2022 Subaru Forester Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Drivers seeking a 2022 Subaru Forester may be overwhelmed by the six available trim levels, and now they even have an additional option! To ensure buyers get all that they need without spending on features beyond what is necessary, this guide will help them identify which model best fits their lifestyle. With as much as $10K separating entry-level from top of line trims, it pays to take time to select wisely. Use this resource for reference in finding your perfect match among the different models.

Compare the Forester Entry Level vs Premium. What is the difference?

Driving the 2022 Forester provides drivers with an exceptional experience regardless of trim level. The base model features a reliable 2.5L four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque coupled to Subaru's renowned symmetrical all wheel drive system with standard continuously variable transmission - ensuring you get where you need to go safely and efficiently. With 8.7 inches offroad ground clearance plus raised roof rails for added convenience, 17 inch steel wheels as well as optional aluminum alloy rims come equipped along with manually folding black side mirrors featuring steering responsive LED headlights providing not only essential functionality but also perfected style on any road surface or environment.

The Forester's entry-level trim offers a surprising amount of space and comfort, with 111.6 cubic feet of passenger room and up to 74.2 cubic feet in cargo storage - both significantly more than other models offer! Inside, you'll find manually adjustable front seats as well as 60/40 split folding rear seating all covered by cloth upholstery. Furthermore, automatic climate control provides the perfect temperature while Apple CarPlay & Android Auto support make sure your infotainment system is always connected on the 6.5" touchscreen display monitor for added ease during trips long or short.

The full EyeSight Driver Assist Technology Package comes standard with all Forester models. It includes pre-collision throttle management, pre-collision braking, sway warning, lane departure warning, and advanced adaptive cruise control. Automatic high beams are also standard, along with a tire pressure monitoring system. LED daytime running lights top off the standard safety feature list for the base 2022 Forester.

There is only one package available for the entry-level model. Called the Alloy Wheel Package, it includes the upgrade to 17-inch alloys along with raised roof rails. There are several stand-alone options available as well, including a cargo net, USB charging ports, and a set of fixed crossbars.

The starting price for the Premium model is exactly $3,000 higher than the base version. It is the same underneath the hood but does upgrade to 17-inch alloy wheels with a black finish. This model is also home to fog lights and a roof spoiler. The side mirrors remain manually folding, but they are now body-colored rather than black. They also gain heat, and there is a windshield wiper de-icer as well.

A panoramic moonroof is standard starting with the Premium model. While this does cut down on interior space, it also lets in plenty of light and air. The interior gains power-adjustable front seats, as well as a leather-wrapped shifter handle and steering wheel. In the back, there is a fold-down rear armrest with two cupholders. Dual rear USB charging ports are available. There are no real tech upgrades, other than the addition of two more speakers for the sound system.

The Premium model of the Forester is a great choice for safety-minded drivers. It comes with advanced driver aids, blindspot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and StarLink safety package - all standard! Through this comprehensive suite of features you'll have access to regular vehicle health reports plus instant notifications in case of an accident.

Compare the Premium vs. Sport. What is the difference?

For the adventure-minded, the Forester Sport trim provides enhanced driving dynamics with its 18 inch wheels and LED fog lights. Mirroring this exterior upgrade is an interior designed to make a statement - sport cloth upholstery complements orange accents throughout while maintaining premium comfort for all passengers. What's more, drivers can keep track of their vehicle performance via color multifunction displays that display info such as average speed, fuel economy and ambient temperature. With these features at your fingertips.

The Sport trim of the Forester gives drivers an increased level of athletic performance with paddle shifters. It also includes rear charging ports and has available upgrades, including a larger 8-inch touchscreen with voice control capabilities. For audiophiles looking for premium sound quality, there is an option to equip Harman Kardon's nine-speaker audio system featuring 576 watts equivalent amplifier power - perfect for HD radio listening which comes standard on this trim level and above.

The Sport version of the Forester ushers in a new era for driver safety with its comprehensive suite of advanced protection systems. Blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert come standard on this model, while innovative reverse automatic emergency braking is featured as well - designed to continuously monitor your surroundings when reversing so you can have peace of mind behind the wheel.

Compare the Sport vs. Wilderness Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The next option is the brand new Wilderness model. This model stands out with an impressive 9.2 inches of ground clearance, nearly 25% more than the average for its class! Enjoy a truly powerful performance every time you get behind the wheel. This is useful for off-roading in certain situations. On the downside, it dramatically drops the fuel economy. On the highway, the Wilderness is estimated to get 28mpg, which is five fewer than the other Forester models. City driving is not impacting as much, with the estimate being 25mpg. That is only one fewer mile per gallon than the rest of the lineup.

The Wilderness trim of the Forester family is an adventurer's dream. It has a heightened ground clearance, matte black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires standard and LED hexagonal fog lights for enhanced visibility on your journeys. Besides being the heaviest model in its class at 3,620 pounds - approximately 200 more than base models and 70 heavier than other trims - it also stands out as having special Andonized Copper accents to roof rails that can bear up to 800 lbs., far exceeding most competitors' 176 lb capacity limit.

Inside the Wilderness model, drivers find water-repellant upholstery. The rear seats get a one-touch folding feature for added convenience. Choosing the Wilderness trim or higher will also mean finally upgrading to dual-zone automatic climate control. The 8-inch touchscreen becomes standard, and an even more sophisticated infotainment setup with navigation is available.

Reverse automatic emergency braking is standard for the 2022 Forester Wilderness. This trim level also has a 180-degree front-view camera. There are a variety of optional add-ons for this model that have been specifically designed for it as well. Highlights include carpeted floor mats, a heavy-duty door scuff protector, and an engine under guard for added protection on rough terrain. It is also worth noting that the Wilderness is the only Forester to come with a full-size spare tire in 2022.

Compare the Wilderness vs. Limited. What is the difference?

For drivers looking for a lavish yet affordable ride, the Forester Limited model is an ideal choice. Featuring luxuries such as leather-trimmed upholstery and heated steering wheels in addition to 18 inch all-season tires and a power liftgate with automatic close feature, this vehicle offers exquisite comfort at lower cost than its Wilderness counterpart. A downside includes failing to offer reverse emergency braking or 180 degree camera systems but overall it's an excellent investment on luxurious driving experience.

Compare the Limited vs. Touring Trims. What is the difference?

The most expensive and fully-loaded version of the 2022 Forester is the Touring. It sticks with 18-inch wheels, but they have an exclusive dark gray finish. LED fog lights make their way back to the standard feature list, but they do not have the hexagonal shape found on the Wilderness. Rather than black or body-colored side mirrors, the Touring has a chrome satin finish.

With the purchase of a Touring model, drivers can enjoy added convenience with two-position memory settings for both side mirrors and driver's seat. Navigation comes standard in this trim as well; Harman Kardon’s premium nine-speaker sound system sets the soundtrack on any journey. The suite isn't complete without reverse automatic emergency braking and an exclusive driver distraction monitoring system that keeps road safety top priority by ensuring even distracted moments don't lead to dangerous outcomes.

Final Thoughts

The Wilderness trim may not be the most cost-effective option for drivers who stay on established roads. Although it comes with some enticing features, they are unlikely to outweigh the hefty price tag and reduced fuel economy of this model. Instead, budget conscious highway cruisers will likely find more value in one of the higher trims.

The 2022 Forester Premium offers a winning combination of safety, convenience, and affordability. Get all the essential features plus little luxuries like heated front seats and Wi-Fi hotspot access without having to sacrifice your budget. Subaru has created an SUV that won't stretch payment plans or pocketbooks making it perfect for any driver looking for reliable performance at reasonable cost.