2021 Subaru Forester - Slight Upgrades for This Class-Leading SUV

[@DriversOnly]

To hear more about this Forester, check out driversonlyrankings.com/2021-subaru-forester/

[@mayadogful]

Two hands on the steering whell at all time!

[@tonymontana3742]

If you had to choose between a Passport, Rav4 or the Forester which one would you write the check for??

[@jameslindo9047]

verragooď

[@jameslindo9047]

fɔreßter

[@jameslindo9047]

❤

[@tmoneyy5697]

I get my Forester Limited the end of this month. Super excited!!

[@alistasia]

I bought a forester sport yesterday and I’m impressed on how big the windshield is! The car is fantastic I love it!!! Thanks for your review 😌👏👏👏

[@DriversOnly]

Congrats! Its a great suv for sure!

[@copperlight]

OMG that's my fave part of my Forrester. and the MOON ROOF. Oh my goodness. It's amazing. I am trading in mine today and getting the new one. Yipeee. I was really thinking of purchasing though.

[@WKaliberr]

any issues with it?

[@alistasia]

@wkaliber zero problems. Beautiful car!

[@itsStawny]

thoughts on it a year later? Interested on getting one

[@bongmanding]

Bought my first Subie last year. It’s Forester 2020 Limited - and I love everything about it.

[@mahlonotero5448]

I'm pumped to pick up my 2021 Forester Sport tomorrow. Your last review for the 2020 helped me decide on my purchase, & I'm very happy with my decision!

[@DriversOnly]

Congrats, you're going to love it.

[@jerrygirard190]

Same here! I pick mine up tomorrow

[@Jennifer-in4us]

How do you like it?

[@healtheworldtom]

congrats!

[@stephenmaurer156]

By the way it does give you the speed on the street your driving. Love this car.

[@danielroberto9183-w8j]

I own a 2018 Forester Premium and is really good. O problems so far, but paid $1800 for the Eye Sight System as at that time it wasn't standard. Well worth it feature to have. Now it's standard. I recently test droved a '21 model which unbeknownst to me it has the "stop start" feature and it surprised me when I came to a traffic light. It was unobtrusive, but I don't want it. Luckily it can be disabled unlike other suv's. It got taller and an inch wider. Sufficiently or adequately powerful, still great visibility and comfy.

[@Sirgromulus]

I love my 2019 Forester Sport and still think that is the best value and most attractive trim. They finally added the adaptive headlights which is the one feature I wish I had. You are spot on re. the heavy duty roof rails. Back in the day, the Outback was the kayakers default vehicle due to its wide cross bar distance and relatively low load height. Subaru then adopted the inferior "configurable" roof rack system that they still use today and kayakers found it too narrow (between cross bars) and weaker than the previous design. Kayakers then migrated to the Forester, even though it was a couple inches taller. The Fester has a maximum cross bar distance of 48" which is greater than all compact and nearly all midsize SUVS. I need this feature to secure my long (up to 18') sea kayaks. I also appreciate the heavy duty design for our rooftop tent. Add in the separate button for auto start/stop, large sunroof, its relatively large cargo and passenger space, great visibility, high ground clearance WITH relatively greater approach and departure angles, and you have a very well rounded package. Good review as usual George!

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks for sharing, good info!

[@lillianfranco9607]

when shopping around to lease a car i first tried the mazda cx5, the rav 4 and the jeep cherokee. the last car i tried was a subaru forester. i went back to the mazda cx5 and the rav 4 and test drove them again. Subaru forester limited won out. i can't wait to pic it up. i couldn't believe the visability i had in the drivers sit front and back. i was sold. this review of this car was great.

[@dogcrazy25]

I am car shopping and can't decide. Its between Mazda cx5 - my favorite to look at, Honda CRV, for value, Toyota hybrid - fuel economy but too expensive and of course the Forrester Limited. I cant decide. Subaru looks nice inside, pick up is not so great and it looks like a box on wheels. This indecision is killing me. Help.

[@juanseaforth5111]

I own the 2019 forester limited and I absolutely love it I will love if Subaru will drop the 2.5 turbo engine the the Forester. Great review.

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks!

[@Spaceman-on9cg]

Don't change the steering wheel layout, I love it! 2 settings on the the heated wheel would be nice.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Great review thank you. I have a 2021 Limited. I love 9 speakers plus lighter gray leather two tone interior. 😊

[@wingmanhoy3999]

I test drove this model and must say was very impressed with the overall drivability and response of just how snappy and power I honestly thought was excellent 👍. Love your review, all the very best.

[@Doc1855]

We get 5-6 feet of snow every winter and on a private road which we have to plow and maintain ourselves. When we turn onto our road from the county road we have to put our Subie’s into Xmode just to get up our road and into our garage.

[@jwkepner]

You are a great reviewer! I'm in the market for a new forester but I am overwhelmed by all the available accessories. I wonder if you might like to review many of the key accessories and give your opinion on which ones are the most helpful, and which ones might simply be "cool"

[@1revwilly]

I love the Forester! :-)

[@jenniferwalsh4725]

The 2020 Subaru Foresters just a fantastic car, especially when you live in the mountains with lots of snow.

[@RickKerr]

I have the 2020 Sport .... my 3RD Subaru ..... and I consider it the best one! Previous 2007 Legacy Limited and 2011 Outback 3.6R Limited

[@blebla4]

You prefer the Forester Sport over the 3.6L Outback?!? Is engine/acceleration not important to you?

[@debrarodriguezestrada2748]

I think it’s funny that the driver uses so many hand gestures as he speaks, that I was expecting him to say, one of the features of the car, is handless steering!!!

[@sharkhudson3282]

picked up a 2021 sport! waiting for delivery.. end of November! :(

[@summertime3160]

Buying one Saturday.

[@dondenis1500]

Looks like you are driving around in circles. I wish you can get the premium audio as a stand alone option on the lower trim levels.

[@Doc1855]

If Subaru put more insulation in the firewall and the “A” pillars then the engine noise would drop. Also if Subaru would have made the Warm Ivory leather interior as an option for the Limited, I would have bought that trim level. But I do love the Saddle Brown interior in the Touring model along with the heated steering wheel.

[@robertknight4672]

I don't really like cars with a sharply raked roof so give me a box on Wheels any day. I'm currently in the Marketplace Subaru Forester. I've test driven a few already and the visibility is great and seats are very comfortable.

[@kimnewling5728]

Subaru is noted for their very, very soft clearcoat on the paint. Easily scratches and swirls from normal washing and care. Dark colors beware!

[@williamcarothers4976]

I have a black 2019 Sport. Sadly it was wrecked while parked in downtown Chicago. The didn’t total it. The value held and is up due to the used car shortage that I had $1200 in equity. Traded it in and bought a black 2021 Sport. Point is, that’s how much I liked the vehicle.

[@Doc1855]

I Love my 19 Forester Touring that’s Sephia Bronze with Saddle Brown leather interior.

[@tjieliem7962]

About the multimedia player, no reviewers ever mentioned about having internet/wifi ready, for example, to watch KZbin etc. Apart from that, I like your comprehensive reviews👍

[@thunderpuppy6719]

I just bought a 2021 Forester Premium. It does have WiFi capability built in. Another thing he doesn't mention is that the rear seat backs have a 3-position recline feature.

[@westcoast708]

we have 2018 crosstrek the all wheel drive trust me I'm a believer best out there it went through some really snowy hills np maybe not the fastest but you will not get stuck the guys with the fancier suvs u get too wave them goodbye on the snowy hill .

[@rajeshr5140]

Steering responsive headlights was there in 2020 as well

[@sarrum7696]

Really enjoy your videos. :)

[@DriversOnly]

Thank you!

[@robinmeyer5016]

Just got new 2021 Forester limited, I think you are not correct about how much room is available to stow things in the front area-I can barely figure out where to put my basic little stuff. Need more little nooks or shelves...at least I had a bigger shelf under the info-tainment area on my 2018 Forester limited. Weird.

[@stupid8911]

Great video. Completely agree, Subaru could take some of those buttons on the steering wheel and place them under the top display a lá the Ascent's set up. My Ma has the 2020 Forester. Awesome car, a little noisy, but the biggest gripe are the steering wheel buttons and wonky Starlink (the set-up with her phone is inconsistent).

[@johnsiggs8699]

Hey, I bought a 2021 Forester yesterday and I was wondering how do you fold the side view mirrors? I looked through the manual and couldn't find anything. Thanks in advance!

[@normanwu7935]

manual folding, it does not have power-folding function.

[@faressharoof7569]

me too . I bought a 2021 Forester and i dont know how to fold the side view mirrors , If u know can you teach me please ..

[@johnpiccini9327]

I think a limited trim model should have something as basic as memory seating.

[@DaveyBlazey]

Love waching your vidios, best discripshions ever👍👍👍👍👍👍👍✌✌✌

[@danb3051]

I have a 2020 Forester Sport White, great car the only thing I dislike is on a windy day the car will not hold the road. A torsion bar would help.

[@lonewolf82007]

I bought a 2020! Limited! Ive got the steering responsive headlights on the 2020 and the headlights are led... not seeing much diff... they are great vehicles! I think ill have mine for many years!!!!

[@DriversOnly]

SR headlights is now standard on all trims and not just the upper ones.

[@d3adk964]

Subaru needs to offer a powertrain without a CVT. I’ve been looking at trading my VW for one but I know I can’t deal with that CVT in day to day life. Subaru needs a Forester WRX

[@spol1622]

Well....at least Subaru CVT is better than Nissan's...

[@d3adk964]

@@spol1622 No CVT is good. They all are terrible.

[@Rev1314]

George, between the 2021 Forester, Venza and CRV, which would you pick and why? I know you have the ratings but interested to hear your personal take

[@awesomeash1383]

Forester. The safety features, insurance ratings and gas milage as well as ability to drive in all weather conditions and price is right. Also doesnt feel like you are driving a crossover feels more like you are driving a larger sedan. Visability is amazing.

[@martinr8278]

@@awesomeash1383 agreed!

[@auditts7818]

Just bought mine 2021 forester touring. I traded in my 2018 forester touring xt . The turbo on the 2018 was awesome but I prefer the new tech and fresh style. I'm in love having apple car play and android. The suspension is amazing. Better stability than the 2018. The speakers isn't that great than the 2021 that I have. First week with my car no issues. Perfect car so far. The only think weird and awkward was the horn. They made a mistake some how. You heard the sounds in the Interior coming from the engine section area. It vibrates and something is blocking the horn that bring the horn sounds to the interior of the car. Also I dislike the wheels on the touring trim. Ugly. I prefer the limited trims wheels. You can see the speed limit in cluster.

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks for chiming in!

[@robinmeyer5016]

Yeah, that horn startled me today! My new 2021 Forester limited-sounds like horn is pointed back at me-what the hell is that about? Maybe trying to discourage horn-honking!!

[@auditts7818]

@@robinmeyer5016yeah I know lol but I'm so happy with my forester 2021. I got it few weeks ago. Limited is a great trim.

[@ImYoutubing247]

Great vehicle. If I had to say anything negative it would be the lack of engine options (wish you could get the turbo) and the wind noise. Take that thing on the thruway and just listen. Otherwise it’s a great buy for the price

[@DriversOnly]

Yes the turbo engine in the Forester would be a game changer

[@neomis0119]

The space I want the engine I don’t want, I can overlook the cvt as they do it well, but not small engine, I will never get a small engine again

[@borkug1566]

Can someone explain why the Forrester is fine with 182 HP while the Tiguan is said to be sluggish with 184 HP?

[@user-mz5tf5pm7u]

How’s the fuel economy?

[@greybush919]

It's a shame they're giving the Forester a small 1.8l turbo engine, really wanted the 2.4l. Looks like I'll be hanging on to my XT for a while.

[@avi614614]

Its a 2.5 non turbo not 1.8 yea the xt is a much better car keep it

[@ramalingam108]

How long 0 to 60 mph ? My only concern is the power of this 250 L on a long ride on highway !

[@MikMak1626]

I’m torn between Forester Sport and CX-5 Grand Touring, I need recommendations....

[@oklahomalane]

Low MPG #’s disqualify Mazda for me. I drive a lot for work so I need to be mindful of that.

[@MikMak1626]

@@oklahomalane great info. Thanks.

[@spol1622]

Buy CX5 for a better driving engagement, or buy Forrester for practicality...

[@The333Wanderer]

A CVT should not have not artificial shift points. Let it do what it was designed to do.

[@ahkeen]

Is there a remote start option?

[@coreygarcia622]

Yes but you have to pay for the option a la carte

[@dhammer303]

Remote start is handled through the app. It's free for 3 years I think, but it adds a lot more options like setting climate control etc.

[@dhammer303]

I just bought one last week. The app is not free, but it is $75 for 3 years so it isn't 'free' but almost. ;)

[@bruce9032]

Yes, thru My Subaru app. It works great.

[@dp523]

Do you know if the 2021 Outback has the btton to disable the start stop function? Thanks

[@RobPetty622]

Do t believe it does. However, if you don’t stomp all the way on the brake, it won’t shut off every time.

[@cecillanter3207]

our 2020 Forester Premium with start/stop has the disable button A primary deciding factor in buying this Subaru was it is made in Japan with 85% Japanese parts.

[@carolyndavis5939]

What is the name of the song they play thru the windows far from home? I love it but can't find out anything about it TIA

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

I thought ascent doesn’t have auto start stop feature? Or am I wrong?

[@DriversOnly]

It does.

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

@@DriversOnly are you sure? I know both outback and forester have auto start stop, but not ascent, from what I remembered, when brand new 2019 ascent just came out, it didn’t have auto start shop, did Subaru add it to 2021 ascent? Also, I just saw your review for 2021 ascent, I see didn’t see any button to turn off the auto start stop, Is it on the main screen setting?

[@dogcrazy25]

I spoke with an ascent car owner. You can turn this "feature" off through the screen control. He said it takes 5 steps, which I think its a pain.

[@djkenny1202]

What can you buy in a manual?

[@wrxricer1819]

Nice review. I used to live in La Grange haha

[@DriversOnly]

Thanks! What a small world. :)

[@spol1622]

On La Grange road?

[@mmou3878]

Is it spacious for a 6ft 4 tall man?

[@DriversOnly]

Up front you should have no problem, in the back you might not be that comfortable.

[@dyranzengers]

Hi Drivers Only. How laggy is the infotainment system? Don't they improve or update it?

[@DriversOnly]

Same as a few years ago..still laggy at times

[@cha1029]

I've heard that if you turn off wifi hotspot and features similar to that, the info system should work faster. I don't have a subaru so I can't verify, but makes sense.

[@aromracsonethongkham4150]

Leg room looks tight for driver, how would it handle for 5 to 6 hour car ride?

[@pietdv]

You are a very talented reviewer with a really warm on-screen manner but PLEASE keep your hands on the steering wheel when you drive!

[@auditts7818]

I'm doing 22 mpg city and highway. I drive fast and crazy. Whats your mpg experience?

[@minghuihu1822]

Mine is 32 combined.

[@niuhuskieguy]

The 3.6 was a quiet engine.

[@jtes1442]

Forester are decent . I think the chrome looks tacky especially around the fog lights . It looks aftermarket like , cheap ! They should have a XT version with more power . Otherwise it would be a good value . Almost good .

[@Sirgromulus]

I concur re. the "chrome" trim. This is one of the reasons I went for the Sport Trim.

[@mahlonotero5448]

@@Sirgromulus Same here, now all it needs is a turbo

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

Same, chrome around fog light looks ugly, I hope when it gets refreshed, the lower bumper and fog light gets similar design from Outback and Refreshed Crosstrek with black cladding. Also, whenever it gets refreshed, I hope they bring back XT forester with the new 2.4T. Add hands free tailgate, if possible, add front 180 degree camera and seat ventilation for touring trim, also, add wireless carplay along with wireless charging since other brands start to add the wireless feature. If they add all these, I might consider it after few years.

[@MiySadochok]

Leather seats maybe good for California, but not for Canada. They are too cold for me. Until they will warm up, my back will get frozen:)

[@awesomeash1383]

I am from California and we opted for the premium because it didn't have leather seats because it gets to hot lol! Makes everything around it hot also.

[@bill6960]

I had a Chrysler Cordoba with leather seats, and they were neither too hot or cold. They were very comfortable. I miss them. Now vinyl seats hold true to getting hot, or freezing.

[@Hallowsaw]

How is it class leading? I mean i think its great but its sales are half of a crv or a rav4 Side note, why havent we gotten a hybrid forester or outback yet? Like you are 10 years late subaru.

[@oklahomalane]

I think sales aren’t as good as others because it’s not as visually appealing as competitors. It’s class leading in everything else.

[@55whiplash]

Had great luck with my 2010 Forester, my 2018 seems to be way less reliable. It's all small stuff so far, we don't drive hard so the motor and transmission have been fine. But the minor annoyances add up. My next car will be a Toyota.

[@joalblo9581]

Mazda cx-5 has offered steering headlights since 2017.

[@DriversOnly]

Not standard, only on upper trims

[@ingenunis5003]

I don’t want to much tech.....I’m 64 years young🙃

[@awesomeash1383]

Recently bought one we are a younger family I love it!! Let my sad drive it the other day for part of a trip and he pulled over and had me drive the rest of the way he was really uncomfortable with all the buttons and safety features he didnt trust them and he didnt like lane assist at all but he was to scared to turn it off. I think after some getting used to he would have been just fine. It was a little funny.

[@noob.168]

Don't drive a car then. Stick to horses.

[@ingenunis5003]

@@noob.168 what’s wrong with a horse🙃

[@gregholman2930]

Waiting for you to review the Honda CR-V Black Edition!...CHEERS!

[@jamesjohnson-lf7ii]

Subaru will handles accidents and not collapse like a Toyota or Honda in hard impact. Plus the standard AWD will help in bad weather like rain, snow, dirt and mud. Subaru is the ultimate all around outdoor car in my opinion and I’ve owned Toyotas, Honda’s, Chevys and Dodge. Check them out!!!!

[@cheneason2963]

Is this your low configuration? Because I found that the fog lamps produced in 2020 are already LED bars, why is it still halogen fog lamps?

[@DriversOnly]

Only on the touring

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

Only sport and touring get LED fog light. If you see the vertical stack lights, then it’s LED, if you see round fog light, then it’s halogen.

[@BucksMom218]

I think my seats are the worst Ive ever had. Im already planning to trade this for something else because of the seats.😖

[@goosewing12]

Looks great

[@lgbunbury]

You did not mention gas mileage?

[@DriversOnly]

10:05 mark when i show the engine.

[@williammack3018]

Put your hands on the steering wheel, Dude

[@pilot1226]

How do you feel about this compared to Outback? Is one smoother than the other?

[@DriversOnly]

They are very close in size. The outback is a bit longer but has less head room. The Forester feels more airy due to how high the roof is.

[@Moonface00z]

is this the one with 1.8L turbo ?

[@danek893]

Nice review, but are you sure it’s real lather because I piled them of my self it not.

[@DriversOnly]

Well according to Subaru they are lol :).

[@edinbajric5332]

It's way underpowered, it needs easy 20+ hp. 182 hp just doesn't cut it. It doesn't even need to have a turbo engine, 4 cylinder or V6, just more power. Even though the turbo, the same 260 hp engine that outback xt and legacy xt have would be nice. Also It needs ventilated seats. They need to get on with the program, every other small crossover in the same segment has more power and ventilated seats, at least you get one trim level with those options. 19" wheels wouldn't hurt either, forester has a big body, those 18" wheels look just too small. If it would have all that than i would probably be ok with cvt

[@scaldon2]

They should of added wirless car play . And wireless phone charging.

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

Definitely, I hope they add them whenever it gets refreshed.

[@scaldon2]

@@blackwhirlwind1245 heard a fresh is coming for 2022 . They should definitely add it.

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

@@scaldon2 I notice there is a empty button next to the heated seats buttons even in the top touring trim, that spot should be the place for 180 degree camera, I believe it’s in the new Outback. Hopefully they will add it. And also add hands free tailgate and XT turbo from Outback. I know It’s unlikely, but I also hope they add Ventilated seats for touring.

[@scaldon2]

@@blackwhirlwind1245 yeah im just gonna wait to see if these fear are added to 2022 model . Im debating getting forester or the 2022 lexus nx .

[@george-ng5gj]

Does the 2021 sport include the “C” LED DRLs?

[@coreygarcia622]

All trims do I believe

[@Hallowsaw]

When you are listening to the radio you hardly hear the engine so.....

[@rkgsd]

I really don't get Subaru's obsession with boxer engines. First, they are noisy. Secondly, they are very hard to do certain kinds of repairs on such as valve cover gaskets.

[@folkmaster3]

He would get a ticket for driving with no hands on the wheel

[@EfraKrajo]

Come on Subaru... put a turbo on it... now!

[@bintarosector9]

Why dont Subaru redesign the tail light? It is hiddeous.

[@mahlonotero5448]

I think the overall profile looks better on the sport, I'm not a big fan of the other trims

[@blackwhirlwind1245]

Maybe when it gets refreshed they might add chrome that connects both taillights, it might look better, but sport is probably the best looking one because it kinda hides the C shape taillight.

[@arman4590]

I love the tail lights. They look great

[@dogcrazy25]

Tail lights don't bother me as much as the lack of oomph, poor pick up.

[@anjuelu]

Last year I replaced my 2012 Forester with a 2020 Kia Sportage SX Turbo. I really wanted to get another Forester but Subaru does not offer a choice of better performing engine, and I'm really not too attracted to the exterior looks of the new Forester...too bad. Advice to the presenter of this video: Make your video half of the length of this one.

[@Doc1855]

Sadly each year Subaru keeps taking away more and more chrome on the Touring. I’m glad my 19 has a lot of chrome

[@peterkoch9416]

You don’t set a good example by having both hands off the wheel so often Other than that you do a good review thanks As I love to get one

[@eunicerofsky2089]

So many features, can I get a BD degree to drive this car? BD=Bachelor of Driving Degree.

[@martinharrison7536]

Wow this guy is really reaching with small details to make this suv sound a bit better then it is.

[@DriversOnly]

How so? Since I've driven almost every single compact SUV in this segment, I'm commenting on things I like.

[@martinharrison7536]

@@DriversOnly Because their was nothing unique or anything that would stand out in what you were commenting on. You were talking about very minor tweeks following with how your soo impressed with them. It's 99.5 % the same vehicle. So to be that impressed with that minor difference just sounded odd

[@DriversOnly]

Realize that's because you follow up with the forester. Think about someone that is shopping for it the first time. Many people are clueless when shopping for a car and they do not know or keep up with the changes.

[@TheDarthBobul]

@@DriversOnly Agree. I watched this video only because I’m in the market to upgrade from my 13’ crosstrek. His review and feel has made me want to go test drive for myself now. I have 0 experience with Forrester.

[@KensukeART]

Look ma - no hands :)

[@BradTheBrobarian]

Wish it would look better on the outside

[@DriversOnly]

Check out the sport?

[@repCanada]

Too much chrome on the front

[@oddities-whatnot]

The UK and Europe does not get these. Our Forester is 154bhp and a pointless hybrid. The car is heavier, costs more and has no better fuel economy. Subaru have lost the plot in this country.

[@pvj999]

How much of the drive was done without your hands on the wheel, not very professional. Especially as you are narrating whilst driving. Keep at least one hand on the wheel before you have a big oopsy.

[@asknavid7752]

🇧🇩🇧🇩🥰🥰

[@JG-xr1rv]

And don't forget in 2026 it will need a head gasket replacement.

[@ronkol28]

everyone with the same shots. all gopro interior and stupid cell phone panning shots. lift your production level instead of copy paste. inevest in a better mic. need more deepness. too tin-y sound

[@walter777smith6]

Subaru SUCKS. WTF THIS ONE DOESN'T HAVE TURBO????