2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium: Review & Specs

by Alex Braham 50 views

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium stands out as a compelling option in the crowded compact SUV market. If you're in the market for a reliable, safe, and versatile vehicle, the Forester 2.5i Premium warrants serious consideration. This model year brings subtle refinements and enhancements that build upon the Forester's already strong reputation. Whether you're a daily commuter, an outdoor enthusiast, or a small family, the Forester 2.5i Premium aims to deliver a balanced package of comfort, utility, and value.

Let's dive into what makes this particular trim level so appealing, from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior features and safety technology. We'll explore the nuances of the 2021 model, providing you with a comprehensive understanding to help you decide if it's the right fit for your needs. We will discuss its pros and cons and who will find the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium a good fit.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, performance and fuel efficiency are key factors that potential buyers consider. This model is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While this might not seem like a powerhouse, it provides adequate power for daily driving and most typical situations you'll encounter. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which contributes to the vehicle's fuel efficiency. The CVT simulates gear changes, avoiding the droning sound that some earlier CVTs were known for. This makes for a smoother and more pleasant driving experience, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway.

One of the standout features of the Forester, and indeed all Subarus (except the BRZ), is its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. This system provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow, rain, or rough terrain. The symmetrical AWD system ensures that power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, which enhances grip and control. This is particularly useful when accelerating on slippery surfaces or navigating challenging road conditions. In real-world driving, the AWD system gives you a sense of confidence and security that you might not find in other vehicles in this class.

Fuel efficiency is another area where the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium shines. It achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 29 mpg. These numbers are quite competitive for a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. The Forester's fuel efficiency makes it an economical choice for daily commuting and long road trips alike. You won't have to worry about constantly stopping at the gas station, which can save you money and time in the long run.

Beyond the numbers, the driving experience of the Forester 2.5i Premium is characterized by its comfortable ride and responsive handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and composed ride. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces. While it's not a sports car, the Forester offers a pleasant and confidence-inspiring driving experience that makes it well-suited for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium, you'll find a well-designed and functional interior that prioritizes comfort and practicality. The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives more enjoyable. The quality of the materials used is decent, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. However, it's worth noting that the interior design is more utilitarian than luxurious, focusing on durability and ease of use.

The 2.5i Premium trim comes with a generous list of standard features. The infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen display that is responsive and easy to navigate. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. Other standard features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. The Premium trim also adds features like a panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light and enhances the sense of spaciousness inside the cabin.

One of the standout features of the Forester is its excellent visibility. The large windows and tall roofline provide a commanding view of the road. This is especially helpful in city driving, where you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. The Forester also has a relatively small turning radius, which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and parking lots.

The cargo area is another strong point of the Forester. It offers 31.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which is plenty for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands to 76.1 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items. The Forester also has a wide and flat load floor, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo. The rear liftgate is power-operated on the Premium trim, adding to the convenience.

While the interior of the Forester 2.5i Premium is generally well-regarded, there are a few areas where it could be improved. The base infotainment system's 6.5-inch screen is small by today's standards, and some may find it difficult to read. The audio system is also fairly basic, and audiophiles may want to upgrade to a higher-end system. Additionally, the interior design is somewhat bland and lacks the visual flair of some competitors.

Safety and Technology

Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium reflects this commitment with its comprehensive suite of safety features. The Forester comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. These systems use cameras and sensors to monitor the road ahead and help prevent accidents. The adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting your speed as needed. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if you don't react in time. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and lane keep assist can gently steer you back into your lane.

In addition to EyeSight, the Forester also comes standard with other safety features like a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. The Premium trim adds features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which can help you avoid accidents when changing lanes or backing out of parking spaces. The blind-spot monitoring system uses sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots, and the rear cross-traffic alert system warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing up.

The 2021 Subaru Forester has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Forester a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. These ratings demonstrate Subaru's commitment to building safe and reliable vehicles.

Beyond safety, the Forester 2.5i Premium also offers a decent array of technology features. As mentioned earlier, the infotainment system includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to easily access your favorite apps and services from your smartphone. The Premium trim also adds features like a Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to connect your devices to the internet on the go. However, it's worth noting that the Forester's technology features are not as advanced as some of its competitors. For example, it lacks features like a digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, which are available on some other compact SUVs.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear overview, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium:

Pros:

  • Standard all-wheel drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
  • Spacious interior: Offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
  • Excellent safety ratings: Earned top marks from NHTSA and IIHS.
  • Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Includes features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
  • Good fuel efficiency: Achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined.
  • Strong resale value: Subarus tend to hold their value well over time.

Cons:

  • Engine performance: The 2.5-liter engine is adequate but not particularly exciting.
  • Base infotainment system: The 6.5-inch touchscreen is small and lacks some features.
  • Interior design: The interior is functional but lacks visual flair.
  • Technology features: Not as advanced as some competitors.

Who is the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium a Good Fit For?

The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is a great fit for a variety of buyers. It's an excellent choice for those who prioritize safety, reliability, and versatility. The standard all-wheel-drive system makes it well-suited for drivers who live in areas with snow, rain, or rough terrain. The spacious interior and ample cargo space make it a practical choice for small families or anyone who needs to haul gear. The Forester is also a good option for those who appreciate a comfortable ride and easy handling.

However, the Forester may not be the best choice for those who are looking for a sporty or luxurious vehicle. The engine performance is adequate but not particularly exciting, and the interior design is more utilitarian than upscale. If you're looking for a vehicle with the latest technology features, you may want to consider other options. But, for those who wants a reliable and spacious interior with an all-wheel-drive, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is the right choice for you.

In conclusion, the 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling combination of safety, practicality, and value. While it may not be the most exciting or luxurious vehicle in its class, it's a solid choice for those who prioritize reliability and versatility.