The Subaru Forester gets some light upgrades for the 2022 model year, and it continues to remain one of Subaru’s best-selling models. Though it looks small on the outside, the Forester provides plenty of space inside. It also boasts ample outdoor capability thanks to over 8 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.
For 2022, Subaru has added the all-new Forester Wilderness model, which offers 9.2 inches of ground clearance. That up a half-inch over the standard 8.7 inches. The package also includes all-terrain tires. Also new is Automatic Emergency Steering. This system is a new driver assistance feature that works at speeds up to 50 mph and helps with evasive maneuvers. It comes as an option in Premium trim and becomes standard above.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The 5-passenger 2022 Subaru Forester is narrower than some of its SUV rivals but still manages to incorporate plenty of front-seat shoulder room. Legroom is also generous — four 6-foot tall people can fit comfortably into a Subaru Forester thanks to the generous 39.4 inches of rear-seat legroom. One thing to keep in mind is that the optional moonroof does encroach on headroom by an inch or two, and it slightly reduces the ample 28.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
The quality of materials inside is high. The center console houses either a 6.5-inch infotainment display on lower trims or an 8-inch touchscreen in the higher trims.
Features and Tech
The base 2022 Forester comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and an array of driver aids under the EyeSight banner. The system gets an updated camera for this model year. Other features include automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, satellite radio, CD player, two USB ports, selectable driving modes, active grille shutters (for optimum fuel efficiency), 60/40-split folding rear seats, plus a washer for the rearview camera.
Stepping up to Premium trim brings heated side mirrors, panoramic powered moonroof, keyless entry/ignition, heated front seats, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, illuminated vanity mirrors, reclining rear seats, and Wi-Fi. This model is eligible for blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, Automatic Emergency Steering, upgraded driver’s display, powered tailgate with automatic close and height memory, and a rear center console with two more USB ports.
Sport trim gains extra driver aids, 18-inch alloy wheels, and hill descent control for the all-wheel-drive system. Among the optional extras are the powered tailgate, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, rear parking sensors with reverse automatic braking, and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The Limited brings 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beams, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a powered tailgate. Eligible extras include the Harman Kardon system, heated steering wheel, voice-activated navigation, and reverse automatic braking.
Touring has all the additional features listed so far along with the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system. New for 2022 is temperature adjustment through gesture control.
Forester Wilderness Specifics
The Wilderness model is new for 2022 and has a dedicated transmission and all-wheel-drive system. It features driving modes for deep mud and deep snow and automatic low gradient control. Wilderness sports 17-inch alloy wheels wearing Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, a 180-degree front-view monitor, and the 8-inch touchscreen. The powered tailgate, Harman Kardon system, and a navigation system are optional here as well.
Materials and Design
Materials and design have not changed much for the 2022 model year. The one difference is the Wilderness model, which gets StarTex upholstery. This material is waterproof, durable, and easy to clean.
The Limited comes standard with perforated leather-trimmed upholstery and silver metallic and gloss black accents on the center dash panel. Limited also features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle, dual-zone automatic climate control, and dual rear USB ports. There’s also a power liftgate with auto close and height memory.
The Forester Touring level offers black or saddle brown perforated leather upholstery and 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-position memory (for both side mirrors and seat). The trim also includes power lumbar support, an 8-way power front passenger seat, and heated rear seats. LED cargo-area and dome lights feature an off-delay.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
Behind the rear seats of the Forester is a commodious 28.9 cubic feet of luggage space. Fold those seats down to reveal a maximum cargo area of 74.2 cubic feet. The optional moonroof chops a minor bit out of both those figures. At 51.3 inches wide, the Forester’s rear aperture is huge, a full 6 inches better than the nearest competitor.
You also can opt for a variety of roof and hitch attachments to carry everything from bikes to cargo boxes. Also, the Forester offers plenty of pet-friendly accessories that include foldable crates, seat covers, and food bowls.
More 2022 Subaru Forester
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