The 2021 Subaru Forester Sport Gains Major Safety Features as Standard

A couple big features thrown in and one optional package make the Sport trim a good value SUV.

The new fifth-generation Forester brought a more rugged Sport trim back in 2019. Two years later, in 2021, Subaru is doing nice by adding prominent safety features that were formally an option. 

Starting at $30,445 (including $1,050 destination charge) and just over $36,000 in Canada, the 2021 Forester Sport sits in the middle of the pack between the Base and Premium trims on one side and Limited and Touring on the higher end. The looks are, well, sportier — or, as Subaru puts it, “offers unique exterior and interior elements for a youthful and rugged appearance.”

Under the hood, all 2021 Foresters find the same 2.5L engine with CVT transmission, good for 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.

2019 subaru forester sport
2019 Subaru Forester Sport. Photo: Subaru

Forester Sport changes for 2021

But the big update for 2021 is the addition of Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard. It’s a move Subaru has been implementing with many of its new models, including the 2021 Outback, by throwing in more features that would otherwise cost more; all while keeping the starting MSRP within reason, only bumping up the price by around $200 or so. 

For 2021, even the entry-level Base and Premium Foresters now gain Steering Responsive LED headlights along with High Beam Assist previously only standard on the top two models. 

Overall, the Forester Sport sits higher with exterior shoulder lines that follow around the pillars, and the front, side and rear underguards are standard on all models with colour finish according to trim line. Add new LED headlights and some new exterior colours (green, blue, and red) for good measure.

2019 subaru forester sport interior
Forester Sport interior with grey look and orange accents. Photo: Subaru

Taking the Forester off the beaten track, the Sport trim features Dual X-MODE for increased capability in a wider range of conditions, rolling on black-finish 18-inch wheels and a black rear roof spoiler. The exterior also gets touches of orange on the side and front lower valances and roof rail mounts, coupled with a contrasting orange Sport badge on the back. 

Inside, the Sport’s cabin retains that rugged look with a distinct grey colour with contrasting orange stitching. We reviewed the 2019 Forester Sport and our writer’s opinion on the interior was: “the Forester tries a little harder to be trendy in a bid to win over a more youthful demographic.” Of course, that’s a personal choice.

One 2021 Forester Sport package is available 

For 2021, there’s only one package to choose from, priced at $1,645. It adds some good stuff, and coupled with the new blind spot detection and lane assist now at no cost, the middle-of-the-pack Sport is offering good value. This package adds:

  • Reverse Automatic Braking
  • 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus system
  • Harman Kardon premium sound system
  • Power Rear Gate

2021 Forest Sport Specs

Specification2021 Subaru Forester Sport
Engine Type2.5L 4-cylinder Boxer engine
Horsepower182 hp
Torque176 lb-ft
TransmissionLineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
DrivetrainSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Ground Clearance8.7 inches (221 mm)
SuspensionFront: MacPherson-type struts, Rear: Double wishbone
BrakesFront and rear disc brakes
SteeringElectric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion
Fuel TypeRegular unleaded
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats)Approximately 31.1 cubic feet
Cargo Volume (Max. Rear Seats Folded)Approximately 74.3 cubic feet
Towing CapacityUp to 1,500 pounds
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