2021 Subaru Forester Review

The Subaru Forester has been in production since 1997 and is currently in its sixth generation. The first generation Subaru Forester, marketed as the SF, was produced from 1997 to 2002. It was built on the Impreza platform in the style of a higher station wagon. The second generation Forester, known as the SG debuted in 2002 and was built until 2009. During this time, Subaru introduced the STI (Subaru Tecnica International), a sportier version of the Forester with a redesigned grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The rear end was also modified, with the addition of a rear spoiler.

The third generation Forester, codenamed SH, went into production in 2009 and lasted until 2014. The body shape of the Forester evolved into a crossover SUV. The Forester SJ was the fourth generation, built from 2014 to 2018. The interior was completely redesigned. The fifth generation Forester, known as the SK, was in production from 2018 to 2023. The Sixth generation Subaru Forester codenamed SL has been in production from 2024 to present.

The 2021 Subaru Forester comes with 4 engine options; the 1.8 L CB18 H4 turbo, 2.0 L FB20 H4 and 2.5 L FB25 DI H4 all petrol, and the hybrid 2.0 L FB20D e-Boxer H4. All the powertrains are mated to a Lineartronic continuously variable (CVT) transmission.

Subaru Forester Grades

1. Touring– This is the base grade that comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, EyeSight, cruise control, Rear privacy glass, Automatic headlights, Dual-zone automatic climate control, Keyless entry and push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility

2. X-BREAK– This trim is equipped with 18-inch black alloy wheels, Full LED headlights with auto-leveling feature, a Leather-wrapped steering wheel, a red-orange decorated bumper, roof rails, all-season tires, water-repellent cargo floorboard in the luggage compartment, heated seats, electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats and the driver and passenger seats are electrically adjustable with eight-way power seats,

3. Advance– This trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, Full LED headlights, LED fog lights, power-folding mirrors, Roof rails, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Dual-zone automatic climate control, front bumper, and side cladding decorated with silver and EyeSight Safety Plus safety support function.

4. SPORT– This grade is equipped with a 1.8L direct injection turbo engine, 18-inch all-season tires with a dark metallic finish, genuine leather seats, LED headlights, black grille, Power tailgate, Heated front and rear seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Keyless entry and push-button start.

5. STI Sport- The STI Sports grade comes with 18-inch dark metallic alloy wheels, special dampers, Gloss black front grille, Roof rails, Privacy glass on rear windows, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Heated front and rear seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, STI-tuned suspension, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

6. X-EDITION– The “X-EDITION” is based on the “Touring” and adds more SUV-like features such as unique 18-inch tires and roof rails, water-repellent fabric seats, and water-repellent cargo floorboard.

7. XT-EDITION– This trim Like the X-EDITION, features black trim to create a bold look, metallic 18-inch wheels, EyeSight Core Technology, and EyeSight Safety.

Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2021 Subaru Forester has an attractive cabin that is made up of quality materials. There are some hard plastics but still, it remain neat. The Forester accommodates up to 5 passengers across two rows. The front seats are spacious and comfortable for the driver and the front passenger. The rear seats are also comfortable with ample legroom and headroom even for 6-footers. Getting in and out of the 2021 Forester is easy and the driver has an unobstructed view of the road ahead.

This SUV comes standard with a 6.5-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a four-speaker stereo, satellite radio, HD Radio, two USB ports, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, and remote keyless entry.

Boot Space

The 2021 Forester has 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is enough to accommodate a couple of items such as groceries and luggage.

Exterior

The Subaru Forester boasts a modern and elegant exterior design that is sure to turn necks around on the roads. The front end features a wide hexagonal grille with the Subaru logo prominently placed at the center. There are also LED headlights and LED fog lights.

The side profile is characterized by subtle creases and lines running from the hood into the sides, giving it a streamlined look.

The rear end of the 2021 Forester features dual exhaust outlets, a rear bumper with plastic cladding, C-shaped LED tail lights, and a rear spoiler that is integrated into the top of the liftgate.

The 2021 Forester color options include; Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Crimson Red Pearl, Horizon Blue Pearl, Jasper Green Metallic, Sepia Bronze Metallic, and Autumn Green Metallic.

Subaru Forester Safety Features: Lane departure warning, Lane departure prevention, Lane centering, Rear seat reminder, Rearview camera, Lead vehicle start alert, Pre-collision throttle management, Pre-collision braking, Adaptive cruise control, Available driver assistance features, Lane change alert, Reverse automatic emergency braking, Blind spot monitoring, Rear cross traffic alert, Driver attention monitor, Automatic high-beam headlights and Adaptive headlights

Fuel Consumption

• 2021 Subaru Forester 1.8 L petrol engine consumption: 13.8 km/L on average
• 2021 Subaru Forester 2.0 L petrol engine consumption: 13.51 km/l on average
• 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5 L petrol engine consumption: 12.75 km/L on average
• 2021 Subaru Forester 2.0 L hybrid engine consumption: 15.5 km/l on average

Acceleration

• 2021 Subaru Forester 1.8 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.2 secs
• 2021 Subaru Forester 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.5 secs
• 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.0 secs
• 2021 Subaru Forester 2.0 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs

Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2021 Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from Subaru Kenya.

Stability And Handling

The 2021 Forester is smooth and composed on the road and the steering is light and precise, making it easy to manoeuvre through tight spaces. The Forester is also capable of some light off-roading thanks to its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

It is also equipped with Hill Descent Control and an X-Mode system that improves grip on slippery surfaces. The brakes are adequately strong for emergency stops.

The Forester handles well in corners and doesn’t show too much body lean. However, it lacks the sporty character of some of its competitors. Its cornering prowess is enhanced by a torque-vectoring system that dampens individual wheel speeds for optimum stability.

Under the hood, the Forester has 4 engine options that are all capable of everyday driving. However, if you are in need of more performance on the road the 2.5-litre four-cylinder making 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque is the ideal option.

Reliability

The Subaru Forester has established itself as a dependable SUV over the years with the majority of owners reporting no issues with it.

It is equipped with reliable powertrains and the Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is regarded as one of the most reliable systems providing excellent traction.

However, just like any other, the 2021 Subaru Forester may experience problems. The most commonly reported issues include; excessive oil consumption, Battery drain, and CVT issues. It is important to note that these issues are not widespread and not all owners will face them.

It is essential to regularly maintain and service your Forester to ensure its longevity and mitigate any underlying problems. We also recommend you read the Owner’s Manual.

Resale Value: Good

Subaru Forester Competitors: Mazda CX5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson.

What we like about the 2021 Subaru Forester

• Spacious cabin

• Comfortable ride

• Standard all-wheel drive

• Offroad capability

What we don’t

• Underpowered Engines

Conclusion

The 2021 Forester stands out in the compact SUV class as it excels in excelling in all-wheel-drive capability, safety features, and practicality. It is also a versatile SUV that can be used for day-to-day driving and at the same time be used for adventuring. The Interior is also spacious and can comfortably accommodate up to 5 people.

Where to buy the 2021 Subaru Forester in Kenya

If you are looking to either import or buy the 2021 Subaru Forester locally at a reasonable price, we can help you with this process. Over the years we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Just give us a call or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at info@topcar.co.ke and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.