The 2024 Subaru Forester leaves little to be desired in most trims, though individual options are few and Subaru’s standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty isn’t anything special. Competitive standard fare and good overall value add up to a 7 here.
This year, the destination fee increases from $1,225 to $1,295, and the base Forester now costs a total of $28,190, which is an increase of $470 over the 2023 model. That includes steel wheels, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, USB-A ports, and a CD player, practically an anachronism these days. Alloy wheels and roof rails are packaged together for just $625.
The base 6.5-inch touchscreen is just OK, and the 8.0-inch display, optional for Sport and Wilderness trims and included with the Limited and Touring, is much sharper and brighter.
Which Subaru Forester should I buy?
Our money would go to the Premium for $31,390. It rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels and adds convenience features such as heated front seats and side mirrors, a 10-way power driver’s seat, roof rails, a sunroof, and an off-road mode with hill descent control. We’d add a package with blind-spot monitors, a power tailgate, and rear USB ports for $1,165 more.
Rugged types may appreciate the value of the Forester Wilderness, which offers genuine outdoorsy appeal for $36,015. Based on the Premium trim, it stands taller with 9.2 inches of ground clearance (compared to the standard 8.7 inches), larger coil springs and shocks, and additional exterior cladding to protect against bumps and bruises. It rides on black 17-inch wheels with Yokohama Geolander rubber, and includes a full-size spare under the cargo area.
How much is a fully loaded Subaru Forester?
The Forester Touring tops the range at $38,490 and adds a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable passenger’s seat, heated outboard rear seats, hand-gesture climate control, upgraded cross-stitched leather, and subtle exterior upgrades.
