Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
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Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Overall Rating
For a starting price of $24,795, the 2021 Subaru Forester competes against the likes of more expensively priced Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, specifics like segment-leading cabin space, standard AWD, and best-in-class fuel economy and range make the Subaru Forester an ideal choice for small families. Its only downside seems to be the 182 hp Boxer-4 motor which is not very enthusiast-friendly.
The fifth-generation of the Subaru Forester was introduced in the year 2019 with major changes from the previous generation. Now, the 2021 Forester comes forth as fundamentally the same compact SUV. Only, new steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam function have been made standard across the board. Prices for the 2021 Forester start from $24,795.
Also, all models, but base, come with a center storage tray for the second row. And while engine and performance remain unchanged, the top-spec Limited trim, priced at $31,395, of the 2021 Subaru Forester comes with a seven-speed manual model. Prices of the 2021 Subaru Forester start at an MSRP of $24,795.
The base trim of the 2021 Forester comes with a good set of features and makes it the worthy choice among all the trims of the Forester.
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 7CVT)
For a starting price of $24,795, the 2021 Subaru Forester competes against the likes of more expensively priced Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Volkswagen Tiguan. However, specifics like segment-leading cabin space, standard AWD, and best-in-class fuel economy and range make the Subaru Forester an ideal choice for small families. Its only downside seems to be the 182 hp Boxer-4 motor which is not very enthusiast-friendly.
The fifth-generation of the Subaru Forester was introduced in the year 2019 with major changes from the previous generation. Now, the 2021 Forester comes forth as fundamentally the same compact SUV. Only, new steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high-beam function have been made standard across the board. Prices for the 2021 Forester start from $24,795.
Also, all models, but base, come with a center storage tray for the second row. And while engine and performance remain unchanged, the top-spec Limited trim, priced at $31,395, of the 2021 Subaru Forester comes with a seven-speed manual model. Prices of the 2021 Subaru Forester start at an MSRP of $24,795.
The 2021 Subaru Forester comes in 5 trims, with a starting price tag of $24,795. All models come standard with Symmetrical AWD, STARLINK multimedia infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology. Even a 2.5-liter H-4 motor and CVT remain standard on all models.
The Subaru Forester base comes with smartphone integration with the help of AppleCarplay and Android Auto. It also comes with single-zone automatic climate control for convenience, power-adjustable driver's seat, and a set of 17-inch alloys. The Premium trim comes with a few luxury additions like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. A ten-way power-adjustable driver seat is present with a six-speaker sound system and machined alloy wheels. The next trim is Sport which has a few extra features like bigger 18-inch alloy wheels and X-Mode.
Trims | Base | Premium | Sport | Limited | Touring |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP | $24,795 | $27,795 | $29,395 | $31,395 | $34,895 |
Key Features | · | In addition to the features of Base | In addition to the features of Premium | In addition to the features of Sport | In addition to the features of Touring |
LED Steering Responsive Headlights | 17-inch black machine finish alloy wheels | Steering mounted paddle shifters | Power rear liftgate | One-touch folding rear seatback | |
Single Zone automatic climate control | Heated front wheels | 18-inch black finished alloy wheels | Dual-zone automatic climate control | Ten-way power-adjustable passenger seat | |
6.5-inch infotainment screen | Six Speaker sound system | Sport cloth steering upholstery with orange stitching | Eight-inch infotainment screen | Heated rear outboard seats | |
6-way adjustable driver's seat | Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter | 8.0-inch driver display screen | Leather seating and upholstery. | Multimedia navigation system | |
Android Auto AppleCarplay | Keyless access with push-button start | 18-inch split-five-spoke black-finished alloy wheels | Nine-speaker Harman Kardon Sound-system. |
Limited trim adds more features for the convenience and comfort of the buyers. They include a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control,8-inch infotainment screen, leather-seating upholstery, and 18-inch split five-spoke black finish alloy wheel. The top trim, which is the Forester Touring, comes with a one-touch rear folding seatback, heated rear seat, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system, making the Forester the best available package among the rivals.
The Sport trim of the 2021 Subaru Forester, costing $29,395, is its most value for money. While all the variants are similarly specced, the Sport trim adds exclusive features like 18-inch black alloy wheels, unique orange exterior accents, dual-function X-Mode, and SI-Drive engine performance management system.
Check out the Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 Subaru Forester! >>
"A largely gutless engine holds the Forester back. The four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic take their time getting up to speed." - Edmunds
Under the hood, the Forester is powered by the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine which produces 182 horsepower. It is mated with the CVT transmission sending power to all four wheels with Subaru’s trademark all-wheel-drive system and makes 176 lb-ft of torque. This helps it tow a maximum of 1500 pounds hassle-free.
Not only is that class-leading, but the Forester is also the only compact SUV among the likes of Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and VW Tiguan to offer AWD as standard for its price. Now, the Honda CR-V has a more powerful 190 hp engine but produces almost the same amount of torque at 179 lb-ft.
Models |
2021 Subaru Forester |
2021 Honda CR-V |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan |
2021 Nissan Rogue |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$24,795 |
$26,850 |
$26,545 |
$27,050 |
Engine |
2.5L Naturally Aspirated H-4 |
1.5L Turbocharged I-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged I-4 |
2.5L Naturally Aspirated I-4 |
Drivetrain |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
8-speed automatic |
CVT |
Power |
182 hp @ 5,800 RPM |
190 hp @ 5,600 RPM |
184 @ 4,400 RPM |
170 hp @ 6,000 RPM |
Torque |
176 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM |
179 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM |
221 lb-ft @ 1,600 RPM |
175 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM |
0-60 MPH |
8.5 sec |
8.8 sec |
8.2 sec |
8.8 sec |
Quarter Mile |
16.7 sec |
16.7 sec |
16.3 sec |
16.8 sec |
Top Speed |
117 MPH |
127 MPH |
124 MPH |
120 MPH |
The Volkswagen Tiguan, on the other hand, offers the most torquey motor making 221 lb-ft, all of which kicks in at just 1,600 rpm. This makes it the quickest accelerating SUV, reaching 60 mph from 0 in 8.2 seconds. The Forester can reach 60 MPH from a standstill in 8.5 seconds and can cross the quarter-mile mark in 16.7 seconds, which is also fast enough.
It also excels in the braking performance as it stops from a speed of 60 mph in just under 118 ft., which is one of the best figures in the segment. But its real strength lies in the way it handles, which is excellent. Even the high ground clearance of 8.7 inches and special features like X-Mode with hill descent control make it incredibly off-road capable.
The Forester returns 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on highways. With its 16.6 gallons fuel tank, you can run for almost 432 in the city without stopping for fuel once. The Forester delivers the best-in-class MPG figures on the highway and combined but is outperformed in the city by the Honda CR-V offering 27 mpg.
Models |
2021 Subaru Forester |
2021 Honda CR-V |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan |
2021 Nissan Rogue |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
26 |
27 |
21 |
26 |
MPG (Highway) |
33 |
32 |
27 |
33 |
MPG (Combined) |
29 |
29 |
24 |
29 |
Fuel Capacity |
16.6 gallons |
14.0 gallons |
16.4 gallons |
14.5 gallons |
Range (City/Highway/Combined) |
432/548/481 miles |
378/448/406 miles |
344/443/393 miles |
377/479/421 miles |
The Nissan Rogue rated at 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined turns out to be just as frugal. But its 14.5-gallon fuel tank compromises the overall range. The same issue is with the Honda CR-V having only a 14.0-gallon gas tank. So overall, the Subaru Forester turns up as the most economical compact SUV.
"Comfort is a key theme with the Forester. The suspension handily absorbs road imperfections and prevents harshness from getting transmitted into the cabin." - MotorTrend
Subaru had upped its game with the introduction of the new Forester in 2019, which had quite a modern and artistic interior. The 2021 model has mostly high-quality interior materials at all key touchpoints. The interior design is very ergonomic and practical, with stimulated stitching on the dash and door panels giving the interior a good fit and finish.
The cabin has ample space inside and provides good leverage for the passengers. The tall design of the cabin makes up for good headroom inside the cabin and gives ease of getting in and out of the car. For 2021, the cabin on the 2021 Subaru Forester Limited will get a second-row center storage tray, but there are no changes otherwise.
Models |
2021 Subaru Forester |
2021Â Honda CR-V |
2021Â Volkswagen Tiguan |
2021Â Nissan Rogue |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.2/58.2/43.3 |
40.1/57.9/41.3 |
39.6/57.0/40.2 |
41.6/56.6/43.0 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
36.9/57.2/39.4 |
39.2/55.6/40.4 |
38.9/55.8/38.7 |
39.2/55.6/40.4 |
The cargo space is also good, and the option of the 60:40 rear folding seats provides a total of 76.1 cu.ft. for luggage. The infotainment system in Subaru Forester is the StarLink system which is highly intuitive and user-friendly. It offers high-quality graphics and comprehensive functionality.
The first three Base, Premium, and Sport trims come with a 6.5-inch high-resolution LCD screen. It is quite small by today's standard, but in the Sport trim, it can be swapped for an 8-inch screen. It comes as standard in the Limited and Touring trims. Other features include:
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"The body kicks up at the tail, but not too much. The taillights sit high, square, and ready to inform. It's less controversial than naming the best Girl Scout cookie, which is obviously Tagalongs." - The Car Connection
The exterior design of the Subaru Forester, in the sea of boring crossover, does little to stand out. Made for being more practical, the Subaru Forester now gets LED headlights as standard in all the variants. Its Sport and Touring trims get LED fog lights as well. The design language is typically Subaru, which is an ordinary silhouette that could fit any crossover within the blink of an eye.
The Sport trim gets a unique grille, 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels, and orange accents on the exterior to set itself apart. Otherwise, the base model comes fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, whereas, the other trims come with different designs of the bigger 18-inch alloy wheels.
Models |
2021 Subaru Forester |
2021 Honda CR-V |
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan |
2021 Nissan Rogue |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3,449 lbs |
3,455 lbs |
3,847 lbs |
3,590 lbs |
Length |
182.1“ |
180.6“ |
185.1“ |
185.1” |
Width |
71.5” |
73.0” |
72.4” |
72.4” |
Height |
67.5” |
66.5” |
66.3 |
66.3" |
Ground Clearance |
8.7” |
8.2” |
7.9” |
7.9” |
Wheelbase |
105.1” |
104.7” |
109.8” |
109.8” |
Weighing the least and having the most ground clearance of all, the Forester is easy to guide through the city and in tight spaces. It can easily overcome obstacles faced on the rough countryside sidetracks as well. The Nissan Rogue and Volkswagen Tiguan are basically the same in every aspect while Honda CR-V is a bit small in size. But it has only slightly less ground clearance than the Subaru Forester at 8.2 inches.
The Subaru Forester is one of the safest vehicles to own. The 2021 Forester comes fully equipped with all kinds of active safety features and driver-assist tech. The 2020 Forester scored five out of five stars in the crash test rating conducted by the NHTSA.
It has been given the title of the Top Safety Pick + by the IIHS, based on six top-notch crash test scores and collision avoidance measures. All this adds up to the trust Subaru has built over the years and easily makes the Forester one of the safest vehicles without a doubt.
Subaru Forester comes at a cheaper price than the CR-V and with more features to be offered as standard. Honda CR-V, on the other hand, is a bit expensive but has a more powerful engine and boasts a more luxurious and premium cabin.
Also, the CR-V is more of a driver’s car and makes it feel more poised and capable of being driven hard. The Forester offers more fuel efficiency and is more spacious than the Honda, so both cars have their equal share of pros and cons, and it's truly fair to choose any one, as both the cars a good choice.
Both the Tiguan and Forester can do everything which you expect from a crossover. They both have ample interior space as well as cargo space and are priced just about the same.
The Tiguan can accommodate at least two more children in its third row and produces little low MPG figures, but apart from that it can do everything that the Subaru can, but maybe not off-roading.
The 2021 Forester is not one of the most attractive looking or the most standout crossover of the segment, but it still has enough potential to stand against the best names in the segment. With rivals like the CR-V and Tiguan having more premium interiors and powerful engines, the Subaru feels a bit dull and will not excite someone looking for a premium crossover. It is a more practical and straightforward vehicle, one which is likely to stand the test of time.
Check out these used Subaru Forester models for sale in the US starting from just $2,995! >>