If you've been looking for ways to level up your ride, picking out the right 2022 subaru forester accessories is the fastest way to turn a standard commuter into something that actually fits your lifestyle. Whether you're a weekend warrior who spends every Saturday on a muddy trail or someone who just wants to keep the coffee spills from ruining the upholstery, there's a lot of gear out there. The 2022 model was a big year for the Forester, especially with the introduction of the Wilderness trim, but no matter which trim you have, the "blank canvas" of the interior and exterior is just begging for some upgrades.
Let's be honest, as great as the Forester is straight from the dealership, it's built for the masses. To make it yours, you need to look at what's missing. We're talking about protection, organization, and a bit of extra utility that Subaru might have left on the options list.
Keeping the Inside Clean
If you've owned a Subaru for more than a week, you probably already know that these cars are dirt magnets. It's part of the charm, I guess. But if you want to keep the resale value decent or just don't want to live in a dust bowl, the first 2022 subaru forester accessories you should look at are for the floor.
The factory carpet mats are fine if you live in a desert and never wear shoes, but for everyone else, all-weather floor liners are non-negotiable. You've got two main paths here: the official Subaru ones or the heavy-duty aftermarket options like WeatherTech or Husky. The OEM Subaru ones are actually pretty good—they've got the "Forester" branding and fit perfectly—but the aftermarket versions often have higher "lips" on the edges. That's a lifesaver when a venti latte decides to take a dive in the footwell.
While you're looking at the floor, don't forget the seat back protectors. This is one of those things you don't realize you need until you fold the rear seats down to haul a bike or some mulch. The back of the seats is just carpet, which loves to hold onto hair, dirt, and wood chips. These plastic covers snap right on and make it so you can just wipe away the mess.
Organizing the Chaos
The center console in the 2022 Forester is well, it's a deep hole. If you drop your keys or a spare mask in there, they're basically gone forever. One of the cheapest and most satisfying 2022 subaru forester accessories you can buy is a simple center console organizer tray. It's a little plastic insert that sits at the top of the bin. It gives you a spot for coins, pens, and your phone, while still letting you hide the "junk" underneath. It's such a simple fix, but it makes the daily drive so much less annoying.
Then there's the cargo area. It's huge, which is great, but things tend to slide around back there when you're taking corners. A cargo net or a set of side compartment nets can keep your groceries from flying across the car. If you really want to go all out, a collapsible cargo organizer is a solid bet. You can keep your jumper cables, emergency kit, and reusable bags all in one spot instead of having them rattle around every time you hit a bump.
Exterior Protection and Style
The 2022 Forester already has that rugged, boxy look, but you can definitely lean into it more. If you're doing any kind of dirt road driving, mud guards (or splash guards) are a must. They help keep rocks from chipping your paint and prevent that thick layer of grime from building up on the lower side panels. The Wilderness trim comes with beefier ones, but for the Base, Premium, or Limited, adding a set is a quick DIY project that pays off.
Another thing to consider is a set of window deflectors. These are those smoked-plastic visors that sit at the top of the windows. They're great because they let you crack the window for fresh air even when it's raining outside without getting soaked. Plus, they give the car a slightly more aggressive profile that looks pretty sharp.
If you're worried about people bumping your bumper in parking lots (and let's face it, that's going to happen), a rear bumper protector is a smart move. It's basically a strip of scuff-resistant plastic that sits on the flat part of the bumper. When you're loading heavy suitcases or dogs are jumping in and out, you won't have to worry about scratching the paint down to the metal.
Roof Racks and Hauling Gear
Most 2022 Foresters come with roof rails, but they're just the side bars. To actually carry anything, you're going to need crossbars. This is where you have to make a choice. The Subaru factory crossbars are usually quieter because they're aerodynamic and sit lower. However, if you plan on mounting a massive rooftop tent or heavy-duty cargo baskets, you might want to look at Thule or Yakima systems. They have higher weight ratings and more versatility for different types of mounts.
Speaking of the roof, if you're into kayaking or biking, look for the specific attachments rather than trying to bungee-cord everything down. A dedicated kayak carrier or a bike rack makes loading and unloading so much faster. And if you're worried about reaching the roof—since the Forester is a bit tall—a door step that hooks onto the door latch is a clever little accessory that gives you a solid platform to stand on.
Small Tech Tweaks
While the 2022 Forester has a pretty good infotainment system, there are a few tech-related 2022 subaru forester accessories that fill in the gaps. For instance, if your trim didn't come with a wireless charging pad, you can actually get aftermarket kits that fit right into the cubby in front of the shifter. No more fumbling with USB cables every time you get in the car.
Another thing many owners swear by is a dash cam. It's not a "fun" accessory, but it's one of those things you'll be incredibly glad you have if someone ever cuts you off. Most modern dash cams are small enough to hide behind the rearview mirror, so they don't interfere with the Subaru EyeSight cameras (just make sure you mount it according to the manual so you don't block the car's "eyes").
Comfort for the Four-Legged Passengers
Subaru owners and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly. If your dog is a regular passenger, you absolutely need a pet-friendly seat cover. The Forester's upholstery is tough, but it's no match for dog claws and fur. A hammock-style cover for the back seat not only protects the fabric but also keeps your pup from falling into the footwell if you have to slam on the brakes.
If your dog is a jumper, a collapsible pet ramp or even just a set of door guards (which protect the interior door panels from scratches when they look out the window) can save your interior from looking like a chew toy within a year.
Wrapping it Up
The beauty of the 2022 Subaru Forester is that it's a tool. It's meant to be used, driven, and occasionally gotten a little messy. But adding the right 2022 subaru forester accessories makes that tool work better for your specific life. You don't have to buy everything at once. Start with the basics—the floor mats and the console organizer—and see where your adventures take you.
Whether you're beefing it up for the trails or just trying to survive the daily carpool, these upgrades make a world of difference. Your Forester is already a great car; a few well-chosen accessories just make it the perfect one. Don't be afraid to mix and match between official Subaru parts and high-quality aftermarket gear to get exactly the setup you need. Happy driving!