Subaru’s best-selling vehicle, the Forester, is getting a safety upgrade for the 2021 model year along with a modest price increase. The 2021 Subaru Forester will arrive on dealership lots in October.
For 2021, Subaru will continue to sell the model in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring grades. The Base and Premium trim levels get standard steering responsive LED headlights and automatic high beams, two technologies previously only available on Forester Limited and Touring models.
Rear Seatbelt Reminder is also upgraded to standard status for all 2021 Foresters. This upgrade means that all passengers are reminded to buckle up before their journey with an audio and visual warning from the SUV’s instrument cluster.
The interior of the Subaru Forester has not been changed for 2021 (2020 model shown here).
Photo courtesy of Subaru of America Inc.
The two-row Forester, which slots between the smaller Crosstrek and larger three-row Subaru Ascent in the company’s lineup, will continue to be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with a continuously variable transmission to achieve 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The Forester, like all other Subaru SUVs, comes standard with all-wheel drive.
It can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg and has a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Trailer Stability Assist continues to be standard for 2021 as does the Subaru EyeSight lineup of driver assist and safety technologies.
The roster of standard features on the 2021 Forester also includes power windows, door locks, and side mirrors; dual USB ports in the front center console; multi-function display; remote keyless entry; combination meter with color LCD; a 6.5-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a CD player.
Buyers can add a host of features and equipment to their model including the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and windshield wiper de-icer), 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support; 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; roof rails; a panoramic power moonroof; power lift gate; 8.0-inch infotainment touch screen; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle; dual-zone automatic climate control with voice-activated controls; navigation; and dual USB ports in the rear center console.
Blind spot monitoring, Lane Change Assist, and rear cross-traffic alert are also available.
New for 2021, the Premium comes with Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and fog lights as standard equipment.
The 2021 Subaru Forester starts at $24,795. Forester Premium comes in a $27,795 while the Forester Sport has a $29.395 price tag before any packages are added. The top-tier Forester Limited and Forester Touring come in at $31,395 and $34,895, respectively. Each model is subject to an additional $1,050 destination and delivery charge.
