2021 Subaru Forester Premium Test Drive & Review

[@brunothepug8807]

For a salesman, you do the best reviews without being overboard. You helped me decide for this trim, thank you! I live in a real hot summer climate and do not want leather seating without ventilation.

[@kats1978]

Wow. Just one trim up from base model and it has great features. Completely impressed. Go Subaru!

[@cindyvillegas9919]

I had my heart set on an Ascent & had found a CPO 2019 limited model & went into dealer to see it & unfortunately had sold. Well we figured not to waste the opportunity and asked the rep if we could look at what they may have. We saw a preowned 2018 forrester & liked how spacious it was & good size as well. We then said they did happen to have a 2021 limited model we could see. We went to test drive it & fell in love with it! Unfortunately someone literally decided tp buy it. So we went ahead & discussed pricing & options & decided we are interested in premium model. Bummed they don't have a lot of stock because of microchip shortages so we were able to reserve one & should be here prob a few weeks! So excited! Its a beautiful car, smooth drive & amazing visibility.

[@TheEvdiggity]

Pretty good video. Thank you for reviewing this trim level. Most reviewers only want to review the top trim level. This is the trim I will recommend to my mother. Also it looks like it has a CD player! That's awesome! I wish more cars still had them.

[@isaacsescalante]

I just bought one I got a sweet deal 31,000 out the door for this trim I prefer all black interior so I went with that instead but I gotta say I’m convinced before this I had a versa and now I’m Subaru all the way I really love it

[@user-mz5tf5pm7u]

How’s gas mileage?

[@gailabert7976]

I just test-drove a Forester and didn't get a chance to really check it out like you have shown. Thank you for this video!

[@davidhobson6762]

Very good review. I appreciated the fact that you are taller than most other reviewers. This provides a better picture of seat comfort. Thx

[@cindyvillegas9919]

We test drove one today and its very spacious. Honestly went onto dealer having my heart set on ascent but Forrester is much more spacious. We decided on 2021 Forrester premium have one on reserve

[@rendolphwalker3638]

Thanks, I have seen a number of reviews and your is one of the best. I should be getting my Forester premium in a few weeks and you have made me very comfortable about my choice. I have a Volvo S60 but needed a compact SUV for work so I don't need a race car but comfort and safety. I have own a Saab and 3 Volvos so I'm very comfortable to now drive one of the safest SUV. I like the sun/moon roof. Thanks again.

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Glad I could help! :)

[@jamessimonds4458]

We bought a new 2020. Same color and premium just like this one we bought it with the 15 package. We love the vehicle. No issues. Nothing but good things to say.

[@andre86w]

I have the same exact one with the 15 package. Love it. I was a little bothered by the smaller 6.5 inch infotainment screen, so I found an OEM head unit from a 2020 Limited with the 8 inch screen on eBay and installed it. It's a direct swap and makes a huge difference.

[@bobrich1950]

What is the 15 package? I don't recall seeing anything enumerated like that on the build your own section on Subaru's web site. Help?

[@CRVgarage]

A set of black alloys with A/Ts will elevate the look.

[@gledell85]

Nice chill video but also informative. More vids like this. I wasnt going to buy my Forester because of the micro chip shortage but I am glad I put my order in and can’t wait to get it.

[@gledell85]

Btw i like that you did a view from the back n front. Excellent

[@simonpetrus1981]

This was a really good review of the 2021 Subaru Forester🙂👍🏻. I REALLY liked the adaptive cruse control a lot and how the car was able to “self drive” . I think that that a feature that I would use a lot👍🏻. Thanks for the great review👍🏻.

[@didier2124]

Takes getting use to and to trust it, it's incredible

[@Djpaulyt]

Just got this model! My first car was a 2007 xterra and I drove it for 10 years. Looking forward to this car, definitely test drive if you’re looking for an affordable, sleek, reliable SUV.

[@FlowJunkie65]

Thanks - nice walkaround and POV test drive of the Forester. I like the jasper green paint color, but was glad that Subaru offered the Forester in autumn green metallic for 2022, which I like even more. Good channel. Liked and subscribed. Thank you.

[@lynnrinaldo6795]

I just got a 2021subaru forester in the jade green like the one in the video 🥰 love it

[@billyrock8305]

🤦‍♂️

[@potownrob]

Nice overview of this car, but why didn’t you mention it has a CD player? This could be a big selling point for some of us old foagies.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

I really love this SUV!! Amazing video bro.

[@lorikidd9590]

Thank you for your clear and honest description.

[@amberl8015]

Great video! Just got one the other day. I wish the screen was bigger in the premium (coming from a nice version of the 2018 Crosstrek) but I’ll get used to it.

[@andre86w]

I just got one as well. I came from a Honda Civic with a 7 inch infotainment screen. I nearly bought a Sport with the 8 inch screen, but I couldn't justify the cost $$$ just for 1.5 inches of extra screen. After a week, I'm used to the smaller 6.5 inch screen and it works and looks just fine.

[@mega408]

Damn. This is an excellent video.

[@eggplant2369]

Great video. I'm sold

[@raina166]

I just bought one today!!! Can’t wait

[@lynnrinaldo6795]

Congratulations!

[@thedanielguy03]

5 months later, how you liking it?

[@raina166]

@@thedanielguy03 I still LOVE it! Only thing I personally would change is the placement of the cup holders- kind of an awkward position to reach when driving, & also adding a place for loose change or something along those lines. But those are so minor. It’s great in my opinion!

[@raina166]

@@lynnrinaldo6795 thank you!

[@pedropedro2837]

Thanks sir for you test drive well done review

[@r3tr0actiongamer24]

Great review Thank you

[@heatherrose8480]

When you drive does the handling feel more like a car or suv. I really interested in getting one. How is lane changing? How is handling on the highway?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

It drove more like a car to me. I found it drove more like the Subaru Impreza than the bigger Ascent. Lane changing and handling was great!

[@jonathanison5829]

I just got one today. It drives super smooth and quiet. I traded in my 2017 Crosstrek and this 2021 Forester handles the road even better. Can't wait to drive it on snow or rocks

[@SlayerRN]

@@NothinButCarReviews ooh helpful. I’m thinking of trading my 2016 Impreza for either this, the crosstrek, or the rav4 xle.

[@johnlozano4861]

21 forester handles great! In the rain, the awd easily passes up most cars

[@ginnie5099]

That the Subaru color I love. Love2x Subie.

[@cod4r]

Road noise seems loud on rough roads.

[@tennisdude52278]

Does the premium trim level have advanced adaptive cruise control or just regular adaptive cruise control?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

It has adaptive with lane centering I believe.

[@johnmartin7158]

Hi ! I like your forward camera set up. Well done. If the RAV4 prime does not come to NZ in 2022, I am thinking this is a nice vehicle. Perhaps Subaru might do a PHEV next year. NZ

[@hxdaro]

How's that gray interior cloth hold up to mud over time?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

😬😬😬😬🤷🏾‍♂️

[@juanyaohuang8125]

Is it noisy on highway? My 2016 Forester Premium is very noisy at high speed, so plan to buy a new vehicle.

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Wasn't that noticeable for me, but may be a little louder than the competition.

[@user-vd8tn2ne6g]

I love my Subaru! I have this exact one!!!!❤❤❤❤😂

[@summergay6001]

Do the vanity mirrors have lights? I went today to test drive and completely forgot to check. Just comparing it with my other options.

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Pretty sure they do.

[@amberl8015]

Mine does.

[@Monkeyseemonkey79]

Why does Subaru still spend money on installing a CD player standard? It's 2021!

[@andre86w]

Old people

[@1linkbelt]

@@andre86w Yep, I am one of them! lol

[@aznboiaaa]

any recommendations on testing driving when you are a new driver? i feel like i would be so scared test driving a car...

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Just relax and drive like it’s your own car. 😁

[@user-vd8tn2ne6g]

I have this car love it

[@NoName-gv6nm]

2021 Rav4 or 2021 Forester, which would you chose?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

My lady has an 18 RAV4. Would let her get a 21 RAV, but would personally pick Forester because I like having standard AWD, and I’ve always liked the Forester since before I could drive. 😂😂😂

[@NoName-gv6nm]

@@NothinButCarReviews Thanks!

[@jakeshepard9931]

My wife sold her 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 today, which she loved for the past decade but now wants to downsize, and is going to go with either a Sepia Bronze or Jasper Green 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. She said the interior of the 2021 Toyota Rav4 seems bland and cheaply made, and is still only available with the same old boring Toyota color choices. (Oh, she didn't like the pastel Lunar greenish color either) The Subaru just appears to be the better overall value. We have owned Toyota's for 20+ years so going with a different brand had been a tough decision. I'm keeping my trusty ol' Tacoma though!

[@NoName-gv6nm]

@@jakeshepard9931 my 2 favorite automakers at the moment, and it seems like the forester just wins in this segment.

[@jakeshepard9931]

@@NoName-gv6nm So... my wife recently purchased a Sepia Bronze 2021 Subaru Forester Premium. She really likes it and enjoys driving it. The premium trim level is a good value package, not too much and not too little in optional equipment. Well, so far, so good, but I still miss her old 2011 4Runner.

[@garyveneziano3337]

I’m 6’3” as well. Was there enough legroom in the driver’s seat?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Oh yeah, love the overall room in the foresters.

[@Bmcgro]

I have a Forester and I am just over 6’3, plenty of room. I don’t even have the seat all the way back👍🏻

[@peterjordan2738]

It would be nice if you are able to speak a bit more while you are driving. Please comment on driving capabilities, ie: cornering, pick up power, passing ability etc.

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Pick up and passing ability is really good in sport mode. Cornering was really good seeing as it’s all wheel drive.

[@sunny71169]

@@NothinButCarReviews 1. No it's not. Not unless you are comparing it with the pick up and passing ability of an earth moving haul truck. 2-Assuming that putting it into sport mode actually produced an acceptable level of acceleration, which in my opinion it does not, having to take your eyes off the road, reach down with your left hand, and find the correct switch to manipulate before being able to pass on a two lane road, merge into high-speed traffic, or accelerate out of harm's way is engineering insanity and a recipe for bad things to happen to good people. 3-What does "cornering was really good seeing as it's all wheel drive" mean? Unless you are powering though a curve in a high performance vehicle AWD neither adds nor detracts from a car's ability to take the corner in a predictable line. IF you are driving a high performance vehicle, which the Forester is NOT, AWD helps to prevent loss of traction from excessive torque being applied to the tires. People who buy the Forester are not going to drive it like a BMW M car. If they try the beautiful paint job that Subaru puts on their cars will experience a gawd awful case of road rash in a big hurry and their insurance premiums will take an astronomical jump.

[@georgejungle138]

@@sunny71169 so what’s the best SUV then

[@sunny71169]

@@georgejungle138 Lots of good ones in the market place. Kind of depends which features you value most. Economy? Performance? Comfort? Style? Ride? Crash survivability? But whichever you choose, I think there are minimum standards for each of those features. In my opinion the 2021 Subaru was so deficient in performance that it was unsafe.

[@ryants1]

My company is letting me get a new car and they gave me two options. 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5 premium, and the 2021 Chevy Equinox LT AWD. Any suggestions?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Forester safety features are better in my opinion, but I like the overall looks and connectivity features of the Equinox better. Also prefer turbo power.

[@ryants1]

@@NothinButCarReviews that’s what I’m thinking too. Thanks!

[@jm4life85]

Get the forester much leaps and bounds. Also more reliable

[@drjcraps1216]

Please do not get an Equinox. They are garbage. You will definitely have more issues than the Forester. GMs quality/reliability has gone way down. Subaru's reliability has also decreased however not as bad as GM. If you can afford the extra $3500 buy the Rav 4 if not buy the Forester.

[@jameslafferty229]

Subaru all the way

[@peterjordan2738]

Blind Spot Monitoring should be included on the Premium trim

[@NothinButCarReviews]

And it’s included on Premium trim, sorry didn’t cover it

[@chadsdadbrad]

It's optional on the premium trim

[@1linkbelt]

@@chadsdadbrad Cost is $1095.

[@ffdreams]

Is the engine loud while driving?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Not in my opinion.

[@myrio1]

Why do you call it a station wagon???

[@NothinButCarReviews]

I don't know.

[@arman4590]

No fuel figures?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

26 city/33 highway

[@arman4590]

@@NothinButCarReviews Wow, thanks. That's very good for a non-hybrid SUV.

[@jamessimonds4458]

All around mileage, is around 39 mpg

[@jamessimonds4458]

30 not 39

[@KnowTheNewOfficial]

Excellent Japanese Brand Of Fuji.... 😍😍😍

[@str8up50]

Did Sub ever fix the gasket issues?

[@NothinButCarReviews]

Not sure. :/

[@tinker1148]

Yeah, like 15 years ago.

[@1linkbelt]

@@tinker1148 At least. I had a 1999 Outback that went 250,000 miles before it blew a head gasket. To the junk yard it went. lol

[@spol1622]

Too bad that predicted long term reliability for this Subaru is rather on the poor side, it a good-looking car...

[@DontBeADummy99]

Where are you getting that from? Consumer Reports has the reliability rating as 4/5. It's overall score is 89 which makes it #1 of 23 compact sport-utility vehicles in their recommended list.

[@kerry-annconnell9521]

@@DontBeADummy99 I agree! I read the same review. This video helped to confirm my decision to make a purchase.

[@DontBeADummy99]

@@kerry-annconnell9521 good for you! It's a great car! Best of luck with it.

[@billyrock8305]

Dull, boring car with a gutless engine. Awesome AWD and incredible outward visibility.

[@sunny71169]

Drove one the other day for a while. My wife liked it and bought it. Nice car but if you are looking for a quick, nimble, sporty ride, this isn't it. Quick off the line, NOT. I know, you are thinking that you're not a kid and don't drag race anymore, but trying to merge into a busy controlled access highway with this anemic powerplant can be a death defying endeavor. Has lots of very annoying "safety" features. If you think safety translates as letting some computer programmer on the other side of the world decide when the brakes should be applied or the steering wheel turned as you are trying to avoid pot holes or some jackwagon slamming on his brakes to avoid a squirrel, OK, but that's not my cup of Maker's Mark. Letting the car drive you down the interstate while you lose full situational awareness and are no longer mentally prepared to take evasive action when the semi next to you blows a tire or grandma unexpectedly swerves into your lane when grandpa decides to grab a handful of grandma will most certainly shorten some drivers' or passengers' time on earth. Guaranteed! Saying that the car has "a lot of pep" is total BS. The car has no pep whatsoever! None! Good on gas? Probably true. 4 jugs turning out 182 hp probably need very little to produce it, but those 182 ponies are going to have a tough time dragging that 3500+ pound (dry weight) vehicle up to cruising speed. Want to accelerate out of a dicey situation? Forget it! Driving this car safely is going to require total concentration on everything around you that could pose a hazard. This vehicle will take "defensive driving" to new heights! Oh yeah. That automatic engine shut off every time you stop is VERY annoying. Yes, you can disable it each time you slide behind the wheel, but you have to do that every stinking time you drive the car. The car writers claim that the starter motor, Bendix drive, and other assorted pieces and parts that go to work starting the engine are designed to do that again and again and again while Mom goes to pick up the kids, take them to soccer practice, and get her weekly Brazilian wax. I don't buy it, but even if they are right, it's still damn annoying. Funny thing is that they are flying off the dealer's lots so fast they can't keep them in stock. OK they look nice, they're reliable, inexpensive to run, and have lots of electronic toys and accessories to absolve you from taking responsibility for driving the car. I guess a lot of people like that. Me? I'm going to give them a wide berth when I see one on the road just in case the engineer who wrote the software that's really driving the car lied on his resume when he took the job at Subaru or the computer was assembled on a Friday or Monday. That's just my opinion of course, other's mileage may differ.

[@sunny71169]

@j james I'm a car guy too but recognize that lots of other folks just want safe reliable transportation and don't care about taking the twisties on the edge, or tracking their cars. That's fine, different strokes for different folks and all that. HOWEVER, underpowering a vehicle like the 2021 Forester so that it is unsafe in commonplace driving situations is sacrificing safety on the alter of economy and is just plain wrong. The folks who write test reports like this one need to be a lot more candid in their assessments if they want credibility. The writer of this report responded to a question from another reader by saying that the automobile was "peppy." I politely, but very firmly disagreed and he deleted my post along with the other reader's question and his inaccurate response. Talk about lack of integrity! I would not be surprised if he deletes this post, as well, or maybe the entire discussion of how underpowered the Forester is, doing a great disservice to people who are considering its purchase. We shall see.

[@vitom5513]

You can easily turn that stuff off if you want to.

[@tsf5-productions]

I have a 2004 Forester I bought when they first came out in August or September, 2003. Mine has...128K mileage. Still looks good but, in the past many years, especially the last 5 or so, technology improvements have made the newer Forester a lot better all over. In the 23 years Sabaru has had the Forester model, it's been high rated. Yes! The model NEEDS a more powerful engine. I'd like 200 h.p. or 220+ to make the thing go much safer in high city traffic. At one time, there was a turbo model. In fact, it was available for a few years. Must have been the gas mileage that Subaru wanted for such a model as the Forester that made them go back to the only choice: 2.5 liter (150 cubic inch). My old model has 165 horsepower. It's...okay but not as good as nowadays model. I still like the style and versatility of the Forester. Just make the car with a little more horsepower and that good gas mileage it has ( more or less).

[@jessebrinker3706]

Tldr

[@rickastley4041]

Wow I bet you're fun at partys 🙄

[@johnguz76]

Next one clean the bird shit off the hood