What's New
The 2021 Subaru Forester manages to stand out in the crowded compact crossover class for its standard all-wheel-drive system and lengthy list of standard features. For the new model year, the Forester gets adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams as standard. The Limited trim now has a seven-speed manual mode for the continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not revolutionary, the changes help the Forester remain competitive.
Choosing Your Subaru Forester
Like last year, the Forester is offered in five trim levels: Forester, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Prices start at $25,845 including destination for the base Forester trim and go up to $35,945 for the Touring.
Engine Choices
Regardless of trim level, every Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a CVT and routes power through all four wheels via a standard all-wheel-drive system.
Fuel economy checks in at an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 combined. When it comes to towing, it's rated at up to 1,500 pounds.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
All Foresters have seating for up to five. Cargo capacity behind the rear seats measures in at 35.4 cubic feet. That figure expands to 76.1 cubic feet with the back row folded down, making it one of the more spacious crossovers in the class.
Safety Features
Subaru's EyeSight suite of advanced safety features is standard on every trim. The suite includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and lane departure warning. Rear seatbelt reminder and automatic high beams are newly standard for 2021.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist are optional on the Premium and standard on higher trims. Reverse automatic emergency braking is also available.
Connectivity
The Forester, Premium, and Sport trims come with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and four audio speakers. Higher trim levels come with an 8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and wi-fi hot spot capability.
The larger touchscreen and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are optional on the Sport trim. The Limited trim is available with navigation and the Harman Kardon audio system.
The base Forester comes with 17-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, and adaptive LED headlights as standard equipment.
The entry-level Forester only has one available package that costs $600 and brings 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails.
The Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a roof spoiler, a panoramic moonroof, roof rails, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless access as standard.
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power rear liftgate are available as part of a $1,095 optional package.
The mid-level Sport features 18-inch black wheels, LED fog lights, sport cloth upholstery, a color multi-function display, and paddle shifters.
Reverse automatic emergency braking, the 8-inch touchscreen, the Harman Kardon audio system, and a power rear liftgate are included with one large package that’s priced at $1,645.
The Limited trim brings leather upholstery, a power rear liftgate, and dual-zone automatic climate control over lower models.
The Limited is available with one major package that adds a heated steering wheel and more tech features for an extra $1,695.
The Touring comes with every available feature as standard equipment, adding chrome exterior trim pieces, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-way power-adjustable passenger’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and one-touch folding rear seats as standard.
Compare Forester Trims Side-By-Side
We think the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is the best value option in the lineup. The sole optional package that adds more safety features is worth the money. The Forester’s standard all-wheel-drive system is another one of its strong suits, which helps make lower trims better value choices.