forester Wilderness starts at US$ 32,820 and is offered with a single options package that adds US$ 1,850 to the price. It also adds an 8.0-inch multimedia navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound, and a power liftgate.
As for the other trims, the base model features a 6.5-inch infotainment system that can work with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The latest version of EyeSight driver assist technology also improves performance thanks to new software and a wider field of view. It also gets dual USB ports in the center console, and an LED dome light, while an options package adds silver 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, as well as roof rails and tie-down points for another US$ 625. The Premium trim starts at US$ 28,195 and adds heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer. A power driver’s seat, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and moon roof help add to the sense of luxury. The model also gets roof rails and tie-down points as standard, as well as X-Mode hill descent control. Safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are a US$ 1,165 option.
The Forester Sport starts at US$ 29,765 and offers those safety features as standard and gets gloss black trim, 18-inch wheels, and a black rear roof spoiler. Orange accents on the side and front lower valences, meanwhile, help mark it out as a youthful package. The 8-inch infotainment, power rear liftgate, and reverse automatic braking, meanwhile, add US$ 1,645 to the price tag. The Forester Limited starts at US$ 31,875 and includes all of the Premium’s features plus 18-inch wheels, and a suite of safety tech. It also gets the 8-inch infotainment screen as standard, and, new for 2022, it gets one-touch folding rear seats. Perforated leather seats, a fancier dash, and voice-activated controls also help this trim feel more luxurious. Harman Kardon speakers and heated steering wheel (as well as navigation powered by TomTom) are a US$ 1,695 option.
And finally, the Forester Touring starts at US$ 35,295. It adds DriverFocus distraction mitigation system and, new for 2022, gesture controls that allow the driver to raise and lower the temperature using only gestures. Gloss black trim on the B- and C-pillars is also new this year and the roof rails are finished in silver to match the silver finish on the front, rear, and side valences. Leather abounds inside as do power-adjustable seats, and LED lights to brighten the cabin and cargo area. All models, no matter the trim, are powered by the same 2.5-liter boxer engine that makes 182 hp and 238 Nm) o torque. With the help of a CVT transmission, the 2022 Forester gets 33 mpg, can tow up to 3,000 lbs, and gets standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive.
The 2022 Subaru Forester is set to hit dealer showrooms this October.
