2019 Subaru Forester review
Subaru Forester highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- High cargo capacity
- High ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive
- Plenty of driver-assistance features
Cons
- Unappealing exterior design
- Turbo engine and manual transmission no longer offered
- No upscale or luxury interior options
Mileage (EPA estimate)
26 city, 33 highway, 29 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Subaru Forester years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Forester generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2019 Subaru Forester?
- The Forester is available in a new trim called the 2.5I Sport.
- The 2.0XT Touring and 2.0XT Premium trims have been discontinued for 2019.
- Forester trims have been upgraded with Rear Seat Heaters, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment this year.
- Rockford Fosgate Sound features are now available as options on select trims.
- The 2.5I Premium trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I Limited trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Smart Key as standard equipment.
- The 2.5I trim now comes with Automated Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2019 Subaru Forester trims
Curious how Subaru Forester trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities2.5I:
- 182-hp, 176-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Rear Defroster
- Automated Cruise Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Side Airbags
- Overhead Airbags
- Rear View Camera
- View our Subaru Forester 2.5I inventory
2.5I Premium:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Seats
- Alloy Wheels
- View our Subaru Forester 2.5I Premium inventory
2.5I Sport:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I Premium
- Front Seat Heaters
- Smart Key
- View our Subaru Forester 2.5I Sport inventory
2.5I Limited:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I Sport
- Leather Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- View our Subaru Forester 2.5I Limited inventory
2.5I Touring:
- Includes all features available on the 2.5I Limited
- Memory Seats
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Parking Sensors
- Harman Kardon Sound
- Navigation System
- View our Subaru Forester 2.5I Touring inventory
Subaru Forester photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Subaru Forester
1. Ready for any weather
There's a reason why Subarus are endlessly popular in snowy climates. With standard all-wheel drive on every 2019 Subaru Forester, you can feel confident driving in any conditions the road throws at you, year-round. Whether you're navigating snow and ice or bumping along dirt roads to get to your favorite campsite, the 2019 Forester is up for the job.
2. Family-friendly
The 2019 Forester may be a compact SUV but has space for all your friends and family inside. The Forester was redesigned for 2019, adding even more interior and cargo space. Even when all five seats are full on long road trips and weekends away, everyone has plenty of elbow room—maybe even enough to keep the kids from arguing. If your little ones are still in car seats, you'll appreciate that the 2019 Forester can fit three in the back row.
3. Driver-assist features
Everyone likes a little extra peace of mind on the road, and the 2019 Forester can deliver. Subaru's EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which provides emergency braking, is standard on all 2019 Foresters. Higher trims also offer distracted- and drowsy-driver monitoring to ensure you're in tip-top condition to drive.
4. Ready to off-road
If you love to camp or kayak away from others, the 2019 Forester can get you to all your favorite hidden spots; the standard all-wheel drive is helpful here. All but the base trim also come with hill descent control to provide extra stability during off-road adventures. You'll find roof racks—perfect for kayaks or ski gear—on all 2019 Foresters except the base model, making it easy to take all the equipment you need, no matter your hobbies.
5. Standard tech features
The 2019 redesign added more standard technology features to the Subaru Forester. All 2019 Foresters come with a display screen that's at least 6.5 inches. The infotainment system also includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration to keep you connected to your favorite podcasts and playlists. Plus, two USB ports ensure you never run out of charge.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Subaru Forester an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Forester 22nd out of 29 among Compact SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru ForesterSubaru Forester features and specs
Curious how Subaru Forester trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
2.5I 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Full Roof Rack
- Remote Start
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
182
Torque (ft-lbs)
176
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
16.6
Wheelbase
105.1"
Overall length
182.1"
Width
71.5"
Height
67.5"
Leg room
F 43.3"/R 39.4"
Head room
F 41.2"/R 39.6"
Front tires
P225/60HR17
Rear tires
P225/60HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
150/1500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Subaru Forester FAQ
The 2019 Subaru Forester is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5I: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Touring: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Limited: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Sport: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Premium: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
The Subaru Forester received a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru Forester as 21 out of 29 among Compact SUV
The 2019 Subaru Forester has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Subaru Forester, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Subaru Forester Reviews.
The 2019 Subaru Forester has a maximum towing capacity of 1500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Subaru Forester:
- 2.5I Sport
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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