What Actually Changed In The 2022 Subaru Forester XT
The 2022 Forester XT didn't get a massive overhaul. Subaru quietly updated a few things and kept the rest identical to the 2019-2021 model year. If you're looking at buying one used or trying to understand what makes it different from the regular Forester, here's what actually matters. The 2022 Forester XT carries over the same 2.0L turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine from previous model years, producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. It uses the same CVT transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The main updates for 2022 were mostly cosmetic and technology-related: Subaru added the EyeSight driver assistance suite as standard across more trim levels, updated the infotainment system to support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims, and made some minor interior material improvements. The XT badge specifically means you're getting the sport-tuned suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels, and that turbo engine. Everything else underneath is pretty much the same platform Subaru has been refining since 2019.
One thing people get wrong about the 2022 XT is the CVT. Subaru called it a "Lineartronic" CVT and tuned it differently for the XT variant. It has physical steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters that simulate eight forward gears. In practice, it doesn't feel like a traditional rubber-band CVT because Subaru programmed it to hold lower gear ratios under hard acceleration and ramp up smoothly. That said, if you're coming from a conventional automatic, the sound isolation is decent but not perfect. Under heavy load or steep hill climbing, the engine will rev high and the box will make noise. It's not terrible, but it's noticeable. I had a 2021 XT that I drove hard for about fourteen thousand miles before selling it. The one edge case I ran into was the CVT getting overly sensitive in cold weather during January. Below twenty degrees Fahrenheit, the transmission would hesitate on light throttle inputs for the first five to ten minutes of driving. The workaround was simple: let it idle for about a minute before moving, then drive gently until the fluid warms up. No damage, just a quirk. If you live in a cold climate and plan to use this daily, that's worth knowing. A quick fix some people try is switching to a slightly thicker synthetic oil in the winter months, though Subaru's official spec should handle it fine. Another detail that doesn't show up in most reviews is the torque vectoring behavior. The XT's AWD system can send up to fifty percent of engine torque to the rear wheels, but in normal driving conditions it's mostly sending power front-biased. When you hit a corner hard or lose traction, it reallocates quickly. I tested this on a gravel road during a light rain in Oregon and the system recovered traction faster than I expected. It's not a rally car, but it's competent.
The eyeSight system on the 2022 model is an improvement over the earlier generation. The stereo cameras are sharper, the adaptive cruise control tracks curves better, and the lane keep assist is less jerky. That said, it still struggles in heavy rain or snow where visibility drops. Don't rely on it completely. I've seen it disengage unexpectedly on winding mountain roads when the lane markings were faded or covered with debris. The system will tell you to take over, but it happens without much warning. Interior space is one area where the Forester XT actually beats competitors in its class. The Boxer engine sits lower in the engine bay, which allows for a lower hood line and better forward visibility. The seating position is upright but not truck-like. Rear legroom is adequate for most adults, though the center tunnel is high due to the AWD drivetrain components running through it. Fuel economy numbers from the EPA sit at around twenty-one miles per gallon in the city and twenty-eight on the highway for the XT. Real-world driving tends to land closer to nineteen and twenty-six respectively, especially if you drive it actively. The turbo engine likes to drink fuel when you press the pedal hard. For comparison, a regularly aspirated four-cylinder SUV in this segment might get two or three more miles per gallon, but you'd lose significant power and towing capability.
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If you're considering this vehicle, the main things to check on a used 2022 XT are the CVT fluid condition, turbo seal integrity, and whether the eyeSight cameras were calibrated after any windshield replacement. Subaru recommends CVT fluid changes every thirty thousand miles under severe driving conditions, which includes frequent towing, mountain driving, or stop-and-go traffic. Many owners skip this, and that's where problems start later. The 2022 Forester XT isn't the fastest crossover in its price range. It's not the most refined either. But it's practical, safe, and the AWD system is genuinely useful if you deal with real road conditions regularly. It's a solid choice for someone who wants a capable daily driver without needing a luxury badge or a sports car feel.
