Is there trouble in Subieville?! The incredibly popular Subaru Forester has been on the decline. Sales of the 2022 Subaru Forester have been dropping at a rampant pace. In April, falling sales broke new records, so what’s going on?
Is the 2022 Subaru Forester worth buying?
2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness | Subaru of America
Yes, the 2022 Subaru Forester is an excellent SUV to buy, and it used to be the most popular Subaru SUV available. However, the Forester is experiencing plummeting sales as the Subaru Crosstrek and Outback gain popularity.
There might not be a problem with the refreshed Forester that’s turning shoppers away. The issue could be related to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage. Supply issues caused production of the Forester to shut down for 10 days this year.
In April, sales of Subaru models dropped to 45,748 compared to 61,389 units in April 2021. This is a 25.5 percent decrease. The Forester hurt the most with a 68.5 percent decline. About 6,130 models were delivered in April 2022 compared to 19,452 units in April 2021.
How long is the Subaru Forester wait?
Those who order a 2022 Subaru Forester model may have to wait between four to six months to receive their SUV from Japan. However, this timeline may change as Subaru recently faced another plant shut down.
According to Torque News, getting a Subaru Forester could be challenging due to limited inventory. Ordering a from Subaru retailers is currently the best option.
By ordering your Forester online, you can secure the trim level, color, and optional packages that you want. This process will lock in the price and hopefully prevent surprises. Also, it eliminates the hassle of trying to track the perfect model down.
Patience is key when it comes to finding your ideal Forester model. If you don’t want to wait, you might be able to get behind the wheel of a Subaru Outback or Crosstrek a little faster.
It probably doesn’t help that Subaru Forester prices increased. The 2021 Forester has an MSRP of $24,794, while the 2022 Forester starts at $25,395. The destination fee is another $1,175, plus dealership markups may increase the price even more.
What’s new for the 2022 Forester?
The 2022 Subaru Forester in a forest | Subaru
The price for the 2022 Subaru Forester increased to cover the mid-cycle refresh. It gained a new thin LED headlight design, larger grille, and chunkier front bumper. The rear bumper was updated too.
But the Forester is still powered y the same 2.5-liter flat-four engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. It could use a little more power, but at least all-wheel drive comes standard across each trim level.
The major update includes the introduction of the Subaru Forester Wilderness trim. It’s the top-spec off-roading trim with a ground clearance of 9.2 inches and beefier suspension. A standard skid plate protects the undercarriage.
So far, trail-ready style and extra capability haven’t helped the forester sell. But that might be due to limited inventory. How can people buy the Forester when there aren’t any models available?
Keyword: Declining Sales Plague the 2022 Subaru Forester