Driven- 2019 Subaru Forester Sport

The fifth generation Subaru Forester might look a lot like the outgoing model (and the model before that... and the one before that) but it’s new and packs a number of significant changes. More appealing to both humans and dogs now, it’s safer than ever. Tom Voelk reviews a Sport model and finds a practical machine that the brand’s loyal owners will fully embrace.


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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[RCGJR_]

For all the people complaining about “it needs more speed”, let’s all be honest here, we’re all just average joes, wake up, go to work, pay bills, buy groceries, ..etc..etc.. unless you have a race track in your backyard and fart out turbos, then yeah complain away, but nonetheless this vehicle is meant to be reliable and outlast your hairline ( i could name a few other great suv’s ). What boggles my mind is, why do we always need to go fast and over take that granny, just to meet face to face with her again on the next red stop light. Just stop complaining, and if you do hunger for more horse power, why not just buy a decent sports car? With that you can enjoy your bi-weekly, insurance, and maintenance. Anyways i love the vid review, very well put together.

[jskrawz]

I have a '09 Forester with just over 130, 000 miles on it... It is the base model with the 2.5 with 170hp... I live in Michigan and have to (unfortunately) travel near Detroit where going anywhere near the speed limit will get you killed... 75+mph is a must... And I do just fine... And I get just shy of 24mpg... Not bad for being 10 years old...

[postxtito]

Great review Tom!! Happy New year. - So update, i bought a new Subaru Forester on the strength of this review - i really like how big it is inside, and what a great road tourer it is. love the standard awd system. and the fuel economy is pretty darn good. a few gripes, but over all im really happy.

[Agent]

You know, the primary complaint that this vehicle is slow is weird to me. I finally bought the Sport model, and my wife and I both agree that it definitely has some punch when you need it. There are no problems whatsoever with merging onto highways or overtaking. I have no regrets with my purchase decision.

[mydearvalerie]

Just bought a used 2019, identical to the test vehicle. My first Subaru replaces my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee so the learning curve is steep. I appreciate this vid of my new Blubaru.

[loganbeck]

Reviewers always complain about Subarus lack of speed, but that's about the same argument as complaining about a sports cars lack of ground clearance. You dont buy this car for its speed because that's not what it's made for.

[treythetree]

I really liked that review, awesome job. Short, simple, and not annoying. Will be back for more!

[josu]

I like Subaru in general, and specially this model, I'll buy this one as a second hand after 2 years!! :)

[Sanpedranoazul]

My fav Forester gen is the 2009, those looked really good! Great review Tom, you`re the best!

[johnchen]

This video makes me want to trade in my TRD 4Runner

[islandtoisland]

I’ve continued to watch your channel even though I’m not in the market to buy a car anymore. You’re just that good.

[delmaichaguara]

Awesome work Tom Voelk . I appreciate the deep details in your work

[porsche]

Subaru is like the red headed stepchild of the auto world. No matter how nice they make them, or how many nice luxury features they throw in, people will always hate them for no good reason.

[tomwiesner]

I love the red accents! They will match my shoes.

[wizeguiz]

Great review! As an owner of a 2018 Crosstrek, I will consider a Forester as a next vehicle. However, if a future Crosstrek gets a turbo, I will stay with that. Cheers!

[ryanlittleton]

Apart from not having a turbo option, it's damn near perfect.

[vossler]

This newest iteration of the Forester looks like a definite improvement over the outgoing model in terms of refinement, although I am a bit disappointed that the turbocharged engine is no longer offered. Had the turbocharged engine been carried over to this newest Forester Sport, perhaps this could have satisfied those who continue to wait for a WRX wagon?

[brandonpollard]

This car is so sweet the power is an issue but I think I can get over it

I own a 2018 Forester for almost a year now and the wind noise in cabin at high speeds is quite annoying. I hope they figured that out in this new vehicle.

[Doc]

For those of us who live in the PNW, Subaru’s are a must.
The AWD system in the Subie’s are far superior over any other vehicle on the road today.