2022 Subaru Forester SUV review (inc. 0-100)

Has Subaru finally nailed the perfect SUV? After a few minor mechanical tweaks and some styling changes, the 2022 Subaru Forester adds some kit that was missing the first time around. Is it any good? Paul Maric gives you a detailed review so you can see for yourself.

Skip Ahead:
Intro: 00:00
Exterior 00:46
Interior 03:14
Infotainment 04:51
Safety Tech 06:52
Practicality 07:51
On the Road 12:16
0-100 km/h 15:25
Verdict 16:59

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CarExpert:

Paul Maric:

#subaru #forester #review

[WesT]

Suggestion! If Paul can also include a decibel test, it would make the reviews even more comprehensive. Cabin noise is a really important factor for comfort. Sometimes the noise can be unbearable especially on the Australian highway with rougher road surface. Knowing how loud it could be inside a car can help people a great deal when considering what cars to but.
I have yet to find any channel that considers cabin quietness in their reviews. You guys can be the first!

[magicfingers]

I bought a 2022 Subaru Forester Sport in Jan. Very happy with the purchase! This review pretty much sums up my impressions even after 2 months of ownership. Although, I would argue the smaller infotainment system that preferences physical dials for air con and media is far superior to large touch screens seen on competitors. It’s safer to operate whilst driving and more practical. Perhaps it won’t age as well long term but you’re not buying a mid-sized SUV to win beauty contests.

[Grant_Ferstat]

Worth mentioning that the Forester has a lot more ground clearance than a lot of the competitors. This makes it somewhat more useful for light off road use than a lot of SUVs which have little more clearance than the average sedan.

[HydraliskX]

Have 2020 Sport. The "smaller" screen is a huge plus for me vs. the giant touchscreen on the Outback/Legacy. The giant screen offers no additional functionality and just serves to get in the way of things that should have been knobs, like the climate control.

[jdb-]

After driving several vehicles in this category, we settled on this one. This was for several reasons. We found that the Tucson had a terrible internal layout, no physical buttons in sight and with the high centre console made you feel trapped. Not to mention it was $10k more than the forester. The Forester was comfortable to drive, very functional layout inside yet still looks modern in my opinion and more tech/safety goodies to keep up with any brand new vehicle being released. Is it the prettiest, no, but I believe you won’t find anything better for the money. I highly recommend test driving it if you are in the market. Ours arrive late December/early January.

[whitelotus]

In the U S. I bought a 2023 Forester Premium, coming out of a 2011 VW Tiguan SE 4 Motion. I test drove about 10 different vehicles in the segment. It isn't the fastest, the most techy, or the most luxurious. But It is by far the most capable in the snow, which is when I did my test drives. And too many vehicles have center consoles with very high side panels that my right knee comes in contact with. The Forester does not, and is probably the most comfortable vehicle that I drove. Acceleration on highways is pretty good. MPG's are great. Visibility and space is fantastic as well. After 7 months, I have zero regrets.

[lawrencecasey]

having done 25k in my 2020 forester it has been brilliant. Has done plenty of soft sand driving, monthly camp trips as well as a number of tracks only patrol, lancruisers, and proper 4x4s go. Have always been met with laughs by the 'big boys' but have always left with looks of shock when they see a bone stock forester make it through some tough climbs/beach exists and play pen test tracks. The CVT leaves a lot to be desired off of its biggest letdowns and really limits what it could do with a conventional gearbox. Best thing about a forester is that it doesn't need a full ARB catalog thrown at it and 35 inch muddies....it just gets the job done without all the show and can drop the kids to school in comfort without an inch of body roll or black soot to be found. It will never be a rock crawler but will definitely take you to where most medium skilled 4x4 driver would go.

[adzthomasmith]

Great review and very glad to see it’s “Paul Maric Approved” considering I just put an order in for one :-D

[perthling]

Thanks Paul for your excellent reviews.
In need of an SUV and owning two Subarus previous, I almost struck off the Forester due to price.
But after testing everything else on the market I came back to the Subi and stretched my budget.
Picked up the MY22 "S" yesterday. So pleased with the purchase.
Only draw back is glossed over in your review - where to put your phone! With Apple and Google apps you don't need the screen. Just need to plug it in and put it somewhere it won't slide about. A small annoyance factor for Subaru to work out before their next release.
But otherwise I'm so incredibly pleased with my purchase. And thank you for all your videos as I was seriously considering and researching Outback, RAV4, Koleos, CX-5, X-Trail, CR-V, etc...

[AndyHutchinsons]

Taking delivery of mine in December. I tested all the cars in this sector (Kia Sportage, Rav 4, X-Trail etc) and it was actually an easy decision in the end. It feels like a properly designed car and the family really liked the raised seating in the rear so the passengers can see more than the back of a headrest. I tested the Outback too and also wondered why they didn't incorporate the big screen in the 2022 Forester, but when I drove it I actually liked the way it splits up the information, so you can have navigation turn information on the top and media or map on the 8" screen. Also found the visibility and comfort in the Forester to be way ahead of the other cars, particularly the Sportage which has very poor visibility (particularly in the rear) and feels weirdly cramped in the cockpit. Thanks for the review, you've reinforced my decision to purchase one of these and I look forward to many years of happy motoring in it.

[John]

Its refreshing to see someone talk and communicate so clearly, great info too Paul!🐶🐺🐕

[ashenchanaka]

Nice review. Well Structured. No fancy music. I'm not a car expert. But I get what I need to know from this review. Good Job...

[michaelpullen]

I have one on order, delivery next year. Test drove the competitors, none came close. Deciding factors, safety features- eyesight etc. and permanent AWD, drivability and visibility, ability of my wife to feel comfortable in driving it (5ft 2"), tech is proven unlike some of the tech in its competitors

[charlatanshost]

Great review Paul! The front end certainly looks a lot nicer in person than what I originally thought in photos. Sad that Subaru haven't brought back the XT in this generation, it would've been a great upgrade for our 2015 Forester.

[kapikoyli]

Driving the Levorg since 2016... Love it.

[johnnumbat]

Thank again Paul as mentioned in a previous comment I’ve owned 10 Subarus (WRX, Forester XT Turbo, Liberty, Outback, etc) and was always impressed with the constant AWD system- the on-demand system other manufacturers use is useless because it’s too late when you need it - I do like the Prado and Pajero AWD systems as well - I stopped buying Subarus when the CVT was introduced and don’t like the absence of a conventional temp gauge in the 2014 models onwards as it’s probably too late when the red light comes on - would happily own a Sports pack Forester if they included the gauge with a Turbo XT spec/ manual transmission.and not a mm of bling chrome - John in SA

[amani]

My 1997 Subaru Legacy Wagon still keeps me comfortable on long trips and absorbs bumps like marshmellows. I love that Subaru is Japanese and like you said, "built for comfort". These Subaru's have a standard of their own and have been the underdog for many many years. I will be upgrading soon, but not for anything too flashy. I love my analogue configurations, not a fan of a big touch screen..

[maccas]

I have 2021 Forester from new, just clocked 108k and hasn't missed a beat, power is perfect for me as well .that's city driving and long extended country trip all over NSW, Snow driving all for work. I consistently get 680-698 Ks per tank, has been a fantastic car and looking to upgrade to the current Forester 2.5i-s, thnks for the great review

[QldTechie]

A useful comparison would be the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Also many Subaru drivers are not all that interested in the size of centre screen. We are all interested in driveability, road holding, grip around curvy corrugated country roads both highway and secondary roads.

[eddielia]

Great review Paul. Mine should arrive sometime in January 2022, can’t wait.