Overview
The 2022 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV built for drivers who want everyday practicality with confident all-weather capability. It’s a strong fit for commuters, small families, and outdoor-focused owners who value visibility, cargo space, and standard safety tech. The 2022 model year sits within the fifth-generation Forester (introduced for 2019), offering a refined, spacious cabin and Subaru’s hallmark symmetrical all-wheel drive. In the compact SUV market, it competes with favorites like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 by leaning into safety, utility, and foul-weather traction.
Key Features
- 2.5L SUBARU BOXER ENGINE: The 2022 Forester uses a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four paired with a CVT (continuously variable transmission). Output is approximately 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, tuned for efficiency and smooth daily driving rather than quick acceleration.
- STANDARD SYMMETRICAL ALL-WHEEL DRIVE: Unlike many rivals that make AWD optional, the 2022 Forester includes AWD across the lineup, a major selling point for snow-belt states and dirt-road travel.
- EYE SIGHT DRIVER ASSIST: Subaru’s EyeSight suite is widely available and commonly equipped, adding features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking for extra peace of mind.
- PRACTICAL INTERIOR AND CARGO: The Forester is known for excellent outward visibility and a tall roofline that makes it easy to load cargo. It’s also a comfortable choice for taller drivers and passengers thanks to generous headroom.
- X-MODE (ON SELECT TRIMS): Many Foresters include X-MODE for improved traction management in slippery conditions, helping the vehicle maintain momentum on snow, mud, or loose surfaces at low speeds.
Common Issues & Reliability
If you’re researching 2022 Subaru Forester reliability, the model is generally viewed as a dependable compact SUV when maintained on schedule, but there are some 2022 Subaru Forester problems and common issues owners report.
1) WINDSHIELD CRACKING: A frequent complaint across several Subaru models is windshield damage that seems to occur from small impacts or develops into spreading cracks. Owners sometimes report chips turning into cracks unexpectedly, often within the first 5,000–30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and road debris exposure.
2) CVT BEHAVIOR (HESITATION/“RUBBER-BAND” FEEL): The Forester’s CVT is designed for smoothness and fuel economy, but some owners note sluggish response, hesitation from a stop, or unusual “rev flare” sensations, commonly noticed early in ownership through around 10,000–40,000 miles. This is often more of a drivability complaint than a hard failure, but it’s worth test-driving carefully.
3) INFOTAINMENT AND BLUETOOTH GLITCHES: Intermittent connectivity problems, freezing screens, and Bluetooth pairing issues are among the more common electronics complaints. These can pop up at any mileage, and are sometimes improved with software updates performed by the dealership.
4) BATTERY DRAIN OR WEAK BATTERY: Some owners report premature battery weakness, especially if the vehicle is used for short trips, sits for long periods, or has frequent accessory use. Symptoms may appear within 1–3 years, and a battery load test can help confirm whether replacement is needed.