Are you shopping for a 2022 Subaru Forester? One of the most important things is finding the trim level that fits your personal needs, which can be challenging. Asking experts often results in different answers, but not for the Forester. There are three significant reasons why the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is the best trim level to buy.

Experts recommend the Forester Premium

One of the best signs of a superior trim level is when multiple experts agree on which one is the best. When researching vehicles online, you’ll often find conflicting opinions. However, Edmunds and Car and Driver both agree the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is the best trim level. Both publications have their reasoning for recommending the model that’s one above the base model.

For Edmunds, the Premium trim provides the best value to the buyer. More desirable features are included for just a little more than the cost of the base option, like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and rear privacy glass. Edmunds also likes that more options become available at this trim for those interested in decking out their Forester.

Next, C/D recommends the Premium trim level because of its tremendous value. It’s difficult to argue with both reviewers giving the same reasoning. Exterior upgrades, like 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and body-color side mirrors, make the outside pop a little more. In addition, the interior becomes more luxurious with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seatbacks, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system.

It’s the cheapest Forester with heated seats

In addition to it being a fantastic value, the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium gains some modern upgrades. Moreover, features like heated seats are nearly necessary for many people today. Vehicles without power-adjustable seats, heated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel feel outdated.

As a result, the Forester Premium feels much more modern than the base model without breaking the bank. According to Subaru, inside, it gets features the base model doesn’t have, like heated seats, power adjustment, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Plus a push-button start, auto up/down power windows, and six speakers instead of four.

2022 Subaru Forester Premium stays under $30,000

Finally, the last reason the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is the best trim level is that it stays under $30,000. Unfortunately, the Forester Sport, one step up from the Premium model, is the first to exceed the $30,000 mark. While no member of the lineup is overly costly, Premium keeps it affordable while providing value. For example, a Premium model starts at $28,895, but the Sport version starts at $30,465. Eventually, the range of Subarus tops out at the Touring trim level, which costs $35,995.

Although the Forester Sport isn’t too much more expensive than the Premium, it doesn’t add much value. With the long list of bonuses, Premium owners gain, you’d expect the same when upgrading to the Sport. However, a 2022 Subaru Forester Sport only gains 18-inch black-painted wheels, black and orange interior and exterior accents, LED foglights, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and evasive steering assist.

For many, the cosmetic features aren’t enough to warrant the price increase. We think jumping up to the Limited model is a better option. If you don’t plan on driving off-road, there’s no need to consider the Forester Wilderness. A Limited model costs $32,575 and adds 18-inch wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate.

The 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is the best trim level

In conclusion, there are three reasons the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium is the best trim level. One reason is that multiple experts recommend buying the Premium model. It’s not often critics agree, but when they do, it usually means they’re onto something. Next, it’s the cheapest Forester with heated seats and a few other simple, modern features. Finally, more expensive models cost over $30,000 and don’t add enough value. Staying under $30,000 with the 2022 Subaru Forester Premium offers the most bang for your buck.