Subaru Forester needs improved performance

The blatant weakness overshadows the wonderful qualities

ROSEVILLE, CA – Performance often falls near the top of the list when auto shoppers are looking for that perfect fit. With this knowledge as a guiding principle, why does Subaru continue to produce cars with uninspiring performance?

we tested 2022 Subaru Forester For a week the lingering complaint was performance. The Forester, like every Subaru we’ve driven in the past two decades or more, is lacking when true acceleration is called for. It’s baffling from our point of view, and definitely detracts from a well-respected manufacturer for many great qualities.

At a Glance – 2022 Subaru Forester

• Performance: 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 182 hp
• Rated mileage: 26-33 mpg
• Estimated price: $25,900 to $35,950
• Warranty: 3 years/36000 miles; Payment system: 5 years / 60,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 3 years, 36000; Corrosion: 5 years / unlimited

bold performance

The Forester comes with a single 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It has no runoff on almost any hill. Even on flat surfaces, the Forester travels from 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds.

Despite being equipped with the standard all-wheel drive system, a signature of all Subaru vehicles for many years, the Forester can’t escape being the middle of the road for a compact SUV because it’s hampered by a disappointing engine.

Addressing the engine problem is one glaring issue and another is improving the forester’s driving acumen. It’s not attractive and the fun factor isn’t there.

Although acceleration remains frustratingly sub-par, the Forester brand has some good qualities, including fuel economy (26-33 mpg), roomy interior, fuel economy, solid cargo area, And standard safety features that land near the top in that category.

The modestly priced Forester (starting at around $26,000) has an impressive sales history as well, having topped 150,000 in the past nine years. Sales hit a high of 180,179 in 2019, but fell to 154.723 last year, their lowest total since 2013.

Part of the Forester brand this year is the ideal Wilderness model for off-road adventures. The Forester Wilderness has 9.2 inches of ground clearance (8.7 standard for the Forester), an upgraded suspension, six-way LED fog lights, a reshaped bumper that offers more protection, 17-inch black all-terrain tires, and sturdier roof rails.

The Wilderness is more suitable for off-road trips than any competing small SUV. Additionally, the Wilderness has a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds, twice the amount of other Forester models.

Inner quality

The indoor forester also receives high marks. The cabin design is distinguished by a reasonable control system that does not take much time to master. The climate control knobs are close to the driver and won’t require taking one’s eye off the road, which is a frequent occurrence these days on many vehicles.

The SUV comes standard with a 6.5-inch central touchscreen display that features crisp graphics and is easy to navigate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard equipment, along with several USB ports located on both the front and rear.

Seating is comfortable at the front and, like most smaller SUVs, is a little cramped with three adults in the second row. The cargo area measures 28.9 cubic feet and expands to 74.2 cubic feet by folding the rear seats.

What can not be ignored in the summary of 2022 Subaru Forester It is his dull acceleration that needs to be addressed. Aside from this glaring weakness, the Forester has a lot more to offer, including its ability to go off-road better than most competitors.

Related