Refreshed Forester Is Subaru’s Only Bright Spot To Start The New Year

The refreshed 2022 Subaru Forester arrived in January, and customers bought a record number of the compact SUVs. Subaru of America (SOA) reports it was the best January ever for Forester. Even with the microchip shortages and low inventory, Subaru Corporation produced enough refreshed models for SOA to sell 13,531 models in January 2022 compared with 13,207 in January 2021.

Subaru sales were down overall, but the 2022 Subaru Forester was the bright spot and the top performer by volume for SOA, outselling the Outback by over 3,000 units. Forester was up 2.45 percent to start the year as Subaru of America sales were down 4.8 percent. The Outback and Crosstrek were down in sales to start the new year.

photo credit: Alison Subaru

What's new for the 2022 Forester?

The Forester gets a refresh in the fourth year of its life cycle. It includes a new look with a redesigned front facia, new grille, headlights, fog light covers, new safety technology, and convenience features.

The 2022 Forester gets improved safety technology. The compact SUV comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight driver assist technology that "improves overall performance and operates under a broader range of conditions thanks to a wider field of view and improved control software," says the announcement by Subaru.

An upgraded EyeSight technology is available on the Premium trim with the option package and all higher trim levels; EyeSight now includes new automatic emergency steering. Subaru says the new feature works in conjunction with the pre-collision braking to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph.

For 2022, Forester gets a new ladder-type roof rail design offering a higher load capacity (220 lb. vs. 176 lb.) and an 800-lb. static load limit (vs. 700 lb.), allowing safe use of a roof-top tent. New tie-down locations have been integrated into the rails. Inside, two additional utility hooks have been added to the roof of the rear cargo area, and a brighter LED interior dome lamp with off-delay is now standard.

What is the price of the 2022 Forester?

For the 2022 model change Forester comes in six trim levels; The base Forester starts at $26,320, Premium ($29,320), Sport ($30,890), Limited ($33,000), new Wilderness ($33,945), and Touring ($36,420). The 2022 Forester base trim price increases +$475, Premium +$475, Sport +$445, Limited +$555, and Touring +$475. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

What is the Forester fuel mileage?

The 2022 Forester gets an EPA estimated 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg. The EPA rated the new Forester Wilderness with an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

Subaru Corporation shut down the plant in Gunma, Japan, where they manufactured the 2022 Forester, so there will be more delays in production. The 2022 Subaru Forester starts the new year by setting an all-time best January record and is the bright spot for Subaru of America. Can Subaru produce enough new Forester SUVs for customers in February? Stay tuned.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: main image Subaru of San Bernardino