“If you want a good value for your money and are interested in reliability and safety with relatively high gas mileage, you can't do better than a Subaru Forester.”
2022 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2022 Subaru Forester receives a mid-cycle refresh led by redesigned front-end styling across the lineup. The update also introduces the more trail-focused Wilderness trim while retaining the same standard 182-hp engine and all-wheel drive.
About the 2022 Subaru Forester
5th generation (2019-2024), mid-cycle refresh year.
Subaru sells the Forester as a practical compact SUV for families and outdoors-minded drivers who want real bad-weather confidence without moving to a larger vehicle. Standard all-wheel drive and a strong safety story are central to the pitch, but just as important are the tall glass area, easy visibility, roomy back seat, and useful cargo space. Against many rivals, the Forester leans on simplicity, utility, and confidence on rough or slippery roads more than flashy styling or big power numbers.
The 2022 Forester lineup ranges from the straightforward AWD base model to the comfort-focused Limited and richly equipped Touring. Sport adds bolder black-and-orange trim, while Wilderness stands apart with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, water-repellent upholstery, lower gearing, and heavier-duty roof rails. Touring emphasizes comfort and technology with navigation, premium audio, heated rear seats, and a driver-attention monitor.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The standard 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive carry over. The new Wilderness trim receives lower transmission gearing and extra low-speed control for rough terrain.
Styling
Every trim gets a redesigned front end with a new grille, headlights, and fog-light-surround treatment. Wilderness adds tougher exterior hardware, while Touring receives redesigned dark-gray wheels and gloss-black pillar trim.
Safety
Subaru updates the standard EyeSight driver-assist system with revised hardware and software across every trim. Automatic Emergency Steering becomes standard on Limited and Sport.
Tech
A brighter LED dome light becomes standard across the lineup. Sport gains rear USB charging ports plus LED cargo and rear-gate lighting, while Touring adds hand-gesture climate adjustment through its driver-attention system.
Structural
The new Wilderness adds a raised suspension with 9.2 inches of ground clearance, higher-capacity roof rails, and 3,000-pound towing capacity. Two additional cargo-area hooks become standard throughout the lineup, and Premium receives stronger roof rails with extra tie-down points.
2022 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 7-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 3000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 74.2 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft | 69.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the 2022 and 2021 Subaru Forester?
The 2022 Forester gets refreshed front-end styling, an updated standard EyeSight driver-assist system, and the new Wilderness trim. Its standard 182-hp engine and all-wheel-drive system carry over from 2021.
Is the Wilderness trim new for the 2022 Subaru Forester?
Yes. Wilderness joins the Forester lineup for 2022 with a raised suspension, 9.2 inches of ground clearance, lower transmission gearing, water-repellent upholstery, and heavier-duty exterior hardware.
Did the 2022 Subaru Forester get a new engine?
No. The 2022 Forester keeps the 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission, and standard all-wheel drive. Wilderness uses different transmission gearing but not a different engine.
Does every 2022 Subaru Forester have the updated EyeSight safety suite?
Yes. Updated EyeSight hardware and software are standard on every 2022 Forester trim. The suite includes adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.
How much can the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness tow?
The 2022 Forester Wilderness has a 3,000-pound towing capacity. Its lower transmission gearing and additional cooling support its greater towing ability.
2022 Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Subaru Forester.
4.4
2022 Subaru Forester
(397 reviews)
“Overall I am happy with this vehicle. But there are so many buttons and charts that I might not always feel safe driving. Too confusing. Duplicates of many of these.”
“It's very comfortable for passengers in front or back seats. Smooth ride. Roomy with plenty of leg room for passengers in second row. Quiet ride. The built-in navigation system is excellent. Lots of cargo storage. So far, mileage in the city is 24 and on highway 30. Has an excellent safety rating.”