Subaru Forester Drops In Sales Ahead of New Models And Why You Should Wait

Should compact SUV shoppers wait for the refreshed 2022 Subaru Forester or buy a 2021 Forester? Many buyers may be waiting because Subaru of America announced a September sales drop of 27.4 percent for the outgoing 2021 Forester. Subaru reports retailers delivered 11,366 Forester SUVs to customers last month compared with 15,648 in September 2020.

The 2021 Forester is still the overall carline leader for Subaru of America, with 132,254 models sold year-to-date. The Outback is the second-best volume model, with 122,978 midsize SUVs sold through the first nine months of 2021.

Why should customers wait for the 2022 Subaru Forester?

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. You can read more about the new technology here.

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.

All 2022 Forester trims now offer up to 3,000-lb. towing capacity (vs. 1,500) and features standard trailer stability assist. The additional tow rating will now allow customers with active lifestyles to pull a small boat or camper.

The top-of-the-line Touring trim offers a new gesture climate control capability, allowing the driver to raise and lower the automatic climate control system's temperature through hand gestures.

The most significant change for the Forester is a new 2022 Forester Wilderness trim level. You can read the complete report on the new outdoor model here.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru 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). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,125).

Subaru customers wanting a 2021 Subaru Forester should wait for the 2022 Forester model change when the compact SUV refreshes with new safety technology and convenience features. The 2022 Forester gets a modest price increase. The 2022 Forester base trim price increases +$475, Premium +$475, Sport +$445, Limited +$555, and Touring +$475.

When will the 2022 Subaru Forester arrive in U.S. showrooms?

Subaru of America did not announce when the 2022 Forester will arrive in the U.S., but our sources say it could be early next year. Recent plant closures in Japan have delayed the U.S. launch. Subaru is making the switch now from 2021 models to the refreshed 2022 Forester models. 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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