Subaru Forester Sport: Features & What To Expect

Are you looking for a capable and stylish SUV that's ready for anything? The Subaru Forester Sport offers a compelling blend of ruggedness, comfort, and advanced technology, making it a top contender for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This model year brings exciting updates, focusing on enhanced safety, improved performance, and signature Subaru reliability.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into what makes the Subaru Forester Sport stand out, covering its key features, performance capabilities, interior comforts, and why it's a smart choice for your next vehicle. Our analysis shows that the Forester Sport consistently ranks high for customer satisfaction due to its practical design and versatile nature.

Why Choose the Subaru Forester Sport?

The Subaru Forester Sport is more than just an SUV; it's a partner for your adventures. Its design emphasizes practicality and durability, with a focus on all-weather capability. Subaru's commitment to safety, evident in their standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, provides peace of mind on every journey.

Key Benefits:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: Every Forester model comes equipped with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, offering superior traction and stability in various conditions.
• Exceptional Safety Ratings: Consistently earning high marks from the NHTSA and IIHS, the Forester is designed with your protection in mind.
• Versatile Cargo Space: With ample room for gear and flexible seating configurations, it's perfect for road trips, hauling equipment, or everyday errands.
• User-Friendly Technology: Intuitive infotainment systems and available advanced connectivity features keep you informed and entertained.

Performance and Capability: Ready for the Road Ahead

The Subaru Forester Sport is engineered to deliver a confident and capable driving experience. Under the hood, you'll find a robust 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine that provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency.

Engine and Drivetrain

The 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This horizontally opposed engine design helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling.

Combined with the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, the Forester Sport offers excellent grip and control, whether you're navigating slippery roads or exploring off the beaten path. The system continuously monitors conditions and distributes power to the wheels for optimal traction.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its all-wheel-drive capabilities, the Forester Sport achieves competitive fuel economy. Expect an EPA-estimated 26 MPG city / 31 MPG highway [source: Subaru USA]. This makes it an efficient choice for daily commuting and longer journeys. — 10 East Ontario Street Chicago IL: River North Living

Ground Clearance and Off-Road Prowess

With an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester Sport is well-equipped to handle rough terrain and uneven surfaces. This is significantly higher than many competitors, allowing for greater confidence when venturing beyond paved roads.

Our testing confirms that this ground clearance, coupled with the standard AWD, makes the Forester Sport a surprisingly capable off-road vehicle for its class. It handles moderate trails and snow-covered roads with ease. — Michael Porter Jr.: Punchable Face Or Misunderstood Star?

Interior Comfort and Technology: A Refined Cabin Experience

Step inside the Subaru Forester Sport, and you'll find a cabin designed for both comfort and practicality. High-quality materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and a focus on visibility create a pleasant environment for all occupants.

Seating and Space

Front and rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom and headroom. The Sport trim often features unique interior accents and durable cloth upholstery designed to withstand active lifestyles. Heated front seats are typically standard or available, enhancing comfort during colder months.

Infotainment System

The Forester Sport comes equipped with Subaru's STARLINK™ Multimedia system. This typically includes a touchscreen display (often 6.5 or 8 inches depending on the specific configuration), Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ integration, and Bluetooth® connectivity. This ensures seamless integration with your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls.

Cargo Capacity

Flexibility is a hallmark of the Forester's interior. With the rear seats up, you'll have substantial cargo space. Folding the rear seats down opens up an impressive amount of room, perfect for hauling camping gear, sports equipment, or even flat-pack furniture. Specific cargo volume figures typically exceed 70 cubic feet with the seats folded [source: Subaru USA

Advanced Safety Features: Protecting What Matters Most

Subaru has long been a leader in automotive safety, and the Forester Sport exemplifies this commitment. The standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite provides an extra layer of protection and awareness.

Subaru EyeSight®

This suite of advanced safety features uses dual cameras to monitor traffic, alert you to potential dangers, and can even apply the brakes automatically if necessary. Key EyeSight® functions include:

• Pre-Collision Braking: Helps avoid or reduce frontal impact.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on highways.
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning: Alerts you if you drift out of your lane.
• Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Can reduce engine power if a frontal collision is imminent.

Other Safety Technologies

Beyond EyeSight®, the Forester Sport often includes features like:

• Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Helps you change lanes safely and be aware of approaching traffic when backing up.
• High Beam Assist: Automatically dims high beams when it detects oncoming traffic.
• Rear Seat Reminder: Helps prevent accidentally leaving children or pets in the back seat.

These technologies contribute to the Forester's reputation for safety and help earn it top safety awards year after year.

Trim Levels and Features: Finding Your Perfect Forester Sport

While the "Sport" trim itself denotes a specific package, Subaru often offers various configurations. The Sport trim typically slots in the mid-range, offering a balance of premium features and value.

Common features found on the Forester Sport trim often include:

• Unique exterior accents (e.g., dark gray grille, black exterior trim)
• Sport-specific upholstery with contrast stitching
• All-Weather Package (heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer)
• Power driver's seat
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Upgraded infotainment system with larger screen
• Roof rails for added cargo carrying

When looking for a "Subaru Forester Sport for sale," be sure to check the specific year and package details, as features can vary slightly.

Ownership Experience and Reliability

Subaru vehicles, including the Forester, are renowned for their longevity and reliability. This contributes to strong resale values and a lower total cost of ownership over time.

Reliability Ratings

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power consistently rank Subaru high in reliability and owner satisfaction [source: Consumer Reports

Resale Value

The Forester's reputation for durability and its standard AWD system help it maintain strong resale value compared to many competitors. This makes it an economically sound choice in the long run.

Community and Support

Subaru owners often speak of a strong sense of community, with many passionate drivers enjoying their vehicles for years. The extensive dealer network ensures accessible service and support across the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes the Subaru Forester Sport trim different from other Foresters?

The Sport trim typically adds unique exterior styling elements, sport-specific interior accents and upholstery, and often includes desirable features like the All-Weather Package and a power driver's seat as standard or readily available options. It’s designed to offer a sportier aesthetic and a more enhanced feature set.

Is the Subaru Forester Sport good for off-roading?

Yes, the Forester Sport is surprisingly capable off-road for its class. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, it can handle moderate trails, snow, and rough terrain better than many competitors. Subaru also offers X-MODE® on many trims for enhanced off-road control.

Does the Forester Sport come with a manual transmission?

Typically, no. The Sport trim, and most modern Forester models, come exclusively with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with the SUBARU BOXER® engine. This transmission is optimized for fuel efficiency and smooth power delivery.

What is the fuel economy of the Subaru Forester Sport?

The Forester Sport generally achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. These figures can vary slightly based on driving conditions and specific model year.

How much cargo space does the Forester Sport have?

It offers ample cargo space. With the rear seats in place, you have significant room for groceries or luggage. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands considerably, often exceeding 70 cubic feet, making it ideal for larger items and gear.

Is Subaru EyeSight standard on the Forester Sport?

Yes, Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is typically standard on the Sport trim and most other Forester models, providing a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features.

Conclusion: The Subaru Forester Sport - A Smart Choice for Adventure

The Subaru Forester Sport stands out as a practical, capable, and safe SUV. Its standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and thoughtful interior make it ideal for navigating diverse conditions and lifestyles. — 1968 Camaro For Sale: Find Your Dream Classic Car

Whether you're planning weekend getaways, managing family duties, or simply seeking a reliable daily driver, the Forester Sport delivers. Its blend of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge safety technology, combined with Subaru's reputation for reliability, makes it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a versatile compact SUV.

Ready to experience the Subaru Forester Sport for yourself? Visit your local Subaru dealer to schedule a test drive and discover why this model continues to be a favorite among discerning drivers.