Compact SUV Crossover

Let’s Have a Look Inside the 2021 Subaru Forester

By 08/18/2021 6:00am

2021 Subaru Forester

The 2021 Subaru Forester doesn’t get a ton of upgrades for the 2021 model year, but it continues to remain one of Subaru’s best-selling and most popular SUVs year after year. Though it looks small on the outside, the Forester provides plenty of space inside and boasts ample outdoor capability thanks to over 8 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive.

The Forester gets some light updates for 2021, including standard steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic high beams, a new rear seatbelt reminder, and some small new additions at the higher trim levels.

Passenger Room and Comfort

The 5-passenger 2021 Subaru Forester is narrower than some of its SUV rivals but still manages to incorporate plenty of front-seat shoulder room. Legroom is also generous — a 6-foot-tall passenger can sit comfortably behind a 6-foot driver.

The quality of materials inside is more than acceptable. The center console houses either a 6.5-inch infotainment display (the base model) or an 8-inch touchscreen in the higher trims.

Features and Tech

The base 2021 Forester comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and an array of driver aids under the EyeSight banner. Other features include automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, satellite radio, CD player, two USB ports, selectable driving modes, active grille shutters (for optimum fuel efficiency), 60/40-split/folding rear seats, plus a washer for the rearview camera.

 

Stepping up to Premium trim brings a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, and hill-descent control. You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats/side mirrors, and a windshield-wiper de-icer.

Standard in the Touring model, a system called DriverFocus employs infrared sensors and facial recognition to identify driver distraction or fatigue. If the driver has looked away from the road for three seconds, DriverFocus will sound an alert and even slow the vehicle to a stop if necessary.

Materials and Design

Materials and design have not changed much for the 2021 model year. There’s only one difference and that’s on the Sport model. It now sports a unique dark gray material with orange stitching and accents throughout the cabin.

The Limited comes standard with perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, silver metallic with gloss black finish center dash panel trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle, dual-zone automatic climate control with voice-activated controls, dual USB ports in the rear center console, and a power liftgate with auto close and height memory.

The Forester Touring level gets a choice of black or saddle brown perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-position memory with power lumbar support, 8-way power front passenger seat, and heated rear seats. LEDs are used for cargo-area and dome lights with off-delay, as well as the rear liftgate.

Cargo Room and Flexibility

Behind the rear seats of the Forester is a commodious 35.4 cubic feet of luggage space. Fold those seats down to reveal a maximum cargo area of 76.1 cubic feet. The optional moonroof chops a minor bit out of those figures. At 51.3 inches wide, the Forester’s rear aperture is huge, a full 6 inches better than the nearest competitor. Golf bags don’t need to be tilted to fit.

You also can opt for a variety of roof and hitch attachments to carry everything from bikes to cargo boxes. Also, the Forester offers plenty of pet-friendly accessories that include foldable crates, seat covers, and food bowls.

More 2021 Subaru Forester

Build and price your own 2021 Subaru Forester to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Forester models for sale near you.