Assume you noticed the Crystal White Pearl. This 2021 Subaru Forester Premium with 120k miles represents the fifth generation ('19-'24) of the already acclaimed All-Wheel Drive Forester. Among the changes Subaru unveiled for this generation were more legroom and general roominess, a smoother and quieter drive train, better mpg, and more power (with 182hp, compared to the previous generation's 170).

"No other compact SUV embodies practicality quite like the Subaru Forester," wrote a MotorTrend reviewer of the 2021, noting the "spacious interior, comfortable ride, and great visibility."

--> After giving this one our signature 300+ mile test, we agree.

Gave it a 4-wheel alignment. Brake pads measure 6mm all around. For the front pads, this represents about 50% of thickness remaining, since 10mm is new for front pads. Rear pads (also 6mm) have more life left, since 8mm is new for rear pads.

17" alloy wheels with a set of 4 Firestone Destination LE3 all-season tires have plenty of tread depth remaining, measuring 7/32" both front and back. (10/32" is new, and 2/32" means Replace Now.)

Push-button start with keyless entry. Automatic (CVT) transmission. The driver can choose from two powertrain modes: Intelligent (smooth and normal driving) or Sport (which has a crisper, sharper throttle response).

Its double wishbone rear suspension makes for a smoother ride.

Parking as well as driving should be a breeze, given the superior visibility and generous headroom that Foresters have always been known for (they're an inch or two higher than Outbacks). According to a Motortrend reviewer, this generation Forester has "the best visibility I've experienced in any mainstream compact crossover." Backup camera too (see photo). Driver's seat height (adjustable) averages 26-27" off the ground. Its ground clearance of 8.7 inches makes it not only easy to get in and out of, but along with the all-wheel drive, makes it a great vehicle for all seasons, including Midwest winters.

There's roominess in other dimensions too: for the front seats this generation gains 1.2 inches of width, and in rear legroom it gains 1.4 inches, making a 6-foot tall back seat passenger comfortable behind a 6-foot tall driver. Doors open close to 90 degrees. The rear cargo opening (amazingly, 51.3" wide) is 5.3" wider than 2014-18 models and 6" wider than the closest competitor. Subaru managed to find us another cubic foot and a half of cargo volume for this generation: with the rear seats up, there's 33.0 cf of space; with the rear seats folded, there's a capacious 70.9. Power rear hatch.

Powered Sunroof with generous dimensions: 28" x 31.5". Rear roof spoiler.

A bundle of safety features now standard on Foresters is the Eyesight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure & sway warnings, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency pre-collision braking. These are made possible by a pair of forward-facing cameras on either side of the rearview mirror (see photos). Also has automatic engine stop-start (can be disabled), blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.

All-Weather Package includes heated front seats, plus defrosting outside mirrors & windshield wiper de-icers which turn on when rear defrost button is pushed. A backup camera washer handily removes mud or snow from that lens. Automatic climate control. 10-way power driver seat including power lumbar support. Tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Tilt- as well as height-adjustable headrests. Flip-down rear armrest and beverage holder. 8 cupholders in all: 4 in front, 4 in back. Rear climate vents for back seat passengers. Rear seats recline as well as fold down for more cargo space. Retractable rear cargo cover.

"The best infotainment system of its direct competitors," a Motortrend reviewer said. A 6.5" touchscreen display features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. 6-speaker stereo system. Audio, Bluetooth, phone, and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. Front console has dual USB ports + an 1/8" audio jack. Another dual set of USB ports is available for back seat passengers in the rear console, along with climate vents. Onboard WiFi hotspot.

There are 3 12v power outlets: in the front console, center console, and rear cargo area.

Steering-responsive LED headlights; Automatic High Beam Assist (automatically dims when it senses oncoming cars). Fog lights. Exterior entry welcome lights (when you approach & push your fob's unlock button, LEDs in both outside mirrors illuminate the door and handle for you).

You can tackle nasty roads with this Forester's "X-Mode" feature, which improves AWD in snow or mud, and when driving on steep inclines, either up or down. It uses lower gear ratios and makes the traction control system more sensitive. This mode also activates a system called Hill Descent Control, which gives the car a constant speed going downhill (<15 mph) so no braking is needed.

(X-Mode uses more gas, so it's recommended to turn it back off when driving conditions return to normal.)

This generation Forester's boost in both horsepower and fuel economy is due to its direct injection system yielding a higher compression ratio (12:1, as opposed to 10:1 for previous years).

The EPA mpg rating is 33 hwy/26 city/29 combined, about one mpg more than before. Our findings are consistent with that: this one has gotten 29.4 mpg over the last 3349 miles of combined driving (see photo of trip computer).

Active grille shutters (which automatically open and close in lower front grille) for quicker cabin heating, improved fuel economy & aerodynamics, engine cooling, and quieter performance.

Its Automatic Vehicle Hold, or "brake hold" feature, enables you to press a button and keep the brakes engaged without putting the vehicle into Park. Back to normal when you step on the gas. Useful for stopping for undetermined amounts of time, such as in a drive-thru or urban rush hour situations.

For stability and safety, Subaru's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system monitors the direction of the car compared to the intended steering direction. It compensates by braking individual wheels and/or altering fuel flow to the engine. Also, the Traction Control System (TCS) senses if any wheels are skidding and redirects power only to those wheels having the best traction.

This model was a Top Safety Pick for 2021 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes with seven airbags (including side-curtain ones and a driver's knee airbag) as well as Brake Assist and Pre-Collision Braking.

Imperfections (see photos): driver's seat upholstery, back of center armrest, windshield chip, dent in lower driver's door, rear bumper cover flakes.

But of course this Forester has Subaru's signature All-Wheel Drive transmission!

No hidden fees. Find us at Strictly Subie, 303 E. Bradford, West Union, Iowa 52175, right on Hwy 18. Contact Aaron at 563-380-4739 to try this out, or to find out what else is available or up and coming. For more info, see our website strictlysubie.com or our Facebook page "Strictly Subie LLC" and look under Photos/Albums. Thank you!

VIN: JF2SKAJC7MH541217