Hey guys! Let's dive into everything you need to know about the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium, especially focusing on what's under the hood and how it performs. If you're considering this trusty SUV, you're in the right place. We're going to break down the horsepower, engine specs, driving experience, and all the other important bits that make the Forester Premium a popular choice.

Horsepower and Engine Performance

Okay, so let's get straight to the point: the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine churns out a respectable 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – is 182 horsepower enough? Well, for most daily driving situations, it definitely holds its own. The Forester isn't trying to be a sports car; it’s designed to be a reliable, comfortable, and capable SUV for everyday use and light adventures. The engine is paired with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency and provide smooth acceleration. Some people aren't fans of CVTs, but Subaru's version is generally well-regarded for its responsiveness and ability to mimic traditional gear shifts. This makes the driving experience feel more natural and less drone-like than some other CVTs on the market. When you're merging onto the highway or passing another car, the Forester Premium has enough pep to get the job done without feeling strained. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, a Subaru staple, ensures that power is distributed effectively to all four wheels, providing excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or gravel roads, the Forester inspires confidence. Plus, the X-Mode system further enhances off-road capability by optimizing the engine, transmission, and Vehicle Dynamics Control system to tackle more challenging terrain. So, while the horsepower might not be class-leading, the overall performance and capability of the Forester Premium make it a well-rounded choice for many drivers. And let's not forget about fuel economy – the Forester achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is pretty impressive for an SUV with standard all-wheel drive.

Driving Experience and Comfort

Alright, let’s talk about what it's like to actually get behind the wheel of the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium. The driving experience is geared towards comfort and ease of use, which is perfect for daily commutes and longer road trips. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and composed ride. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives, and the cabin is relatively quiet, minimizing road and wind noise. Visibility is excellent, thanks to the Forester's tall windows and relatively thin roof pillars. This makes it easy to see your surroundings and maneuver in tight spaces. The steering is light and responsive, making the Forester feel nimble and easy to handle. It's not the sportiest SUV out there, but it's certainly not cumbersome or difficult to drive. One of the standout features of the Forester is its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which comes standard on all models, including the Premium. This suite of safety features includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These systems work together to help you stay safe on the road and can provide an extra layer of protection in potentially dangerous situations. The adaptive cruise control is particularly useful on long highway drives, as it automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. The lane departure warning and lane keeping assist systems can help prevent you from drifting out of your lane unintentionally, while the pre-collision braking system can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. In terms of interior space, the Forester Premium offers plenty of room for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate adults, and the cargo area is generous, with 28.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes the Forester a great choice for families or anyone who needs to haul a lot of gear. Overall, the driving experience of the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is characterized by comfort, ease of use, and a strong emphasis on safety. It's not the most exciting SUV to drive, but it's certainly one of the most practical and reliable.

Interior Features and Technology

Moving inside the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium, you’ll find a well-designed and functional interior. While it might not be the flashiest cabin in its class, it prioritizes usability and durability. The materials used are of good quality, and the overall fit and finish are impressive. The dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, with controls that are easy to reach and understand. The Premium trim comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, which is a significant upgrade over the base model's 6.5-inch screen. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use, with intuitive menus and clear graphics. It also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. This means you can access your favorite apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music directly from the touchscreen. Other standard interior features on the Premium trim include a six-speaker audio system, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The heated front seats are a welcome addition, especially in colder climates, while the panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury and allows plenty of natural light into the cabin. The power-adjustable driver's seat makes it easy to find a comfortable driving position, and the six-speaker audio system provides decent sound quality for most listeners. In terms of technology, the Forester Premium also includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a rearview camera. The rearview camera is particularly useful when backing up or parking, as it provides a clear view of what's behind the car. Overall, the interior of the Subaru Forester Premium is a comfortable and well-equipped space that prioritizes usability and functionality. While it might not be the most luxurious cabin in its class, it offers a good balance of features and value.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium truly shines. Subaru has always been committed to safety, and the Forester is a testament to that commitment. As mentioned earlier, the Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which is a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to help prevent accidents. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. These systems work together to monitor your surroundings and provide alerts or assistance when needed. In addition to EyeSight, the Forester also comes standard with other important safety features such as antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The antilock brakes prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, while the stability control system helps to maintain control of the vehicle in slippery conditions. The traction control system helps to prevent wheel spin on loose surfaces, and the airbags provide protection in the event of a collision. The Forester has also earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The NHTSA gave the Forester a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+. These ratings are a testament to the Forester's strong crashworthiness and its ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. One of the standout safety features of the Forester is its excellent visibility. The tall windows and relatively thin roof pillars provide a clear view of the road and surrounding traffic, which helps to reduce blind spots and make it easier to see potential hazards. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is an exceptionally safe vehicle that offers a wide range of safety features and has earned top marks from leading safety organizations. If safety is a top priority for you, the Forester is definitely worth considering.

Fuel Economy

Let's get into the fuel economy of the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium. For many of us, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor when choosing a vehicle. Nobody wants to constantly be at the gas station, right? The Forester Premium does pretty well in this department, offering a good balance of power and efficiency. The EPA estimates for the 2022 Forester Premium are 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 29 mpg. These numbers are quite competitive for a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. Keep in mind that real-world fuel economy can vary depending on your driving habits, road conditions, and the weather. If you do a lot of stop-and-go city driving or tend to have a heavy foot on the accelerator, you might not achieve the EPA's estimates. On the other hand, if you do mostly highway driving and drive conservatively, you could potentially exceed those numbers. One of the reasons the Forester Premium achieves such good fuel economy is its Lineartronic CVT. This transmission is designed to optimize engine performance and keep the engine in its most efficient range. It also helps to reduce fuel consumption during acceleration and cruising. In addition to the CVT, the Forester Premium also features a fuel-efficient engine design and lightweight construction. These factors contribute to its overall efficiency and help to save you money at the pump. Compared to other SUVs in its class, the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium holds its own in terms of fuel economy. It's not the absolute best in the segment, but it's certainly not the worst. And when you factor in its standard all-wheel drive and other capabilities, the Forester offers a compelling value proposition for those who prioritize fuel efficiency. To maximize your fuel economy in the Forester Premium, try to maintain a smooth and steady driving style, avoid excessive idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can also help to improve fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium offers a respectable fuel economy that should satisfy most drivers. It's not a hybrid, but it's still a relatively efficient choice for a compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive.

Conclusion

So, wrapping things up, the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable, safe, and practical SUV. While its 182 horsepower might not blow you away, it provides adequate power for most driving situations. The Forester shines with its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a plethora of safety features, thanks to the standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Plus, the fuel economy is pretty decent for an SUV with standard all-wheel drive. If you value safety, reliability, and practicality over outright performance, the Forester Premium should definitely be on your list. It's a well-rounded vehicle that's perfect for families, commuters, and anyone who enjoys getting out and exploring. Just remember to take it for a test drive to see if it's the right fit for you. Happy driving, everyone!