Subaru is keeping the Forester fresh for the 2021 model year with subtle tweaks. In the process, the base sticker takes a hike, going from $24,495 for the 2020 Forester to $24,795 for the 2021 Forester. Granted, the $300 bump in price isn’t that much, not when it’s justified by the list of features.
Five trims, $24,795 starting sticker
The 2021 Subaru Forester range is split into five models: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring.
Regardless of what model you pick, the solely powertrain choice is Subaru’s 2.5-liter boxer-four naturally-aspirated engine that marries to the Lineartronic CVT and the brand’s by-now-trademark symmetrical AWD.
For 2021, the engine’s performance stays the same - 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, at the cost of a fuel economy average of up to 33 mpg highway, according to EPA estimates. The Forester can also tow up to 1,500 pounds and comes with what Subaru calls Trailer Stability Assist.
Here’s what each trims has to offer in particular:
2021 Forester Base - $24,795
Standard features include the likes of:
-* power windows, door locks and side mirrors
-* dual USBs on the center console
-* remote keyless entry
-* 6.5-inch Subaru Starlink multimedia setup (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)
On demand, customers can specify upgrades such as 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels and roof rails. The pack costs $600.
2021 Forester Premium - $27,795
The Premium is $3,000 more expensive than the base version of the Forester, but it also ups the ante feature-wise. Standard gear includes:
-* All-Weather Package: heated front seats, side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer setup
-* 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat + lumbar support
-* 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
-* roof rails
-* dark tint privacy glass
-* panoramic power roof
-* fog lights
-* push-button start
-* X-Mode with Hill Descent
-* leather-wrapped steering wheel
-* black and silver metallic center console
-* chrome door handles
2021 Forester Sport - $29,395
For 2021, the Subaru Forester Sport adds the following standard features:
-* Blind-Sport Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
-* gloss black exterior
-* 18-inch wheels
-* black rear roof spoiler
-* roof rails with orange accents
-* dark gray interior with orange stitching around the cabin
-* dual X-Mode
There’s also an optional bundle for those who want something extra, priced at $1,645. Once specified, it grants access to Subaru’s 8.0-inch Starlink multimedia setup, Harman Kardon sound system, and a power liftgate.
2021 Forester Limited - $31,395
The Limited includes all the goodies offered by the Sport, and then some more:
-* 18-inch aluminum alloys
-* body color-matching side mirrors with integrated turn signals
-* chrome bezels for the fog lights
-* 7-speed manual mode for the CVT
-* Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
-* Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
-* 8.0-inch Starlink setup
-* perforated leather seats
-* leather-wrapped steering wheel
-* dual-zone auto climate control
-* dual USB ports in the rear
-* power liftgate with auto close and height memory
In terms of optional features, the Forester Limited can be fitted with a single-option package ($1,695) that includes:
-* Reverse Automatic Braking
-* 8-inch Starlink navigation by TomTom
-* Harman Kardon sound setup
-* heated steering wheel
2021 Forester Touring - $34,895
This is the Forester range-topper, so it doesn’t get any better then this (or more expensive, for that matter). The Touring has all the features available for the Limited (both standard and optional), but adds a few of its own:
-* DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
-* unique-design 18-inch alloys
-* chrome exterior door handles
-* satin chrome folding side mirrors
-* LED fog lights
-* silver metallic roof mounts
-* Black or Saddle Brown leather upholstery
-* 10-way adjustable driver’s seat with two-position memory
-* 8-way power adjustable passenger’s seat with lumbar support
-* heated rear seats