2021 Subaru Forester Premium: A Detailed Review

Nov 15, 2025 by Alex Braham 48 views

Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium, a compact SUV that's been making waves in the automotive world. This review will cover everything you need to know, from its features and performance to its pros and cons, helping you decide if this is the perfect ride for you. The 2021 Forester Premium is more than just a vehicle; it's a lifestyle choice, perfect for families, adventurers, and anyone who appreciates a reliable, safe, and versatile SUV. We'll explore why the Forester Premium stands out in a crowded market and what makes it a top contender in the compact SUV segment. From its impressive safety features to its comfortable interior and capable performance, we'll leave no stone unturned. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

What Makes the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium Special?

So, what's all the hype about the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium? Well, first off, it's a Subaru, which means you're already getting a vehicle known for its longevity, reliability, and excellent resale value. But the Premium trim takes it a step further, offering a sweet spot between affordability and features. This SUV is designed to handle whatever life throws your way, whether you're navigating city streets or tackling off-road trails. The Forester Premium boasts standard all-wheel drive, a key feature that sets it apart from many competitors. This system provides superior grip and control in various weather conditions, making it a safe and trustworthy choice for all seasons. Furthermore, the 2021 model received a facelift, giving it a refreshed exterior design that’s both stylish and functional. You'll find a spacious interior with comfortable seating, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a suite of advanced safety technologies, including Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, all designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The Forester Premium also offers impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and long road trips. The combination of all-wheel drive, safety features, and fuel efficiency makes the Forester Premium an attractive option. The Forester Premium provides a blend of practicality, comfort, and capability that few competitors can match. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a variety of drivers, from young professionals to families. The 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is the total package.

Design and Exterior

Alright, let's talk about the look and feel of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. The exterior design of the Forester Premium is all about functionality and a touch of ruggedness. It’s not about flashy curves or aggressive lines; it's about a practical, versatile design that’s built to handle whatever you throw at it. The 2021 model features a redesigned front fascia, including a new grille and updated headlights, giving it a fresh and modern look. The Forester's boxy shape isn't just for aesthetics; it provides excellent visibility and maximizes interior space. You'll appreciate the large windows and high driving position, which offer a commanding view of the road. The Premium trim comes standard with features like roof rails, perfect for carrying extra cargo such as bikes, kayaks, or skis. This adds to the SUV’s adventurous spirit and makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The rear of the Forester features a practical tailgate with a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload cargo. The ground clearance is generous, providing confidence when navigating rough terrain. The design reflects Subaru's commitment to building vehicles that are both capable and functional. Overall, the exterior design of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is understated yet stylish. The design isn't about standing out; it's about seamlessly blending into any environment. The Forester Premium is designed to be a reliable and dependable vehicle that performs in all conditions. The exterior design focuses on practicality, making it a smart choice for those seeking a functional and versatile SUV. The exterior is designed for utility and blends in well whether you're in the city or the countryside.

Interior and Comfort

Now, let's step inside the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium and see what it has to offer in terms of comfort and convenience. The interior of the Forester Premium is designed with practicality in mind, offering a spacious and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The cabin feels airy and open, thanks to the generous headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. Even tall passengers will find plenty of space to stretch out. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The Premium trim includes upgraded cloth upholstery, which adds a touch of elegance to the interior. The layout of the dashboard and controls is user-friendly, with everything within easy reach. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a touchscreen display that provides access to all your favorite apps and features. The Premium trim includes features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience. The materials used throughout the cabin are of good quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. Storage space is plentiful, with various compartments and cubbies to keep your belongings organized. The cargo area is spacious and easily accessible, with a wide opening and a low load floor. The rear seats fold down to provide even more cargo space, making it easy to haul larger items. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is a comfortable and practical space that is well-suited for everyday use and long journeys. The interior is designed to prioritize comfort and convenience for all occupants. The interior is spacious and well-equipped, making the Forester Premium a practical and enjoyable SUV.

Performance and Handling

Let’s get into the heart of the matter: how does the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium perform on the road? Under the hood, the Forester Premium is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which provides smooth and efficient power delivery. While the Forester isn't a powerhouse in terms of acceleration, it offers plenty of power for everyday driving, including merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles. The CVT is tuned to maximize fuel efficiency, contributing to the Forester's impressive gas mileage. One of the standout features of the Forester is its standard all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent grip and stability in all weather conditions, making it a safe and confident choice for drivers. The Forester's suspension is tuned to provide 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. The Forester also offers a good amount of ground clearance, allowing it to handle light off-road trails and rough terrain with ease. The vehicle is designed to be a reliable and capable SUV. The Forester Premium has a good ride and is capable on many surfaces. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium are well-balanced. It provides a comfortable and composed ride, with excellent handling and stability in all conditions. The Forester Premium offers a blend of practicality and performance. The performance and handling are designed to inspire confidence in various driving conditions. The Forester Premium is designed to handle different terrains.

Engine and Transmission

Peeking under the hood, let's dissect the engine and transmission of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. As mentioned before, the 2021 Forester Premium is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine, while not the most powerful in its class, provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which is sufficient for everyday driving tasks. The engine is known for its reliability and smooth operation. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to optimize fuel economy and provide seamless power delivery. The CVT eliminates the traditional gear changes, resulting in a smooth and almost imperceptible transition between speeds. Subaru has refined its CVT technology over the years, and the one in the Forester is one of the better CVTs on the market. It provides a more natural feel compared to some competitors. The combination of the engine and transmission results in a good fuel economy, making the Forester Premium an economical choice for both city driving and long highway trips. The Forester Premium has a reliable engine and smooth transmission. The engine offers good fuel economy and the transmission is smooth. The engine and transmission work together to provide a seamless driving experience, making the Forester Premium a comfortable and practical SUV.

Driving Experience and Fuel Efficiency

Let's talk about the actual driving experience and fuel efficiency of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. On the road, the Forester Premium provides a comfortable and composed driving experience. The ride is smooth, even on rough surfaces, thanks to the well-tuned suspension. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in both city streets and on winding roads. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and stability, especially in wet or snowy conditions, enhancing driver confidence. The Forester Premium isn’t a sports car, so it doesn't offer blistering acceleration. However, the engine provides ample power for daily driving needs, including merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles. The CVT transmission contributes to the smooth power delivery, eliminating the abrupt gear changes you might find in some other vehicles. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2021 Forester Premium does quite well. It offers impressive gas mileage for its class, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and longer road trips. The engine and transmission are engineered to maximize fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. The Forester Premium offers a balanced driving experience. The car has an all-wheel-drive system for handling various weather conditions. The Forester Premium combines comfort and efficiency.

Safety Features and Technology

Safety is paramount, and the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium shines with its comprehensive suite of safety features and advanced technology. One of the key highlights is Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which comes standard on all Forester models, including the Premium. EyeSight includes several advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, making highway driving less stressful. Lane-keeping assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while lane departure warning alerts the driver if the car starts to drift out of its lane. Pre-collision braking can automatically apply the brakes if the system detects an impending collision, helping to mitigate or avoid the impact. In addition to EyeSight, the Forester Premium is equipped with other safety features, including blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. This system alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots and helps prevent collisions when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The Forester Premium also includes a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of the area behind the vehicle when backing up. This feature makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The Forester has good safety features. The safety features are designed to protect drivers. The Forester Premium is designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Driver-Assistance Systems

Let’s go deeper into the driver-assistance systems found in the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. As mentioned, Subaru's EyeSight system is the star of the show, and it includes a range of features designed to enhance safety and make driving easier. Adaptive cruise control is a standout feature, automatically adjusting the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. This is especially useful on highways, reducing driver fatigue and preventing potential rear-end collisions. Lane-keeping assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, gently nudging the steering wheel to correct any drifting. This is helpful on long drives, reducing the risk of lane departure. Lane departure warning alerts the driver if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane, providing an audible and visual warning. This feature helps prevent accidents caused by inattentiveness or drowsiness. Pre-collision braking is a critical safety feature that can automatically apply the brakes if the system detects an impending collision. This can help to mitigate or avoid an accident, protecting the occupants of the vehicle. These driver-assistance systems contribute to the Forester's reputation as a safe and reliable SUV. Subaru’s dedication to safety is one of the main reasons many people choose a Forester. The driver-assistance systems enhance safety and driving convenience. The driver-assistance systems are a valuable asset, making the Forester Premium a safe vehicle.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Let's explore the infotainment and connectivity features of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. The Forester Premium is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen display that provides access to all your favorite apps and features. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, with clear graphics and intuitive menus. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, such as navigation, music, and podcasts. The Premium trim also includes a six-speaker audio system, which provides good sound quality for your listening pleasure. The system has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, so you can easily stream music from your smartphone or make hands-free calls. The Forester Premium also comes with USB ports, allowing you to charge your devices and connect them to the infotainment system. The infotainment system is designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience. The infotainment is equipped with the latest technology. The connectivity features are designed to enhance your driving experience. The Forester Premium is designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road.

Pros and Cons of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium

So, what are the upsides and downsides of the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium? Let's break it down.

Pros:

Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a major selling point, providing excellent grip and stability in all weather conditions, from rain and snow to ice and gravel. It gives you confidence and peace of mind.
Spacious Interior: The Forester offers a surprisingly roomy cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. It's a comfortable place to spend time, even on long drives.
User-Friendly Infotainment System: The touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity.
Excellent Safety Features: The standard EyeSight driver-assist system is packed with advanced safety technologies that help to protect you and your passengers.
Good Fuel Economy: The Forester offers impressive fuel efficiency for its class, making it an economical choice for daily commutes and road trips.
Reliability and Resale Value: Subaru is known for its reliability, and the Forester holds its value well over time.

Cons:

Engine Performance: While the engine is adequate for everyday driving, it can feel a bit underpowered, especially when merging onto highways or carrying a full load.
CVT Transmission: Although the CVT is efficient, some drivers may not enjoy the feel of it, as it can feel a bit sluggish compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
Interior Design: The interior is functional but not the most stylish in its class. Some may find the design a bit bland or lacking in premium touches.
Road Noise: Some owners have reported noticeable road noise, especially at higher speeds.

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

So, after all of this, is the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium the right SUV for you? If you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and versatile compact SUV, the answer is likely yes. The Forester Premium offers a compelling package, especially if you prioritize safety, all-wheel drive, and a spacious interior. The standard all-wheel drive makes it an excellent choice for those living in areas with inclement weather. The Forester Premium is an excellent option for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who values practicality and reliability. If you need a stylish and sporty SUV, it might not be the best choice. However, if you are looking for a vehicle that can handle the daily grind and occasional adventures, the 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is worth a serious look. The Subaru Forester Premium is a great option for people looking for a dependable vehicle. The Forester Premium is a practical and reliable SUV. The 2021 Subaru Forester Premium is designed to be a good investment.