2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 50 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium. This is a fantastic compact SUV, and we're going to break down everything you need to know about it. From its features and performance to why it's a great choice for various lifestyles, we'll cover it all. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

What Makes the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Special?

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium stands out for a few key reasons, especially in a market flooded with compact SUVs. First off, Subaru has built a reputation for reliability, and the Forester continues that tradition. You're getting a vehicle that's built to last. Secondly, it comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which gives you excellent handling and control, especially in challenging weather conditions. This is a huge selling point, setting it apart from many competitors that offer AWD as an upgrade. Lastly, the Premium trim offers a great balance of features and affordability, making it a sweet spot for many buyers. It's not the base model, so you get some nice upgrades, but it's also not the top-of-the-line, keeping the price reasonable. We will discuss its features in detail later on, but for now, know that the 2021 Forester 2.5i Premium offers a compelling package for anyone looking for a versatile, reliable, and capable SUV.

So, why should this car be your next pick? The Forester is a popular choice for good reasons. It's spacious, which provides ample room for passengers and cargo. Moreover, the car's fuel efficiency makes it economical for everyday driving, and its safety features give you peace of mind on the road. The Forester's robust all-wheel-drive system ensures good performance, whether on the road or tackling light off-road trails. With its mix of practicality, safety, and capability, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is an excellent choice for a wide range of needs.

Key Highlights

  • Reliability: Known for its long-term durability.
  • Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: Standard for enhanced traction and control.
  • Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Good gas mileage for its class.
  • Safety Features: Advanced driver-assist technologies.

Performance and Handling: Driving the 2021 Forester

Let's talk about what it's like to actually drive the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a decent amount of power for everyday driving, perfect for commuting, running errands, or taking a road trip. It's not a sports car, mind you, but it offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps maximize fuel efficiency. Some folks aren't the biggest fans of CVTs, but Subaru's CVT is well-tuned and provides a seamless power delivery. The real star of the show here is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system is standard on the Forester and provides excellent grip and stability, especially in rain, snow, or on gravel roads. It gives you confidence behind the wheel, knowing that the car can handle various road conditions.

The Forester's ride quality is comfortable, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and handling, so you won't feel every little bump, but it still feels composed when cornering. Steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the Forester is a breeze to park.

Driving Experience Breakdown

  • Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder, providing adequate power.
  • Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery and fuel efficiency.
  • All-Wheel Drive: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for superior traction and stability.
  • Ride Quality: Comfortable, absorbing bumps in the road.
  • Handling: Balanced, with light and responsive steering.

Interior and Comfort: Inside the Forester 2.5i Premium

Step inside the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, and you'll find a well-designed and functional interior. The cabin is spacious, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. This makes it a comfortable choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. The Premium trim comes with upgraded cloth upholstery, which feels durable and looks nice. The layout of the dashboard and controls is user-friendly, with everything easily accessible. Subaru has made sure that the Forester is easy to live with, and that includes the interior design.

The infotainment system in the Forester is pretty solid, featuring a touchscreen display that is simple to use. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. You also get a good sound system that delivers clear audio quality. The Premium trim includes features like a power-adjustable driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience. The panoramic sunroof really opens up the cabin, making it feel even more spacious and airy. Heated front seats are a welcome feature on cold mornings.

The materials used throughout the interior are of good quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. You won't find any cheap plastics or rattles. The Forester feels like a well-built vehicle that's designed to last. The cargo area is also quite practical, with a generous amount of space for luggage, groceries, or gear. The rear seats fold down easily to create even more cargo space.

Interior Features Highlights

  • Spacious Cabin: Ample headroom and legroom for all passengers.
  • Comfortable Seats: Supportive and comfortable for long drives.
  • User-Friendly Infotainment System: Touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Upgraded Features: Power-adjustable driver's seat, panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats.
  • Quality Materials: Durable and well-finished interior.

Technology and Features: What You Get

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is packed with technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience and keep you safe. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is a standout feature, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and make your drive safer. Adaptive cruise control is especially useful on highway drives, allowing you to maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front of you.

You also get a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and back up. The infotainment system, as mentioned earlier, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can easily connect your smartphone. The Premium trim adds features like keyless access with push-button start, making it more convenient to get in and out of the car. The automatic climate control system ensures that the cabin is always at a comfortable temperature, and the power-adjustable driver's seat helps you find the perfect driving position. Subaru also includes features like automatic headlights and a high beam assist system, which automatically switches between high and low beams as needed.

Technology & Features Overview

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, pre-collision braking.
  • Rearview Camera: For easier parking and backing up.
  • Smartphone Integration: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
  • Convenience Features: Keyless access with push-button start, automatic climate control, power-adjustable driver's seat.
  • Lighting: Automatic headlights and high beam assist.

Safety Features: Keeping You Safe

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2021 Forester 2.5i Premium is no exception. As mentioned earlier, the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite is a key safety feature, providing a range of driver-assist technologies designed to help prevent accidents. The Forester also features a robust body structure designed to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision. You'll find a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, to protect occupants in a crash. The Forester earned excellent safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which gives you peace of mind knowing that it's a safe vehicle.

Other safety features include electronic stability control and traction control, which help to maintain control of the vehicle in challenging driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive system also contributes to safety by providing enhanced traction and stability. The Forester is engineered to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. The inclusion of these safety features shows Subaru's commitment to protecting its customers.

Safety Breakdown

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Collision prevention features.
  • Body Structure: Designed to absorb impact energy.
  • Airbag System: Comprehensive airbag protection.
  • Safety Ratings: High ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
  • Stability and Traction Control: For enhanced control.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Which Forester is Right for You?

The 2021 Subaru Forester is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and price points. The Premium trim offers a good balance of features and value, making it a popular choice. Other trim levels include the base model, which offers a more affordable entry point, and higher trims like the Sport, Limited, and Touring, which add more features and luxury. The base model is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable, reliable SUV. The Sport trim adds some sporty styling elements and features, while the Limited and Touring trims offer more luxury and premium features, like leather upholstery and upgraded audio systems.

Pricing for the Forester varies depending on the trim level and any optional packages you choose. Overall, the Forester offers competitive pricing in its class. The Premium trim, in particular, offers a great value proposition, providing a good selection of features without breaking the bank. It's always a good idea to check the latest pricing information and any available incentives when you're considering buying a car. The cost of the car will vary depending on your location, dealer, and any additional features you select.

Trim Level Comparison

  • Base: Entry-level, affordable.
  • Premium: Balanced features and value.
  • Sport: Sporty styling and features.
  • Limited: More luxury features.
  • Touring: Top-of-the-line with premium features.

Fuel Economy: How Does the Forester Perform?

One of the practical considerations when choosing a car is fuel economy. The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium offers respectable fuel efficiency for its class. The EPA estimates that the Forester gets around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 29 mpg. This is pretty good, especially considering that it's an all-wheel-drive SUV. Your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and the type of fuel you use. However, you can expect to get decent gas mileage with the Forester. Subaru's use of a CVT helps to improve fuel efficiency, as does the efficient four-cylinder engine. The Forester is a good choice if you're looking for an SUV that's both practical and fuel-efficient, especially if you do a lot of driving.

Fuel Efficiency Summary

  • City: Approximately 26 mpg.
  • Highway: Approximately 33 mpg.
  • Combined: Approximately 29 mpg.
  • Factors Affecting: Driving habits, road conditions, and fuel type.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • Reliability: Known for its long-term durability.
  • All-Wheel Drive: Standard Symmetrical AWD for excellent traction.
  • Safety Features: Comprehensive driver-assist technologies.
  • Spacious Interior: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Good gas mileage for its class.

Cons:

  • Engine Power: The engine may feel a bit underpowered for some drivers.
  • CVT: Some drivers may not prefer the CVT transmission.
  • Infotainment: Infotainment system could be more advanced.

Conclusion: Is the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Right for You?

So, after all this information, is the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium the right SUV for you? If you are looking for a reliable, safe, and versatile compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive, the Forester is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who needs a vehicle that can handle various driving conditions. With its comfortable interior, user-friendly features, and good fuel economy, the Forester offers a well-rounded package.

However, if you're looking for a vehicle with more power or a more advanced infotainment system, you might want to look at other options. But, overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a compact SUV. Take it for a test drive and see if it's the right fit for your needs! I hope this review helped, guys! Safe driving!