2022 Subaru Forester: Fresh Features and Updates Explained

Design Refresh: Subtle Yet Noticeable Changes

The 2022 Subaru Forester arrives with a modest facelift that feels more like a refinement than a radical overhaul. Front‑end styling now sports a slightly larger grille and re‑shaped headlamp clusters, giving the SUV a bolder presence without abandoning its recognizable silhouette. At the rear, the tailgate adopts a new trim piece and a refreshed badge, while the roofline stays true to the model’s famed airy cabin.

Inside, the cabin gains a softer‑touch material on the upper dash and new upholstery options that blend durability with a touch of luxury. The redesigned steering wheel incorporates a flatter bottom edge for a sportier feel, and the gauge cluster gets a subtle backlighting tweak that improves readability at night.

Powertrain and Efficiency Updates

Under the hood, Subaru sticks with the 2.5‑liter BOXER engine that has powered recent Foresters, but engineers have tweaked the intake and exhaust pathways to extract a modest 2‑horsepower gain and a smoother torque curve. The result is a peak output of 182 hp and 176 lb‑ft of torque, paired with the standard Lineartronic CVT.

Fuel economy sees a small bump thanks to a revised transmission map; EPA estimates now list 29 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the front‑wheel‑drive version, edging out the previous year by a fraction. The all‑wheel‑drive (AWD) system remains symmetrical, offering the same confident traction that Subaru enthusiasts expect, but with a slightly quicker response during low‑grip conditions.

Tech and Safety: New EyeSight and Infotainment Upgrades

Subaru’s EyeSight driver‑assist suite receives a software update that sharpens lane‑keep assist and adds a low‑speed “parking assist” mode. The system now can nudge the vehicle into a tighter parking space at speeds under 5 mph, a handy feature for urban dwellers.

On the infotainment front, the 2022 model debuts an 8‑inch touchscreen as standard across all trims, up from the previous 6.5‑inch unit. The new screen runs Subaru’s STARLINK platform, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, voice‑activated navigation, and a revamped UI that reduces menu nesting. A USB‑C charging port joins the existing USB‑A outlets, providing faster device charging for passengers.

• Wireless charging becomes optional on the Premium trim, eliminating the need for cables on the front console.
• Rear‑seat USB ports are now standard, ensuring rear passengers stay powered on longer trips.

Trim Lineup and Pricing Shifts

Subaru trims the lineup to four main variants: Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited. The Sport trim, introduced for 2022, adds blacked‑out exterior accents, 18‑inch alloy wheels, and a sport‑tuned suspension that offers a slightly firmer ride without compromising comfort.

Pricing nudges upward by about $500 on average, reflecting the new tech and minor design tweaks. The Base model now starts around $26,300, while the Limited, equipped with leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel, tops out near $32,600.

Real‑World Driving Impressions

Early road tests suggest the 2022 Forester feels more composed on twisty backroads, thanks to the revised suspension tuning that reduces body roll. City driving benefits from the refined steering ratio, offering a lighter turn‑in that eases parking maneuvers. Noise insulation has been improved with additional acoustic glass, making highway cruising quieter than its predecessor.

Cargo capacity remains generous at 33.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. Families will appreciate the low loading height and the handy rear‑gate latch that can be opened with a foot‑press, a small convenience that often goes unnoticed.

FAQ

• Is the 2022 Forester’s engine significantly different from 2021? Not dramatically; it’s the same 2.5‑liter BOXER, but with minor intake and exhaust tweaks that add a couple of horsepower and improve smoothness.
• Does the new EyeSight system include automatic emergency braking? Yes, the updated EyeSight still features pre‑collision braking, and the software refinement improves detection of pedestrians at lower speeds.
• Which trim offers the best value for daily commuting? The Premium trim strikes a balance, adding the larger touchscreen, wireless charging, and a few comfort upgrades without the premium price of the Limited.
• Can I get a hybrid version of the 2022 Forester? As of the 2022 model year, Subaru has not released a hybrid Forester in the U.S. market, though the company has hinted at future electrified options.