Subaru Forester Sport 2021 review | Chasing Cars

[@liabrad6604]

We’ve had our 2021 forester sport for a month now and it’s such a nice family car. The amount of space in the back row is amazing for kid’s with car seats and easy for the kidlets to hop in and out. When we went into our nearest Subaru dealership we were actually going for the forester premium because there wasn’t anything really out there about the sport.. if your looking for a new family car this car will not disappoint.

[@cetri777]

lucky

[@mmmbass6068]

In the market for mid SUV. Recently driven CX5, Rav, x-Trail, CRV and Forester. CX5 nice inside, too small for us, goes ok, points so-so. Not for us. RAV easily drives best of all the above (hybrid), solid feel, uninspiring interior, though over budget for boxes we want ticked (AWD and leather). Would buy. X-Trail isn’t bad but isn’t better at anything compared to the others. Bit doughy to drive and boring. Good space though and sliding rear seats excellent idea. Not for us though. CRV drives really well, not much behind RAV (steering), and though turbo I can’t get passed 1.5L. Well appointed and plenty of space. Wife wants this but like RAV beyond budget for spec desired. Forester I thought drives reasonably well (not like RAV or CRV, not as nippy as CX5 and is better than Nissan), heaps of space appeals, great vision, real AWD (and a real spare tyre!), all the tech and safety. A lot of car for the price and I thought best value. My choice for our budget. Bear in mind these were all sub 30 minute drives in fine weather and no using tech - just a “drive for feel” job. Haven’t purchased yet but would be interested in objective feedback or commentary from those more knowledgeable. Thanks.

[@BFJP]

I had similar experiences with the Rav4 Hybrid and CX5 when test driving. We opted for a Forester, most versatile and best value in my opinion. The Subaru Outback is also worth a test as it is a little more premium, slightly more storage than Forester, and different driver interface. Avoid the e-boxer (Subaru Hybrids) though, it was a joke. If you want hybrid, go Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV. In terms of drive performance I thought the CX5 felt good but very low roof and rear seat leg space. BMW X3 and perhaps new Toyota Harrier worth a look depending on your budget.

[@LoftyVisions]

Subaru, just so you know; every time you fail to release a turbo powered car, a kitten dies.

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

We must do something…buy a T shirt or something

[@Nostaljikone]

So Subaru, by making turbo vehicles, you’re saving lives.

[@therealcool1144]

it's naturally aspirated, a lot of people forget that. Which means it would be good for towing. It's a lot smoother than a turbo.

[@oddities-whatnot]

A boxer turbo engine is thirsty on fuel. We cant go backwards. If you still want a boxer engine then you have to accept that times have changed. Subaru is appealing to a much wider audience now. They simply couldn’t survive if they just kept building rally cars. Its called business, yes ?

[@kawasaki9167]

Maybe Subaru should consider mild hybrid engine with 18kw motor with it. That would gives extra umph for what majority of us is looking for

[@angusmacdonald5300]

Great, real review! I have a 24 model of this - has hardly changed at all since this review. Safety features are class leading. Not sporty Sport model, of course!

[@miroslavvstanislavv5225]

Hi. I'm also impresed about this good view from interior. You are the first person to mention this advantage of the Forester. Thanks.

[@scollyutube]

Bit hard to push 'Sport' distinction when it still has the same under-whelming drivetrain. A milder economy angled version of the WRX motor would change everything in Subarus mainstream cars. Look at Vitara Turbo etc. as an example.

[@kylosolo6128]

The term "sport" in automotive lost its true meaning a long time ago, now it simply means a trim level with some red stickers

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

I don't know what happened at Subaru, a few years back they went from an awesome exciting manufacturer to just Meh.. Once Mitsubishi pulled out of WRC Subaru simply went lame.

[@ekimandersom4478]

Maybe you missed it, but the future is all about saving the environment, and HP has nothing to do in that. In the rest of the world the Forester is only available as a mild hybrid with 150HP. And that is fast enough for normal driving.

[@scollyutube]

@@ekimandersom4478 your future might be slowing down but some still want to enjoy driving especially up hills and carrying things in their cars. Turbo motors are all about torque vs HP, you might want to try the past before stepping into your 150hp and CVT unenjoyable future.

[@ekimandersom4478]

I have a 2017 Forester with 150 hp and it is fine for the past 4 years. Even up hill and fully loaded.

[@brendanfeldwick6493]

I actually like the way this car looks, and I wasn't completely offended by it's lack of power. It does the job, and is comfortable. I cross shopped this with a few other SUV's (XC40, Kodiaq/Karoq, and the 3008) and ended up with the Kodiaq, but if I hadn't been so obsessed with parking sensors, a turbo, and wireless carplay, I would've ended up with this. If Subaru come to their senses and release one with these with the options above, I'll be coming back to Subaru when my lease ends. I doubt they will tho =/

[@ekimandersom4478]

They offer parking sensors as an option, although they are really easy to fit aftermarket.

[@kodessa]

I like the added duct work on the hood -- so when it's pouring rain out; the hood pulls more water onto the windscreen.

[@autonewstv86]

*The 2021 Subaru Forster, it looks alright, it’s a great price I love the orange and black Interior!* ❤️

[@farenzeks437]

I’ve looked at just about every review for this car on KZbin over the last 3 months, and I’ve noticed that the biggest complaints are that it isn’t fast, and isn’t flashy looking enough. My question is why would u want to be Dominic Torreto if you bought this car, and who the hell are you trying to show off for soccer dad? I think it’s a dope whip, I am going to buy it, and when I do i will post a video on KZbin and give a review like a normal person, cuz these car guys are good but they point out car guy type of things..

[@IgnatiusCaelestis]

It needs more zip from a standing position.

[@stevcass1822]

I agree with you 100%, with that being said i went to the dealership 3 days ago with every intention of driving the sport and buying it. As i waited i sat in the 2021 outback onyx Xt. Decided to drive them both, and WOW the onyx was amazing. Going back today to drive both again and act uninterested to try to get the onyx price for the forester. If you haven’t driven the outback yet i think it’s worth your time! Goodluck

[@oddities-whatnot]

The only people who complain about Subaru cars are those that are either stuck in the past or fail to understand what the modern brand is doing.

[@DynoGames101]

u haven't bought the car get?.... I'm taking ur words for it and I'll wait for that review video :)

[@Langaz85]

Spot on! Just bought the 2022 Forester sport for the Mrs and I love it for what it is....also very capable off road....and for the thrills I still have my wrx.

[@kishorekumaru9]

Great I been waiting for this.

[@defjam2026]

Love the review - more Ponch please!

[@martinneethling3113]

How is the NVH? One of the main reasons I want to replace my 2016 CX-5 is that I can't hear anything when on speaker phone which is a bit shite when I need to take work calls. I like the looks of the Forester Sport and the bullet proof reliability. In a X3 or Q3 I would have to buy second-hand and then worry I if something breaks that is gonna cost me an arm and a leg to replace.

[@bosse641]

Why can't they make a regular automatic. ....do not understand it, since so many do not like the cvt. And why not have the choice for a manual transmission.

[@robertceroli3512]

I have them as well but manufacturers use them as they are more fuel efficient and lower CO2 than the regular TC auto Subaru has one of the best CVT they have invested a lot money and R and D .on manual trans people in Aus and America people stop buying them so they stopped producing manual Forrester sale in man were only about 5%

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

"SPORT" yet has no sport mode and a flaccid 87.7 kW/t.. What the hell is 'sport' about that? Just walk away and wait for the turbo. Does it come with tennis racket holders? Ski or kayak racks? Fold out ping pong table? What do you get for the extra 8 GRAND over the 2.5i? A paint job from Mattel? This costs more than the hybrid! Badge should read 'To Ken From Barbie'. Is sport maybe just Aussie vernacular.. "Hey there sport, ya betta get a move on ya turtle!"

[@stevcass1822]

That’s why I’m attracted to the 2021 outback. Drove them both and left the dealership wanting the outback onyx 😂 sport was slow slow slow

[@Real_British]

i think you can equip that car with bike rack

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@Real_British 🤣

[@HDeemand]

This model should’ve named ‘special edition’ or ‘limited edition’. I dont understand why car manufacturers insist or obsess slapping ‘sport’ when tuning and dynamics are unchanged. Its silly and driver will look sillier behind the wheel 🤪

[@dominicmota5564]

This car needs turbo ! I am lucky enough bought the last XT, still happy about the price under 42k and turbo performance. Air con not working after 3 years but they fix it under warranty

[@oddities-whatnot]

Still a few XTs in the UK but people need to understand the brand has changed to appeal to a wider customer base. Its called business. They have to create cars that the MAJORITY would buy, not a small number of die hard fans stuck in yesteryear.

[@-ac-8296]

​@@oddities-whatnot for what possible reason would the majority be against a mild turbo boost?

[@robertceroli3512]

Should have dropped the wrx eng in it sure would have cost a couple grand more but you'll find consumers are happy to pay for Xtra grunt then it would be a genuine sport suv

[@lf9207]

as an OB owner , I have to say, Subaru is quite behind the major leaders in the sections of 2 and 3-row midsize SUV. Forester, OB and Ascent all showed below average power performance, I can not believe the forester with 2.5i is marked with msrp over 40K. The previous forte on AWD is not really leading that much if still exists. The interior design is always 1 gen behind competitors. Subaru, you need improve on all aspects, except MSRP.

[@davidmurray5926]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@philipwest4553]

Oi! I like the chrome (look) on the Forester. What you need is a red forester. Not that boring white.

[@mozeea1]

I like what they've done with the black trim below the fender, around the tyres. I also hope they bring back the turbocharged engine like you say 👍🏽

[@daweigo6851]

Can you somehow get rid of the orange trim?

[@aerienix]

For the Sport? Maybe aftermarket.

[@EastWood2004]

If it has the turbo engine with conventional auto it would be awesome.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Well it hasnt. Get over it.

[@huntiero]

Where’s the coconut water, Nathan? Just kidding, great honest review as always! Keep up the excellent work.

[@Mightyhawk84k]

So you'd buy sport over premium, if one wants panoramic sunroof n not want to spend $2k more on 2.5i-s minus the having Karoonda audio n leather seats

[@croydonq135]

Great review. Good car but not great. Hopefully the new facelift and turbo get the Forrester back out in front of the pack in this car segment

[@jhenrydelacruz6370]

2022 Forester engine 1.8liter turbocharge

[@tinker1148]

The US version has a sport mode. I guess the aussie version doesn’t.

[@bill6960]

The US version doesn't get a few of the "amenities" like the electric rear seat latches. Those are only available on the top trim. I noticed this on some Canadian reviews, the top two trim levels get the electric releases Only having a turbo available in the top trim also is a fail, and probably why the XT sales were so low, as (obviously) most people wouldn't pay the extra just to get a turbo.

[@limpunsing224]

RAV4 Hybrid is likely the safest bet for most average buyers

[@quikxfl]

Less trunk space but much better fuel economy

[@hasantar]

In fantasy land yes, in the real world you pay thousands more and wait 4+ months to get your hands on one.

[@Honestandtruth007]

Dude, Everybody is different and want different things

[@limpunsing224]

@@Honestandtruth007 Exactly Sales volume reflects everything

[@oddities-whatnot]

Toyota have a larger market share than Subaru, they always have so your point is not telling us anything we dont already know.

[@DronieUp]

Let’s all forget this mind fart happened! Next year Subaru will get it right and bring the new Turbo launched in Japan this year! Yes?!?!

[@topher.m]

They tend to mind fart ever 10 years.

[@johnwall7190]

If you think anything below 800 horse power is a brag or a flex you are weird and dumb. It's 2021 reving your shitty wrx isn't cool.

[@daweigo6851]

No they won't saldy

[@tinker1148]

It is the exact same orange as the outside. It looks different because it’s not in direct sunlight.

[@RADAdv346]

Im more interested in the location.

[@stultuses]

Can someone send Subaru an English translation about sports and turbo being synonymous With all the competition around, why would you treat car buyers as idiots and not add a turbo?

[@ekimandersom4478]

Then buy something else

[@gavinchapple825]

What tyres would you put on it?

[@oddities-whatnot]

Big rubber ones

[@leedaq7767]

lol subaru only applied the new large infotainment system to outback only

[@BFJP]

Look out for a 1.8L turbo trim soon (the same as the new Levorg). It's out in Japan now, might be 2022~ for elsewhere.

[@garbonzo5924]

I had a 1.8 in my Subaru. It was not a turbo though - but strong enough. LOL, it was a 1984 Grand Touring Wagon - bought it in Saudi Arabia where I was working at the time. Beautiful car with a high roof, dual-range 4WD manual, Would go where almost nothing else could. Put some decent tires on it and it travelled on sand like a city street. Rescued a couple bogged Patrols and one Landcruiser. Quite light and average inside - Suzuki has their Jimny now - why can't Subaru make similar but better?

[@highanddryful]

2021 vehicle at $40 000 with no turbo-why?

[@stuartc1936]

I think the car is stuck in time it just hasn't changed much in the last 10years

[@lockedout8643]

I took a Forester premium for a test drive a couple of months ago, solid car but a slug to drive, my 13 yr old turbo charged 2 ltr Saab is a much better car to drive which is a bit sad. The road noise was very loud as well. I thought about it but in the end the pros of all wheel drive, bulletproof chassis and all the bells and whistles didn't outweigh the con of being boring to drive. If I'm going to spend $40-45,000 on a car I want to be a bit excited about it.

[@nchia]

I have a soft spot for the Forester, but I think I'm ready to move on to something different and don't think Subaru makes one I like.

[@oddities-whatnot]

In the UK and Europe we have very limited choice. The USA gets bigger engines which seems unfair.

[@davidmurray5926]

Bye then 🙄

[@nchia]

@@davidmurray5926 Still loving my SG tho!

[@cyberprincejr1807]

No more Rally DNA.. we are slowly drifted apart... please remove all sport or STI badge... we missed old subaru!!

[@damieg82]

Between 0:37 with the 'silver crap' comment, and then 1:39 talking about the 'hideous taillights', I couldn't make it any further through this vid. I'm not saying a reviewer can't inject a bit of personal opinion, but something about how this guy does it just rubs me the wrong way. Instead he could have spoken about the 'welcomed absence of brightwork on the grill', rather than silver crap, and 'arguably controversial taillight design', rather than hideous. When your opinions come across as arrogant and/or obnoxious, you alienate viewers who might like the very elements you're berating. For example, I like a tasteful amount brightwork any day of the week over the trending blacked-out look... so this review, no thanks!

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, but the thing is on this channel we have journos who have strong and clearly stated opinions and that’s fine. Tom likes bright work and wood, and Ponch likes black packs - just diversity of opinion. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@daweigo6851]

Don't have to watch it... 😬

[@timberlinecline3667]

The ford bronco sport just made the forester a soccer moms car

[@TastiLead]

Looks like it wants to be a Nismo

[@IgnatiusCaelestis]

I hope the rumors are true about the turbo engine engine.

[@JJ-wi2uw]

Needs a turbo

[@shandy3025]

Can always get a after market

[@markcaldwell01]

Can’t deal with 99 missed calls and unread messages.

[@johnnumbat9782]

Good intro review - I’ve owned a Leone DL, Liberty Wagon, Outback, GC8 WRX Hatch and five Foresters (one XT Turbo) so there’s no doubt where my heart is but my head says we need a Turbo Forester with conventional 8 speed auto (not the CVT) in the Sport colour scheme without stop-start functionality then Subaru would be on an industry winner and definitely have my order - John in SA

[@jdhunteresq]

I came here to simply say that is not orange on the exterior or interior. It is clearly red.

[@sonsofmatriarchy5552]

*"no more silver crap"* 👍👍👍👍👍

[@jrnumex9286]

don't get the turbo wants. it's a dam "dad and mom' car just what people want. like bringing the 0-60 mph down to low 7's would be a head turner.

[@DPK12]

Still can't fit full set of clubs, remote buggy and a box under the boot cover. Overall a hideous looking box.

[@tonycoz2309]

All show and and no go. At least we could have got the Japanese 1.8Lt. Turbo motor.......I mean Subaru Australia we were the original home of the Rexy turbo cult car!!!!! Stop being safe and conservative and give us some motoring excitement again.

[@Blue_Eyed_Samurai]

Would sell more if it was turbo

[@ryant2568]

Subaru are masters of practical and reliable but you don't buy one for the looks.

[@mark.conforti]

When the taillights don’t get face-lifted out…

[@chasingcars]

Oops

[@John.John.Johnny.John.]

Subaru definitely dropped the ball on this one. No turbo, pffffft.

[@iforc]

I hate how cheap the Toyota feels. Much better build quality in the Forester.

[@mach-e3572]

It has the sporty looks

[@stephenkozakiewicz8704]

#BringBackTheBrumby

[@lukewarm2075]

Pretty stupid not to bring out a turbo version that everyone loves spend less on shit orange accents and chuck a turbo in

[@kane4013]

Infotainment system is SLOW

[@twominutetripsTV]

Oh no - Subaru moved the drivers side to the right!!

[@indeepeterhopwood8106]

The car is screaming for a 6 speed manual. Instead you get the god awful CVT

[@simoncouch1523]

99 unread messages hahaha makes me feel sick 😂

[@neongo6446]

Right?! And 93 missed calls. Get it together man

[@simoncouch1523]

@@neongo6446 hahahah

[@richieduck67]

Great review but about as sporty as my grey cardigan.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Why watch the video then and waste your time commenting ? Attention seeker

[@eellexa]

Subaru has gone cheap. CVT....erk!! Standard 2.5 engine has become a bore. I won't be buying my 8th Suby.

[@joetyrrell222]

No turbo- no interest!

[@hayriyesarman7292]

BRING AUSTRALIA THE WILDERNESS VERSION OF OUTBACK AND FORESTER. SPORT IS USELESS .COMPARED TO WILDERNESS

[@HerfingPug]

Bloody revolting. What were they thinking...

[@vaughanosgan2623]

Garbage car now with no 2.0 Turbo Will hang on to my 2017 XT...

[@73willyg]

Ughh haha quite distracting pants at the start.

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

Steering wheel on wrong side!!..no quality control

[@MrTonifumi]

Did they get rid of the terrible CVT?...... oh, no :(

[@Fullofit1950]

Whole car looks hideous

[@ГрафКропоткин-н3о]

WHITE color is not for Subaru!! Not at all !!!

[@Bob-qq2ks]

horizon blue

[@harendabar]

totally missing stick shift. non sense car

[@spawn11]

haha Why Aussies sound like they're clenching and about to get mad. Amazing people and beautiful country though lived 3 years there

[@campbellreither550]

Bit of a pointless review. Perhaps just review the car objectively rather than speaking in contradictions. It was really tedious.

[@stevenl6285]

What a boring car! It's got no life in it. OAP CAR!!!