2021 Subaru Forester Premium: A Detailed Review

Hey everyone! Are you in the market for a reliable and versatile SUV? Look no further! The 2021 Subaru Forester Premium might be the perfect fit for you. In this article, we'll dive deep into what makes this compact SUV a popular choice, covering everything from its performance and features to its safety and overall value. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's explore the ins and outs of the 2021 Forester Premium.

Unpacking the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium: Overview

First things first, what exactly is the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium all about? Well, it's a trim level within the fifth generation of the Forester lineup. Known for its practicality, safety, and all-weather capability, the Forester Premium builds upon the base model with added features and enhancements. This SUV is designed to cater to a wide range of needs, whether you're a city dweller, a weekend adventurer, or a family looking for a dependable vehicle. The 2021 model year saw some minor updates and improvements, keeping it competitive in the ever-evolving SUV market. The Forester is celebrated for its roomy interior, fuel efficiency, and standard all-wheel drive, making it a standout choice in its class. In a world saturated with SUVs, the Forester Premium carves out its niche by offering a blend of value, functionality, and Subaru's renowned reliability. It's a vehicle that's built to last and ready for any adventure you throw its way.

The 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine delivers a respectable amount of horsepower, making it suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. What truly sets the Forester apart is its standard all-wheel-drive system. This feature enhances traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions, giving drivers added confidence on the road. The interior of the Forester Premium is thoughtfully designed, with an emphasis on comfort and practicality. The cabin offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a great option for families. The infotainment system includes a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and various connectivity options. Safety features are also a priority, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology included as standard. This suite of features adds an extra layer of protection, making the Forester Premium a safe and reliable choice for drivers and their passengers. The exterior design is understated yet functional, with a focus on practicality and visibility. The Forester's boxy shape provides excellent outward visibility, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Performance and Handling: What's Under the Hood?

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of performance. The 2021 Subaru Forester Premium comes equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine generates a respectable amount of power, providing enough oomph for daily driving needs. While it might not be a powerhouse in terms of acceleration, it offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is designed to optimize fuel efficiency. It does so by seamlessly adjusting the gear ratios, ensuring that the engine operates at its most efficient speed. The result is a fuel economy that is competitive in its class.

The Forester Premium shines when it comes to handling and stability, especially thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system. This feature is a game-changer, providing excellent traction and control on various road surfaces. Whether you're navigating through rain, snow, or even some light off-road trails, the Forester's AWD system helps keep you planted on the ground. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

One of the standout features of the Forester is its excellent outward visibility. The boxy shape and large windows provide a clear view of your surroundings, enhancing safety and making it easier to park and navigate through traffic. The Forester is also known for its quiet cabin, which minimizes road and wind noise, making for a more pleasant driving experience. In terms of off-road capability, the Forester is more than capable of handling moderate trails and rough terrain. Its higher ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive give it an advantage over many other SUVs in its class. The Forester is not designed for serious off-roading, but it can certainly handle some light adventures. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium offers a balanced performance profile, with a focus on fuel efficiency, handling, and all-weather capability. It's a great choice for those who value practicality and reliability in their SUV.

Interior and Features: Comfort and Tech

Let's move inside the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium! The interior is designed to be both functional and comfortable, making it a pleasant place to spend time. The cabin offers ample space for both front and rear passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom. This makes the Forester a great choice for families or anyone who appreciates a roomy interior. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on longer journeys. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, giving the Forester a premium feel. One of the key highlights is the generous cargo space. With the rear seats up, there's plenty of room for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. When you need to haul larger items, the rear seats fold down easily, creating a flat cargo floor.

The infotainment system in the Forester Premium includes a touchscreen display, which provides access to various features and functions. The system is user-friendly, with intuitive menus and controls. It supports smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a premium audio system. The Forester Premium also comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features add an extra layer of safety and help to prevent accidents. The Forester also offers a rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring, further enhancing safety.

The overall design of the interior is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on practicality. The controls are well-placed and easy to reach, and the dashboard layout is intuitive. The Forester Premium also offers a comfortable driving position, with a good view of the road. The materials used in the interior are durable and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium provides a comfortable and well-equipped interior, with a focus on practicality, safety, and technology. It's a great choice for those who want a versatile SUV that is ready for both daily commutes and weekend adventures.

Safety Features: Keeping You Protected

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2021 Forester Premium is no exception. This SUV is packed with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard on the Forester Premium. This suite of features uses cameras to monitor the road and detect potential hazards. It includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane, and lane keep assist helps to steer you back into your lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. These features work together to help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of impacts.

In addition to EyeSight, the Forester Premium is equipped with other safety features, such as a rearview camera, which helps you see what's behind you when reversing. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot, making it safer to change lanes. Rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you are backing out of a parking space. The Forester also features a robust airbag system, including front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. These airbags provide additional protection in the event of a collision.

The Forester's structure is designed to absorb impact energy, further protecting occupants in the event of a crash. The Forester has received excellent safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These high ratings demonstrate the Forester's ability to protect its occupants in the event of a crash. The 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is a safe and reliable vehicle, thanks to its advanced safety features and robust construction. It's a great choice for those who want a vehicle that prioritizes safety and peace of mind on the road. The combination of advanced driver-assist technologies, a strong vehicle structure, and excellent safety ratings makes the Forester Premium a top choice for families and anyone looking for a safe and dependable SUV.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality: MPG and Space

Let's talk about the practical aspects of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium: fuel efficiency and space. The Forester Premium is known for its impressive fuel economy. With its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, it achieves excellent miles per gallon (MPG) ratings. This means you can save money on gas while still enjoying the benefits of an SUV. The exact MPG figures may vary slightly depending on driving conditions and habits, but the Forester consistently delivers good fuel economy for its class. In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Forester Premium offers a spacious and versatile interior. The cabin provides ample room for passengers, with plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. This makes it a great choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers.

The cargo area is also generous, providing plenty of space for your belongings. With the rear seats up, you have a considerable amount of cargo space for groceries, luggage, or other everyday items. When you need to haul larger items, the rear seats fold down easily, creating a flat cargo floor. This increases the cargo capacity significantly, making the Forester highly versatile. The Forester's boxy shape and large windows provide excellent outward visibility, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces. The standard all-wheel-drive system enhances its practicality, providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. This gives you added confidence on the road, whether you're driving in rain, snow, or even some light off-road trails.

The Forester Premium is also known for its user-friendly features, such as its intuitive infotainment system and easy-to-use controls. These features contribute to the overall practicality of the vehicle. The Forester is a great choice for those who value fuel efficiency, space, and versatility. It's a practical SUV that is well-suited for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. With its excellent MPG, spacious interior, and user-friendly features, the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium offers a compelling package for anyone in the market for a compact SUV.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Alright, let's break down the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium with a look at its pros and cons. This will help you get a balanced view and see if it's the right choice for you.

Pros:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a major selling point, offering excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions, which is especially helpful if you live in an area with rain or snow.
• Spacious Interior: The Forester Premium boasts a roomy cabin with plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a comfortable choice for families.
• Excellent Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, providing a comprehensive suite of safety features to help prevent accidents.
• Fuel Efficiency: The Forester offers good fuel economy for its class, helping you save money on gas.
• User-Friendly Features: The infotainment system and controls are intuitive and easy to use, making for a pleasant driving experience.
• Good Value: The Forester Premium offers a lot of features and capabilities for its price, making it a good value proposition.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: While the engine is fuel-efficient, it may feel a bit underpowered for some drivers, especially when accelerating onto the highway.
• Infotainment System: Although user-friendly, the infotainment system may not be as advanced or visually appealing as some competitors.
• Styling: The exterior design is functional but may not appeal to everyone, as it's not the flashiest SUV on the market.
• Road Noise: Some drivers have reported a bit of road noise, especially at higher speeds.

Ultimately, the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value. If you prioritize safety, space, all-wheel drive, and fuel efficiency, it's definitely worth considering. However, if you're looking for a more powerful engine or a more visually striking design, you might want to explore other options.

Conclusion: Is the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium Right for You?

So, after taking a deep dive into the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium, what's the verdict? Is this SUV the right choice for you? Well, that depends on your individual needs and priorities. The Forester Premium excels in several key areas. Its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and comprehensive safety features make it a top contender in the compact SUV segment. It offers a comfortable and practical driving experience, with good fuel economy and a user-friendly design. It's a great option for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who values safety, reliability, and all-weather capability.

However, it's important to consider its limitations. The engine performance may not be as exhilarating as some competitors, and the infotainment system, while functional, might not be the most cutting-edge. The exterior design is understated and not the flashiest on the market, but its practical benefits are numerous. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, practicality, safety, and all-weather capability, the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is an excellent choice. It provides a strong value proposition, offering a lot of features for its price point. If you want a fun, stylish SUV this one might not be what you are looking for. However, if you are looking for a reliable, safe, and practical SUV, the Forester Premium should definitely be on your list. I hope this review has been helpful! Happy car shopping, guys!