Photo Feature: 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness

2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness

Miles driven: 141

Fuel used: 5.8 gallons

CG Report Card

Room and Comfort	A
Power and Performance	B-
Fit and Finish	B
Fuel Economy	B
Value	B+

Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.

Big & Tall Comfort

Big Guy	A
Tall Guy	A

Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.

Drivetrain
Engine Specs	182-horsepower 2.5-liter
Engine Type	4-cylinder
Transmission	CVT automatic
Drive Wheels	AWD

Real-world fuel economy: 24.3 mpg

Driving mix: 70% city, 30% highway

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 25/28/26 (mpg city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $32,820 (not including $1125 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Engine under guard ($220)

Price as tested: $34,165

Quick Hits

The great: Excellent outward visibility, generous passenger and cargo space, promise of off-road adventure

The good: Deft blend of passenger-car and SUV elements, impressive list of standard safety features

The not so good: Somewhat intrusive engine stop/start system; driving character isn’t particularly sporty

CG Says:

For 2022, the Subaru Forester gets styling updates and a new off-road oriented model, along with a couple of safety-feature enhancements. The Forester is offered in base, Premium, Sport, Limited, new-for-2022 Wilderness, and Touring models. The Wilderness includes unique off-road-oriented features such as a raised ride height, front skid plate, increased roof-rack weight capacity, “StarTex” water-repellant upholstery, and unique off-road tires on 17-inch wheels. Regardless of trim level, all Foresters have a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter horizontally opposed “flat four” engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Also standard is EyeSight, a suite of safety features that includes forward collision warning and mitigation, lane-keep assist, lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and Lead-Vehicle Start Alert, which beeps to let you know if the vehicle ahead of you in traffic moves away from a stop and you don’t. Subaru says the EyeSight system’s camera sensors have been upgraded for 2022, and an Automatic Emergency Steering feature (which assists with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph) is newly available. Available only on the topline Touring model is Subaru’s DriverFocus system, which gives visual and audible warnings for driver drowsiness and inattention. Other available features include reverse automatic braking, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, steering-linked adaptive headlights, hill-descent control, and panoramic sunroof.

Subaru arguably pioneered the concept of the compact crossover SUV, and the current version of the Forester remains a fine pick in the category. Granted, the Forester’s engine power doesn’t quite match its rivals, but this trim little rig is nonetheless satisfying to drive, offering car-like, confidence-inspiring handling and a relatively smooth ride. And although the Forester isn’t suitable for truly hardcore off-road driving, the new Wilderness model’s enhancements enable outdoor-adventure enthusiasts to get a bit further off the beaten path.

Test Drive: 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness