Hey guys! Are you in the market for a reliable, versatile, and feature-packed SUV? Well, let's dive deep into the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier. This review is all about giving you the lowdown on what makes this car a standout choice. We'll cover everything from performance and interior comfort to safety features and overall value, ensuring you're well-informed before making a decision. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier represents the pinnacle of the Forester lineup, blending Subaru's renowned reliability with a host of premium features. It's designed to cater to those who seek a comfortable, safe, and capable vehicle for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. From its robust exterior design to its well-appointed interior, the Forester 2.5i Premier exudes quality and sophistication.

Subaru has long been celebrated for its commitment to safety, and the 2021 Forester is no exception. Equipped with the latest safety technologies, including Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, it provides an added layer of security for you and your passengers. This suite of features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, all working in harmony to prevent accidents and mitigate potential damage. Beyond safety, the Forester 2.5i Premier also boasts impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for the environmentally conscious driver.

Inside, the Forester 2.5i Premier offers a luxurious and comfortable environment. Leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof are just a few of the features that elevate the driving experience. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. These technologies keep you connected and entertained on the go, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring remote trails. The spacious cabin provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for families and those who require extra storage space. With its combination of premium features, advanced safety technologies, and practical design, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier stands out as a top contender in the compact SUV market.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it might not be the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate power for most driving situations. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency and provide smooth acceleration. The CVT mimics the behavior of a traditional automatic transmission, offering simulated gear changes that feel natural and responsive.

One of the Forester's standout features is its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions. Whether you're driving on wet roads, snow-covered streets, or gravel paths, the Forester maintains a confident grip, enhancing safety and control. The all-wheel-drive system continuously monitors wheel slippage and adjusts power distribution accordingly, ensuring optimal traction at all times. This makes the Forester a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging weather conditions or who frequently venture off the beaten path.

In terms of handling, the Forester offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension system effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable driving experience. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate winding roads. While it's not a sports car, the Forester handles corners with confidence and stability, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and all-wheel-drive system. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier strikes a good balance between performance, handling, and comfort, making it a versatile and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier, you're greeted with a well-designed and comfortable interior. The Premier trim elevates the Forester's cabin with premium materials and features, creating a more luxurious and inviting environment. Leather upholstery adorns the seats, providing a soft and supple feel. The front seats are heated and power-adjustable, offering customized comfort for both the driver and passenger. Heated rear seats are also included, ensuring that passengers in the back stay warm during colder months.

The Forester's cabin is spacious and airy, with ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. The rear seats can comfortably accommodate three adults, making it a practical choice for families. The large windows and panoramic sunroof provide excellent visibility and create a bright and open atmosphere inside the cabin. The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The 8-inch touchscreen display is responsive and clear, offering seamless integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition to comfort, the Forester 2.5i Premier also offers plenty of storage space. The rear cargo area provides ample room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, allowing you to transport larger items with ease. Small storage compartments are located throughout the cabin, providing convenient places to store your personal belongings. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier is well-appointed, comfortable, and practical, making it a pleasant place to spend time on both short commutes and long road trips.

Technology and Features

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier is packed with advanced technology and features designed to enhance your driving experience. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen display that provides access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and contacts. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with clear graphics and responsive touch controls.

The Premier trim also includes a premium audio system that delivers crisp and clear sound quality. Multiple USB ports are located throughout the cabin, allowing you to charge your devices on the go. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also available, providing internet connectivity for you and your passengers. Other convenient features include keyless entry, push-button start, and a power liftgate. These technologies make the Forester more convenient and enjoyable to drive.

Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is a standard feature on the Forester 2.5i Premier, providing an added layer of safety and security. This suite of features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, while lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. Automatic emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically to prevent or mitigate accidents. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, helping you to avoid accidents when changing lanes. These advanced safety technologies make the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies. As mentioned earlier, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all Forester models, providing advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and mitigate potential damage.

In addition to EyeSight, the Forester also includes other safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. Reverse automatic braking can detect objects behind the vehicle and apply the brakes automatically to prevent collisions. These features provide added peace of mind when maneuvering in tight spaces or navigating busy streets.

The Forester also features a reinforced body structure designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Advanced airbags are strategically placed throughout the cabin to provide additional protection. The Forester has consistently earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), demonstrating its commitment to safety. With its comprehensive suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier is one of the safest vehicles on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

For those of you who are conscious about fuel economy, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier offers competitive fuel efficiency for its class. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT transmission are designed to maximize fuel economy without sacrificing performance. According to EPA estimates, the Forester achieves 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 29 mpg. These figures are respectable for a compact SUV with all-wheel drive.

Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits. However, many owners report that they are able to achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates in everyday driving. The Forester's efficient engine and transmission, combined with its aerodynamic design, contribute to its impressive fuel economy. This makes it an economical choice for those who commute regularly or who frequently embark on long road trips.

In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Forester also runs on regular unleaded gasoline, which can save you money at the pump compared to vehicles that require premium fuel. The Forester's fuel tank capacity is 16.6 gallons, providing a decent range between fill-ups. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier offers a good balance between fuel efficiency, performance, and practicality, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pricing and Value

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier sits at the top of the Forester lineup, offering a range of premium features and amenities. As such, it commands a higher price tag compared to the base models. The MSRP for the 2021 Forester 2.5i Premier typically ranges from $35,000 to $37,000, depending on options and packages.

While the price may seem steep, the Forester 2.5i Premier offers excellent value for the money. It comes standard with a long list of features, including leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8-inch touchscreen display. It also includes Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which provides advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. When you consider the Forester's reliability, safety, and versatility, it's clear that it offers a compelling value proposition.

Compared to its competitors, the Forester 2.5i Premier is competitively priced. It offers similar features and performance to other top-rated compact SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. However, the Forester stands out with its standard all-wheel-drive system, which provides superior traction and stability in all weather conditions. This makes it a great choice for those who live in areas with challenging weather or who frequently venture off the beaten path. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier represents a solid investment for those seeking a reliable, safe, and feature-packed SUV.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict, guys? The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a reliable, safe, and feature-rich compact SUV. From its comfortable interior and advanced technology to its capable performance and impressive safety ratings, the Forester truly shines. While it may come with a slightly higher price tag than some of its competitors, the value it offers is undeniable.

Whether you're a family looking for a spacious and practical vehicle or an adventurer seeking a capable and reliable companion for your outdoor pursuits, the Forester has something to offer. Its standard all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in all weather conditions, while its comfortable interior and advanced features make every journey a pleasure.

In conclusion, if you're in the market for a compact SUV that delivers on all fronts, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premier should definitely be on your shortlist. Go ahead and take it for a test drive, and you'll see why it's consistently ranked as one of the best vehicles in its class. You won't be disappointed!