Toyota and Honda are known for being some of the most reliable automakers in the business, but Subaru has both of those companies beat with the 2021 Forester.

It costs around the same as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CRV, but it offers a lot more standard features than the competition. That’s why the Forester has AutoTrader raving about how great it is. 

It’s hard to beat what Subaru offers standard

The one thing that draws consumers toward Subaru time and time again is the fact that all-wheel drive comes standard on all its vehicles. Toyota and Honda both offer AWD on many vehicles, but you have to shell out extra money for it. 

There is an optional upgrade to the AWD that you do have to pay more for. It adds an X-mode to your Forester, which allows you to have better control in deep snow and mud, as well as hill descent control.

According to AutoTrader, the extra weight from the all-wheel drive system often comes at the cost of fuel economy, but that’s not the case with the 2021 Subaru Forester.

It still gets 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined according to AutoTrader. If you’re concerned about saving money at the pumps, this will allow you to buy a reliable, safe SUV that doesn’t guzzle gas.

The engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Subaru paired this with a continuously variable transmission, which allows you to drive using all four wheels.

There’s so much to love

The base trim level of the 2021 Subaru Forester has so many standard features that it puts the competition to shame. Do you like your rearview camera? The Forester comes with a rearview camera washer that will keep your camera clean. How much does this cost? Nothing. It comes standard. 

What also comes standard is the EyeSight driver assistance. It includes dual color cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, and advanced adaptive cruise control. 

According to Subaru,

“Adding confidence to every trip, EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and warns you if you sway outside your lane. EyeSight has been found to reduce the rate of rear-end crashes with injuries by up to 85%.”

Other features that come standard on each and every Forester trim model is 17-in steel wheels, steering-responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams, active grille shutters, and much more.

The price isn’t too high

The base trim model for the 2021 Subaru Forester starts at $25,845. Given all the features you get for that price, it’s no wonder that Autotrader is such a big fan of the Forester. The price obviously goes up as you venture into higher trim levels. The highest trim level costs $35,945, but this comes with everything already mentioned and more.

The Subaru Forester also has a great resale value. If you’re the type who doesn’t drive a vehicle until the wheels fall off, this might be an attractive feature for you. Once you’re ready to part ways with your Forester, you can still make decent money off of it as you move on something newer.