It’s a rarity when affordability meets quality, and you see proof of it with expert ratings. This strange occurrence takes place with the 2022 Subaru Forester SUV. This little vehicle might not be the first to come to mind when you’re thinking about one of the best models in the class, but that’s the case.

Who said the 2022 Subaru Forester was one of the best SUVs this year?

One of the most trusted resources for vehicle quality, Consumer Reports, rates the Forester at the top of the compact SUV class. You might think a more common name, like the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, or Nissan Rogue, would hit the top spot, but it’s the Forester. This SUV earns high marks for:

• Road Test
• Braking
• Rear Seat Comfort
• Predicted Reliability
• Predicted Owner Satisfaction
• Transmission
• Ride
• Front Seat Comfort
• Interior Fit and Finish
• Fuel Economy
• Smog Rating

How will you pay less for the Forester?

The quoted price range for this 2022 Subaru SUV is $25,895-$35,995. That’s a pretty narrow price range, which allows you to have the features you want at an affordable rate. A few SUVs that start a little lower, but none are rated as high as the Forester. Those models are:

• Hyundai Tucson – $24,950
• Kia Sportage – $24,090
• Mitsubishi Eclipse – $23,695

What makes the Subaru SUV lineup attractive to consumers?

Subaru boasts a lineup of SUVs that offer full-time AWD to give you the control you want on the road. Additionally, the Boxer engine layout lowers the center of gravity, giving you a more planted feeling than other SUVs possess.

What changes does the 2022 Subaru Forester have?

Kelley Blue Book provides a list of the upgrades that give this 2022 SUV more of what we want on the road. The new items for the Subaru Forester are:

• Restyled front end
• New Forester Wilderness trim level
• Roof rails are redesigned and stronger
• Automatic Emergency Steering is available
• Updated camera for the EyeSight driver assistance package
• Premium trim has larger front disc brakes

Should I buy a 2022 Subaru Forester?

If the Consumer Reports ranking does not convince you, U. S. News and World Report also reviewed the 2022 Subaru Forester SUV. The Forester ranks fifth among 20 compact SUVs in the US News list. It’s considered one of the best models you can buy. The SUVs ahead of the Forester for US News are:

• Hyundai Tucson
• Honda CR-V
• Mazda CX-5
• Ford Bronco Sport

The pros and cons offered for this Subaru are:

Pros

• Roomy seats
• Great cargo capacity
• Good fuel economy rating
• Standard AWD

Cons

• Unimpressive engine power
• Infotainment system falls behind some rivals

What trim of the Forester is best?

MotorTrend says the Sport trim is the sweet spot for the Forester. This model gives you some impressive features to enjoy and doesn’t hit the top spot in the price range. The 2022 Subaru Forester Sport SUV includes:

• Blind-spot detection
• Lane change assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking
• 18-inch wheels
• Larger-diameter ventilated rear brake rotors
• Sporty front grille
• LED headlights and fog lights
• Integrated turn signals in the mirrors
• Chrome exhaust tip
• Orange interior accents
• Two rear USB ports
• Paddle shifters

Will one of the best SUVs for 2022 become the one you drive every day? If you pick the Subaru Forester, you’ll pay a little to get a lot out of your driving experience. Of course, if you want affordability and don’t desire standard AWD, the Hyundai Tucson is a good option. The Tucson is the second-highest rated compact SUV from Consumer Reports.