Which Subaru Forester Trim Is Best for the Money?Subaru (Subaru)An early adopter of crossover practicality, the Forester used to be an unusual choice.The lineup is now far more mainstream, though there is an outlier in the rugged Wilderness trim.We'd go with the mid-trim Sport as an all-rounder, or a Wilderness for maximum Subaru.See Our Comprehensive Subaru Forester Make-Model PageShop New Cars | Shop Used CarsSubaru has had such success in offering vehicles that were alternatives to the mainstream that it has actually become a mainstream choice too. Case in point: the sixth-generation Forester, once a boxy toaster of a car that previewed the rise of the crossover, is now an entirely sensible purchase that's only slightly quirkier than some other compact SUV like a Toyota RAV4. Which one's still got a little Subaru spirit? We have thoughts.Which Forester Trim Level is the Best?For $36,245, the Forester Sport offers the best mix of features and practicality for your dollar, plus a set of sharp-looking bronze-finish alloy wheels. Make no mistake, the Sport moniker doesn't mean this trim is anything like the old XT models with their peppy turbocharged engines. Think of it instead as a nice place to find yourself driving back from the trailhead after engaging in your own sport, be that trail running or riding mountain bikes. Heated seats to ease those aching legs? Check.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf you're thinking about easing your footprint for day-to-day driving, Subaru also offers the Forester in a hybrid version. It's only slightly more efficient and offers a bit more power, so we'd go with the entry $36,180 Premium trim.However, there are small adventures and then there are big adventures, and for the latter, the Wilderness beckons. While it's a bit of a hike to get to the $38,445 price, this extra-rugged version of the Forester can put up with rough trails where you would ordinarily need a proper body-on-frame SUV. Then, on the drive back to civilization, it's basically as smooth-riding as the rest of the Forester lineup.What Options Should You Consider?In the Sport model, the $1700 Optional package bumps the stereo to a 11-speaker Harman Kardon system, gets a powered rear liftgate with hands-free operation, and throws in reverse automated braking. You'd be likely to use all of these features basically every day.For the Wilderness, it seems a bit of a stretch that these aforementioned features aren't built in, given the price point, but you'll have to pony up $2200 for the upgraded stereo and power liftgate. You do also get onboard navigation.What Do I Miss Out On in the Higher Trim Levels?The Touring trims, either with hybrid or conventional combustion power, offer leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, memory driver's seat, and other niceties. But quite frankly, a Forester is not about fancy-pants stuff. It's about cargo-pants stuff. Save your money and spend it on some good hiking boots instead.AdvertisementAdvertisement➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
