DecodedCars2022 Subaru Forester
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 2.5i / Convenience / Touring 4dr SUV, Sport / Limited / Premier 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 182 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,459–3,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2022 small SUV (24.5 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,459 lb (2.5i / Convenience / Touring 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 18% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 24.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2022
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2021 Forester — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Forester →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Forester configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i / Convenience / Touring 4dr SUV | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 68.1 in | 105.1 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,459 lb | 58/42 |
| Sport / Limited / Premier 4dr SUV | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 68.1 in | 105.1 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,549 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +18% | $2,300 | 310 |
| Forester Wilderness AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 28 / 26 | +6% | $2,600 | 338 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Forester (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2022 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2022 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Not every 2022 Subaru Forester is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Subaru Forester buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 20 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 11 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Subaru Forester. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forester years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 32 |
| 2025 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 99 |
| 2024 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2023 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2021 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 212 |
| 2020 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 603 |
| 2019 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 834 |
| 2018 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 498 |
| 2017 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 592 |
| 2016 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 416 |
| 2015 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 608 |
| 2014 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 364 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →