2019 Subaru Forester | CarGurus Test Drive Review

The Subaru Forester has long been a good option for shoppers in the market for a vehicle that puts substance ahead of style. In 2019, the all-new Forester continues to build that reputation, while adding some good looks to the mix, too.

The turbocharged engine from previous XT trims has been dropped, but the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer-4 engine in the 2019 Forester has seen its horsepower increase by 12, and torque is up from 174 lb-ft to 176. Our reviewer found these numbers to be a bit light, particularly when paired with the Forester’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Ironically, a new “Sport” trim arrives for 2019, adding some unique body trim and accents on the outside, and orange accents and stitching on the interior. Base Foresters include a 6.5-inch touchscreen, which grows to 8 inches in higher trims. The Starlink infotainment system is better than ever, but still includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—in case you prefer those.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance features are also standard across the lineup. Offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights, it’s an impressive array to see on all trims.


Presenter: George Kennedy
Cinematographer: Scott Millette

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Crossovers & SUVs

[DogAndLinuxLover]

In the SUV realm, I've owned a 2011 Sportage FWD, a 2019 CR-V AWD (that's a story of its own) and now own a 2019 Forester Sport. I am totally sold on the Forester. I love the styling, the ride, the tech, the comfort, and the terrific stability and control of the AWD. I've heard over and over about the under-powered engine from a lot of sources. I don't get it. It's got plenty of power - I don't even use what it's got to give. I consider myself a moderate driver. I have zero complaints. About anything. Drive one and judge for yourself. Want a butt-load of power? Buy a Mustang GT. Want a really great, versatile car? Buy a Forester. I give mine 10 out of 10. :-)

[mpetrides]

I beg to differ about the “weak engine” complaints. My Forester Sport has plenty of power for both passing on steep, winding back roads and merging onto the Interstate. It’s not as powerful as my summer driver (a BMW with 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque) but it’s more than enough for a daily driver. And the ride is VERY comfortable—a big improvement over the Foresters I had in the late 90s and early 2000s. And the tech rivals BMW but I suspect with better reliability and much better resale.

[bitsnkiblz]

Yesterday, my wife and I test drove a 2020 Forrester Touring and 2020 CR-V Touring back to back. We both agree that the Forrester won our comparison hands down. We’ve owned five previous Subarus and eight previous Hondas, so we’re no strangers to either brand. The two areas of greatest contrast were interior and tech. The Forrester’s interior materials, as well as fit and finish, were far superior to the CR-V. Although the CR-V did have a charge pad, where the Forrester did not, Subaru’s ever improving Eyesight is far smoother and far more intuitive than Honda’s Sensing suite. Both had adequate power and acceptance engine note...and my other car is a 2017 Corvette.

[sfse]

I love my 2019 subaru forester sport! The engine is fine. No complaints AT ALL! I think car reviewers just like to have something to complain about. It's an annoying habit really. It's a great car! And if you don't think so then just but something else! It's that easy. Cheers!

[gboates]

Thanks for the review. Just purchased a 2019 Forester and hour ago here in canada - plenty powerful for the over 50 crowd. The extra cabin space and length increase over the 2018 was the catalyst to buy... plus this review.

[elainestover]

You just helped me to decide to lease the 2019. I need to ride my 95 year old tall father-in-law around and he'll have no problem getting and out because there is plenty of room.

[daveboyers]

One of the most informative reviews I've seen, long on details, short on wasted time. The only issue I'd debate is the lack of power. Certainly it's a sliding scale, but I'll take the 35.7 mpg I got on a 100-mile trip yesterday over a thirstier, more powerful engine. For me, Subaru got it right this time. A far better car in many ways than the '18 Touring I traded in. They fixed everything that was lacking in the previous year. My '19 Limited feels sturdy, confident and capable.

[phillombardi]

My wife has the 2018 limited & it’s an excellent car thus far. No oil issues as some say & the ride is great. It does feel a bit jerky at times with the gas pedal & a bit noisy in the cabin. I test drove the 2019 Limited & it felt better than what the 2018 with less cabin noise. I like the changes Subaru did to the exterior and interior a lot. I didn’t like the auto stop/start but honestly other than that I ended up ordering the limited in white with gray interior. Nice vid 👍

[Doc]

My wife has a 19 Outback, Cinnamon brown pearl with Ivory leather interior.
My car is a 19 Forester, Sephia Bronze with Brown leather interior.
We’re so glad our Subie’s don’t have depressing grey or death black interior colors that became popular in 1990. Those Gloomy colors look cheap and have no class.

[TruthHasSpoken]

I drove a new '19 Forester last week from Avis. Put 200 miles on in it, mostly highway, some city driving. I had no complaints about the engine. I never, ever go 0-60 so whether it takes 7 seconds or 10 is meaningless to me. I LOVE the visibility. It's one of the top 3 reasons I would buy it. (SHAME on auto designers for leading manufacturers astray, driving form over function; visibility is a requirement of design. What herd mentality if I've ever seen one). For whatever reason, I could connect my IPHONE but not get ApplePlay to appear on the screen. Couldn't find it anywhere. A mystery. Never had this problem in a Subaru before. The ride was improved, from I would say marginal to OK, good at tops. The ride has a stiffer suspension than my preferences, especially for midwest roads. I don't need a moonroof that goes to the tailgate (another herd mentality of auto designers). It's overdesigned and Subaru is not alone. If any one has children, and they're on their electronic devices, they don't want the sun coming into the back seat on them putting glare on their screens. Just makes the air conditioning and heater work more than it should. The eyesight system is a marvel, better than any other car that I drive (Avis). It too would be top reason to buy the car. Heated seats good .... but the heated steering wheel needs to be lower in the line. Perhaps it can be added as an accessory? Perhaps someone could clarify. Finally, the sound level is better. Not great mind you, but better. I found it acceptable. This is also important to me when taking longer drives as I did last week.

*And can you believe it: a knob for radio tuning AND a knob for the station selection.*

No knobs missing. What high expectations I have here.

(removal of which any knobs, is yet another example of car designers not understanding, or not caring, about the people who actually buy and use their cars. congrats Subaru)

[mpetrides]

Addendum to my earlier comment: I always use the Forester Sport in “Sport-sharp” mode, just as I always use Sport mode on the Bimmer. Sport-sharp helps the Forester avoid the sluggish acceleration complaints. And there’s no turbo lag. Frankly, I’m not sure I’d want an XT Forester if I had to drop back to a 2.0 liter engine to get the turbo. The same 2.5 liter engine that’s in my Sport coupled with turbo (and Sport-sharp Mode) would be really sweet. But I’m not holding my breath.

[Rdodo]

Coming from a WRX; the engine and drivetrain are fine, obviously not as fast but it is lively enough for an SUV. It's a great vehicle, handles superbly, well-appointed, well-priced.

[olizk]

All car review shows says something weak about the engine. I bought brand new 2019 forester top trim. The engine is perfectly fine for me and my wife. We are not taking these things to race. It’s great on highway for passing, the S I drive works well if you need to speed up.

[kyleclark]

Great car. I’ve had it two weeks and if you drive a normal pace this is the car for you. Smooth, spacey, and it sits very high. The “lack luckster” power might have some merit but in terms of gas mileage and smooth acceleration this thing clears. Family car through and through 🙏

[whiterhinooutdoors]

Just got my wife’s today already regretting trading our 18 kross trek in lol really liked that thing just needed something or really just wanted more room so far I really like it didn’t get the sport cause they messed it up coloring the air vents orange and trimming the lower bottom in orange I just couldn’t get past that other wise sport would have been my choice cheaper bigger wheels and screen but damn it I couldn’t get past that orange I guess u either like it or don’t but I’m loving my wife’s 2019 forester premium

[shegeek]

I have to agree with the others about power. My 2020 Forester Touring has good get up and go. Subaru has tuned the throttle curve steep in the low range, so acceleration is like a sports car when starting off. It's a joy to drive on winding roads with great stability.

[Bmjoshi]

I just got premium trim. I don't have any complaints

[TheRenaissanceAmazon]

I bout a 2019 Forrester 3 months ago and I love it!!

[hyper_t]

We just got my wife a 2020 Sport. It is really nice to drive and very comfortable. Off the line it is no spots car but neither is my 3rd gen Tacoma V6. I would welcome more power but I don't think I would take it over fuel economy.

[whiterhinooutdoors]

Just ordered mine today trading my wife’s 2018 kross trek in great car love that car but we just need more room than car offers can’t wait till my 19 forester is here