Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, a compact SUV that's been making waves with its reliability, safety features, and overall value. If you're in the market for a versatile vehicle that can handle both city streets and weekend adventures, the Forester 2.5i Premium might just be the perfect fit. In this in-depth review, we'll cover everything from its performance and interior to its safety features and overall driving experience. So buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance and Engine

The heart of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a solid 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency and provide a smooth, seamless driving experience. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Is 182 horsepower enough?" Well, for everyday driving and most typical situations, it definitely gets the job done. The Forester offers adequate acceleration for merging onto highways and navigating city traffic. It's not a sports car by any means, but it provides a confident and capable performance. The CVT is programmed to mimic the gear shifts of a traditional automatic transmission, which prevents that dreaded rubber-band feeling that some CVTs are known for. This makes the driving experience more engaging and enjoyable. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard on all Forester models. This system provides excellent traction and stability in a variety of conditions, from snow and ice to gravel and dirt. The Forester also features X-Mode, which optimizes the all-wheel-drive system for even more challenging terrain. With X-Mode engaged, the Forester can confidently tackle moderate off-road trails and handle slippery conditions with ease. The fuel economy is another strong point of the Forester 2.5i Premium. It achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, making it one of the more fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This is a significant advantage for drivers who want to save money at the pump without sacrificing capability or comfort. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium offers a well-rounded performance package that's suitable for a wide range of drivers. Its combination of adequate power, smooth transmission, standard all-wheel drive, and good fuel economy makes it a compelling choice in the compact SUV segment. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or exploring the great outdoors, the Forester is ready for the task.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, you'll immediately notice the focus on practicality and comfort. The interior design is clean and straightforward, with durable materials and a functional layout. While it might not be the most luxurious cabin in its class, it's certainly one of the most user-friendly and well-thought-out. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The Premium trim includes features like heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, which add to the overall comfort. The rear seats also offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it a great choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers. One of the standout features of the Forester's interior is its exceptional visibility. The large windows and tall greenhouse provide a panoramic view of the road, minimizing blind spots and making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. This is a huge advantage in urban environments and on winding roads. The cargo area is also generous, with 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands to a whopping 76.1 cubic feet, which is more than enough for hauling luggage, camping gear, or even small furniture. The wide rear gate opening and low load floor make it easy to load and unload items of all shapes and sizes. The infotainment system in the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is user-friendly and responsive. It features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a rearview camera. While the infotainment system is not the most advanced in its class, it's easy to use and provides all the essential features that most drivers need. The climate control system is also straightforward and effective, with simple knobs and buttons for adjusting the temperature and fan speed. The Premium trim includes automatic climate control, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature in the cabin. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is a comfortable and practical space that's well-suited for everyday driving. Its spaciousness, excellent visibility, and user-friendly features make it a top choice in the compact SUV segment. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the Forester's interior will keep you and your passengers comfortable and connected.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium truly shines. Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the Forester is packed with features designed to protect you and your passengers. The Forester has earned top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), making it one of the safest SUVs on the market. One of the key safety features of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This system includes a suite of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keeping assist can gently steer you back into your lane. In addition to EyeSight, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium also includes other standard safety features, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Blind-spot detection alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. The Forester also features a strong and rigid body structure, which helps to protect occupants in the event of a crash. The vehicle is equipped with a full complement of airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The seats are designed to minimize whiplash injuries, and the brakes are equipped with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium also includes Subaru's DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which uses a camera to monitor the driver's attention level and alert them if they become drowsy or distracted. This system can help to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue or inattention. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is one of the safest SUVs on the market, thanks to its comprehensive suite of safety features and its strong and rigid body structure. If you're looking for a vehicle that will protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash, the Forester is an excellent choice.

Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium offers a comfortable and confident driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension provides a smooth and controlled ride. The Forester is easy to maneuver in tight spaces, thanks to its excellent visibility and compact size. On the open road, the Forester feels stable and planted, even at higher speeds. The engine provides adequate power for merging onto highways and passing other vehicles, and the CVT delivers smooth and seamless acceleration. The Forester is also surprisingly quiet inside, with minimal road and wind noise. One of the things that sets the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium apart from other SUVs is its off-road capability. With its standard all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode, the Forester can confidently tackle moderate off-road trails and handle slippery conditions with ease. Whether you're driving on snow-covered roads or gravel paths, the Forester provides excellent traction and stability. The Forester also features a comfortable and supportive driver's seat, which is essential for long drives. The Premium trim includes features like heated front seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, which add to the overall comfort. The interior is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive, and the climate control system is effective at maintaining a comfortable temperature in the cabin. The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is also equipped with a variety of driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help to make driving safer and more convenient, especially on long trips. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium offers a well-rounded driving experience that's suitable for a wide range of drivers. Its combination of comfort, performance, safety, and off-road capability makes it a top choice in the compact SUV segment. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or exploring the great outdoors, the Forester is ready for the task.

Final Thoughts

So, what's the final verdict on the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium? It's a well-rounded, practical, and safe compact SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a reliable and capable vehicle that can handle a variety of conditions. While it may not be the flashiest or most luxurious SUV on the market, it excels in the areas that matter most: safety, reliability, and practicality. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is definitely worth considering. Its combination of features, performance, and value make it a top contender in its class. Just remember to take it for a test drive and see if it's the right fit for you. Happy driving!