Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are functional automobiles preferred by many because they offer the best of both worlds. You can use an SUV for daily errands and even take it out for adventure rides over the weekend. If you are not keen on buying a full-sized SUV, crossover compacts are the next best alternative. The new Subaru Forester compact SUV is one of the popular choices on the market in this category.

Performance and control
The new Subaru Forester comes with a decent 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine capable of 180HP, which is pretty impressive for a compact SUV. The engine configuration may not make it the fastest car, but it nevertheless packs enough power for a family drive. You get a continuous variable transmission (CVT) assembly with a symmetrical all-wheel drive for that extra stability and control.

Subaru has introduced additional engine smart controls in the Forester, like the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Active Torque Vectoring (ATV), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), and traction control. The Forester is designed to tackle any terrain with many safety assist features. You also get a decent fuel economy of 33 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg driving in the city.

Interior and exterior
Subaru has completely redesigned the interior and exterior of the vehicle. On the inside, the all-new Subaru Forester offers more cabin space than compacts from several competitors. The infotainment system on the dashboard has SUBARU STARLINK enabled. You can also use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to connect and synchronize all your smart devices and enjoy multimedia on the go. Subaru Forester’s interior doubles up as a storage space when the back seats are folded, giving extra room for cargo.

On the outside, Subaru Forester has a redesigned grille that gives it a more modern look. Another key highlight is the power panoramic moonroof available as a standard installation on the Premium, Touring, Sport, and Limited trim variants. The exterior designs are rugged and built for off-roading adventures.

New Subaru Sport and Wilderness trims – Key features
One of the newer trim variants, the Forester Sport, is modified heavily to fit some of the most exclusive accessories for camping and adventure driving, including a fully loaded roof camper cabin that can be bought as an additional accessory. Wider 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, and roof rack tie-down points enhance the functionality of the standard trim variant to provide a more exhilarating driving experience.

Another cool trim variant is the Forester Wilderness, which has many exterior and performance upgrades for a genuinely immersive off-roading experience. For instance, an enhanced X-MODE console feature transforms the driving capability in snow, dirt, and extreme weather conditions. The Sport and Wilderness models are priced at $30,465 and $33,520, respectively. Further modifications to customize the build will increase the final purchase price.

Subaru Forester regular trims
The Base trim is the cheapest, with a starting MSRP of just $25,895. It comes with all the standard installations. If you want a slightly better upgrade, the all-new Subaru Forester Premium is available for $28,895. The Limited edition is available for $32,575, whereas the ultimate Touring Edition starts at $35,995. Each trim variant is a slightly better upgrade with subtle modifications and driving capabilities over previous models.

The all-new Subaru Forester is worth its price tag. It is among the best deals in the compact SUV segment with the perfect balance of design and performance. While this vehicle may not boast the biggest engine, it certainly makes up with upgrades and accessories for a decent bargain.
But given that there are many trim variants with subtle differences in features, choose the one that suits your driving needs the most.