Wilderness 4dr All-Wheel Drive
2022 Subaru Forester

Most compact SUVs are marketed in a way that encourages you to envision fun family outings spent taking advantage of their all-wheel drive and enhanced practicality in the great outdoors. Let's face it, though: relatively few families will actually do that, and some compact SUVs frankly wouldn't be very good at it. The 2022 Subaru Forester is the real deal, though, and its owners are far more likely to actually live the life the owners of other SUVs only envision. The outdoorsy set is still a minority, mind you, but the Forester's standard all-wheel drive, class-leading ground clearance, ample cargo capacity, sturdy roof rails and relatively simple interior does indeed make it well suited for their adventures. It's with all of the above in mind that Subaru leans in for 2022 with the new Forester Wilderness, pictured above. As we describe in its specific review, its multiple upgrades provide a genuine increase in capability off the beaten path. It's not just some quasi-rugged appearance package. We also like that it's a mid-grade trim rather than a range-topper, making it more accessible to more buyers. The Wilderness gives the Forester an even clearer leg-up in a specific area (the outdoorsy realm), which is key, since the regular Forester is otherwise a mid-pack player in the segment, hampered by an underwhelming engine, ho-hum design and the simple fact that rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Mazda CX-5 are just so strong.  Interior & technology   |   Passenger & cargo space   |   Performance & fuel economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & features   |   Crash ratings & safety features What's new for 2022? The new Wilderness gets 9.2 inches of ground clearance (versus 8.7) via a lengthened and overhauled suspension; unique front-end styling including hexagon LED foglights and a reshaped bumper for an even better approach angle and greater protection; 17-inch black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires; a full-size matching spare; changes to the CVT and differential for improved response off-road; copper-colored trim accents; and sturdier roof rails. Besides the Wilderness, the rest of the Forester lineup gets a significant refresh for 2022. All models get a redesigned front bumper, grille and headlights, plus a new rear bumper. Inside, the cargo area gets standard LED lighting and two roof-mounted cargo hooks. Functionally, the brake system is upgraded on all Foresters, while the Premium trim gains the more powerful brakes of higher trims. There's also another windshield washer nozzle added, which should be good news in the crummy-weather climates where Foresters are frequently sold. Finally, the latest-generation Subaru EyeSight system is fitted, and now includes automatic emergency steering and an upgraded camera. The available Driver Focus system also now makes it possible to change the HVAC temp setting with a hand gesture.  What are the Forester interior and in-car technology like? The Forester's interior design is function-first, with a sensible control layout and visibility that rivals the Popemobile. The materials are of a good quality, and driving for hours …
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