If you are going to car camp, you need a reliable vehicle, like the Subaru Forester, to get you and your gear to the campsite. You will arrive happy and ready to unwind and have a great time when you choose the Subaru Forester. The company has been making these compact crossover SUVs since 1997. There are many reasons to consider a fourth-generation Subaru Forester, which the company made between 2014 and 2019.
Price and Value
The Subaru Forester is priced in the middle of the pack for crossover SUVs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $36,000 for a used Forester, depending on the make, model, and mileage of the vehicle.
Size and Seating Capacity
The Subaru Forester has plenty of room for five. This vehicle offers 34.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the base model with the rear seats up and 74.7 cubic feet when they are folded down. This is much more than in many of its competitors. Above the base model, that total is cut to 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 70.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Engine Specs
Two engines were used in the fourth generation of Subaru Foresters. One engine choice is a 2.5-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine. This engine provides 170 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute.
The second engine choice is a 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine. It provides 250 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute.
You can find an automatic continuously variable Lineartronic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission in these vehicles.
Trims and Features
Subaru Foresters are available in six different trim levels.
2.5i
The base model comes with cloth seats and a 6.2-inch infotainment system. Some model years feature a rearview camera as standard equipment. This trim level rides on 17-inch steel wheels.
2.5 Premium
Upgrade to the 2.5i Premium, and a moonroof comes as standard equipment. The tires also become 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Black finish roof rails are included in this option, which can be a great addition if you cannot get all your stuff inside when camping. Additionally, this vehicle has a rear spoiler.
When you get inside the 2.5i Premium, you will notice that the infotainment system has increased to 7.0 inches. Additionally, the driver can enjoy a 10-way power-adjustable seat. The back seats recline, which can be an excellent option for those times when the weather surprises you, and you cannot tent camp.
2.5i Limited
The next step up is the 2.5i Limited, and it adds an all-wheel-drive option, which can be great to get you into and out of remote camping spots. In some model years, this level adds the safety of blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and rear traffic alert. You can also find this option with a power rear-gate with automatic close.
You will love the leather-trimmed upholstery at this level. Adding to the beauty of the interior is piano black and silver metallic accent trim. The steering wheel and shifter knobs are covered in leather, which can help keep them cooler on hot days when shade may be hard to find while camping.
2.0XT Premium
The 2.0 XT Premium is the base level with the 2.0-liter engine in it. This sports-tuned suspension vehicle rides on 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Options can be available with black-finish roof racks and a moon roof.
This trim level has cloth seats, and it may have a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way manually adjusted passenger seat. Many vehicles at this trim level come with automatic climate control.
2.0XT Touring
The other option that may be readily available with the 2.0-liter engine is the 2.0XT Touring. This option comes with a push-button start and keyless PIN entry. The steering wheel is heated. Helping you enjoy your trip to the campground, many come with an eight-speaker premium audio system.
Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has picked the Subaru Forester many times as their top safety pick. They gave the vehicle a Superior Rating when it was equipped with the EyeSight Package for front crash protection between vehicles.
This package features adaptive cruise control to help you maintain a safe speed between the vehicle and the one you are following. The program also monitors your position on the road and warns you if you venture too close to another lane. If it senses that an accident is about to occur, then it also automatically brakes and reduces the vehicle’s speed.
Reliability
After years of J.D. Power’s poor dependability ratings, in 2021, they named the Subaru Forester the top three compact SUV models. This is excellent news for those thinking of buying a used compact SUV because the company looks at reliability over the last three years.
The Takeaway
While many car companies have forgotten that a car needs to be functional before drivers care about its appearance, that is not the case with the Subaru Forester. This vehicle combines function and form, especially if you are looking for a vehicle to take car camping.
The two engines found in the Subaru Forester are reliable choices, delivering good gas mileage for a crossover SUV. While you will not have the power to pull the heaviest trailers, you will have plenty of ability to pull lightweight campers or many boats. Since they are smaller engines than found in many camping vehicles, you can expect better fuel mileage.
You can find many options with a roof rack, which is an excellent option if you like to take a canoe or other larger items along when camping. There is plenty of interior space to haul all types of camping gear. Additionally, this vehicle offers enough space in front and the second row that no one will feel cramped.
Getting to the campground will be a fun adventure when you are in a Subaru Forester. You will love the premium audio system and the infotainment system available on many models. Additionally, the second-row seats sit higher than in many comparable models so that everyone can enjoy the view found on the way to many campsites.
Many model years are loaded with safety features that you will love, including Subaru’s EyeSight package that can assist you in driving should the need arise. It is always good to know it is there even if you never need to use it.
While J.D. Power often gives the top nod to luxury vehicles, they have named the Subaru Forester one of the most reliable vehicles in its class. That is excellent news if you often go camping in remote areas where help may be hard to get.
