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Overall Rating
Subaru was one of the earliest entrants in the crossover segment. The Forester is a hot favorite among buyers who live in snowy weather or likes to drive off the beaten path. Its high stance provides plenty of space for cargo and people in a well-equipped, high-quality interior.
Based on the Impreza hatchback, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek packs those two product tenets into a chunky, high-riding body that's sure to appeal to adventurous types based on its image alone. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek also possesses one of Subaru's quintessentially unrefined, underperforming four-cylinder engines and a fun-sapping optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). But we are unable to take any jabs at the Crosstrek's solid handling, good build quality, and an impressive array of available safety and infotainment tech, which help make up for its deficiencies.
The base model of the Subaru Forester is well equipped with an economic price tag but it doesn't have what some owners may expect. The 2.5 Limited variant hits the sweet spot as it comes with an all-weather package which will be very useful in winters.
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Subaru was one of the earliest entrants in the crossover segment. The Forester is a hot favorite among buyers who live in snowy weather or likes to drive off the beaten path. Its high stance provides plenty of space for cargo and people in a well-equipped, high-quality interior.
Based on the Impreza hatchback, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek packs those two product tenets into a chunky, high-riding body that's sure to appeal to adventurous types based on its image alone. Unfortunately, the Crosstrek also possesses one of Subaru's quintessentially unrefined, underperforming four-cylinder engines and a fun-sapping optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). But we are unable to take any jabs at the Crosstrek's solid handling, good build quality, and an impressive array of available safety and infotainment tech, which help make up for its deficiencies.
The 2019 Subaru Forester SUV is offered in five trim levels, namely Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring. The Base trim is available at a price of $22,795 and gets quite a decent list of features as standard. As we move up in the trim lineup, they add in much better convenience features along with driver-assistive technologies. There are multiple packages available with the trims as well at an additional price.
The top Touring trim is available at a price of $36,090 and gets the best features. Here is a list of the key features that are available with the trims of the 2019 Subaru Forester:
Trims |
Base |
Premium |
Limited |
Sport |
Touring |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$22,795 |
$25,695 |
$29,395 |
$29,495 |
$36,090 |
Features |
All-Wheel Drive system
|
Includes Base trim key features and adds: |
Includes Premium trim key features and adds: |
Includes 2.5i Premium key features and adds: |
Includes Premium trim key features and adds : |
Subaru Starlink Multimedia |
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
All-Weather Package w/ heated front seats. |
18-inch black-painted alloy wheels |
Leather-trimmed upholstery |
|
17-inch steel wheels |
Power- tilt/sliding panoramic moonroof |
Blind-Spot Detection/Rear Cross-Traffic aLERT |
Sport design front fascia |
Dual-zone automatic climate control. |
|
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels |
A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle |
Automatic high-beam control |
Heated steering wheel |
|
Power Rear Gate |
Automatic climate control |
LED Steering Responsive Headlights | LED foglight | Power driver's seat w/ memory | |
6.5-inch touchscreen |
Subaru Starlink Safety and Security. |
Leather-trimmed upholstery. |
One-touch folding rear seatback |
All the trims are available in a single 2.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine. Thus all the trims provide the same level of performance. The Sport trim, as the name suggests, gets a sporty exterior detailing. It also gets interior design tweaks, along with additional traction setting modes.
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The base model of the Subaru Forester is well equipped with an economic price tag but it doesn't have what some owners may expect. The 2.5 limited variant hits the sweet spot as it comes with an all-weather package which will be very useful in winters.
The Subaru Forester turbocharged engine is replaced with a new naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. Thus Subaru Forester's new engine makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The grunt is enough for city jaunts and highway passes but still many will miss the spirited turbocharged engine. Subaru says that 90% of the engine parts are new, which includes a stronger block and a new direct-injection system.
The Subaru Forester engine is mated to a 7-speed CVT which makes most of the power. It shifts quickly when the driver is being aggressive with the throttle. There is a 7-speed manual mode with paddle shifters for the CVT on the Sport and Touring trims which provides much more control over the driving.
Models |
Subaru Forester 2.5i SUV |
Nissan Rogue S SUV |
Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV |
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV |
Honda CR-V LX SUV |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV |
Kia Sorento L SUV |
GMC Terrain SL SUV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$24,295 |
$25,795 |
$25,190 |
$24,795 |
$25,345 |
$25,345 |
$26,545 |
$26,980 |
$25,000 |
Engine |
2.5L inline-4 |
2.5L inline-4 |
2.0L inline-4 |
1.5L inline-4 Turbocharged gas |
2.4L inline-4 |
2.5L inline-4 |
2.4L inline-4 |
2.4L inline-4 |
1.5L inline-4 Turbo Gas/Ethanol |
Transmission |
Continuously variable automatic |
Continuously variable automatic |
8 Speed Automatic |
6 Speed Automatic |
Continuously variable automatic |
6 Speed Automatic |
8 Speed Automatic |
6 Speed Automatic |
9 Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
182 hp@ 5800 rpm |
170 hp@ 6000rpm |
184 hp@ 4400rpm |
170 hp@ 5600rpm |
184 hp@ 6400rpm |
187 hp@ 6000rpm |
185 hp@ 6000rpm |
185 hp@ 6000rpm |
170 hp@ 5600rpm |
Torque |
176 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm |
175 ft-lbs@ 4400rpm |
221 ft-lbs@ 1600 rpm |
203 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm |
180 ft-lbs@ 3900rpm |
186 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm |
178 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm |
178 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm |
203 ft-lbs@ 2000rpm |
The Forester isn't as quick as the CR-V with the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, but then don't expect the CR-V to match the Forester in terms of off-road ability. The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento are slightly more powerful than the vehicles in competition with a maximum power output of 185 hp.
The 2019 Forster with its robust engine and snappy transmission provides an abrupt acceleration. The 2019 Subaru Forester goes from 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is more than adequate for a crossover with such a small engine. However, it feels sluggish when you are trying to accelerate on the highway or merging into traffic. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response, still, there isn't enough power at the top end.
Models |
Subaru Forester SUV |
Nissan Rogue S SUV |
Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV |
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV |
Honda CR-V LX SUV |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV |
Kia Sorento L SUV |
GMC Terrain SL SUV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
8.5sec |
9.6 sec |
8.8 sec |
6.8 sec |
7.7 sec |
8.7 sec |
8.9 sec |
7.6 sec |
6.8 sec |
Quarter mile |
17.3 sec |
17 sec |
16.3 sec |
15.2 sec |
16 sec |
16.7 sec |
16.7 sec |
15.8 sec |
15.4 sec |
Engine |
2.5L flat4 Regular Unleaded |
2.5L i4 |
2.0L i4 |
1.5L i4 Turbocharged gas |
2.4L i4 |
2.5L i4 |
2.4L i4 Regular Unleaded |
2.4L i4 Regular Unleaded |
1.5L i4 Turbo Gas/Ethanol |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A |
6.1 |
7.7 |
6.3 |
N/A |
6.3 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
The new 2.5-liter boxer engine, with 182 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, feels satisfactory if not overpowering. It is sufficient to move this 3,500-pound SUV up to the mountain without any evident lag. The new Subaru Global Platform that underpins the Impreza, Crosstrek, all-new three-row Ascent, and now the Forester is 40 % more rigid than the outgoing model. The ride quality is excellent with minimal body roll on corners.
The Forester is equipped with a stellar suspension with 8.7 inches of ground clearance which can tackle any terrain with ease. The ride quality is excellent on the revised suspension. Its electronically assisted chunky steering is heavy at first but feels composed after some time with an immediate response. It also features two drive modes, the intelligent mode favors fuel economy but still leaves a lively response when the gas is hammered. Sport mode inclines things up with the eager throttle response.
Subaru has also worked on Forester's brake pedal which travels less than the previous variant. The bite remains the same after repetitive use and less pedal stroke before braking inspires confidence. Forester's brake-based torque-vectoring system squeezes the inside wheel calipers in hard cornering to provide a more nimble feel. The Forester is easy to modulate around town and on highway speed.
Model |
Subaru Forester suv |
Nissan Rogue S suv |
Volkswagen Tiguan S suv |
Chevrolet Equinox L suv |
Honda CR-V LX suv |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT suv |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE suv |
Kia Sorento L suv |
GMC Terrain SL suv |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
11.8 |
11.7 |
13.4 |
N/A |
11.1 |
11.7 |
12.6 |
12.6 |
11.6 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
11.3 |
11.5 |
11.8 |
N/A |
10.2 |
11.9 |
12 |
12 |
11.2 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
3499 |
3456 |
3721 |
3274 |
3307 |
3541 |
3591 |
3810 |
3449 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
129 |
124 |
N/A |
N/A |
115 |
136 |
130 |
N/A |
130 |
The Honda CR-V scores the best number when it comes to braking where it reached 60-0 mph in 115 feet. It is followed by Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester with 60-0 mph in 124 feet and 129 feet respectively. The Mazda CX-5 is the worst performer here as it takes 136 feet to come to a standstill.
The2019 Subaru Forester returns an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. It is able to manage 28 mpg combined which is better than most of the cars in this segment. It comes with an automatic stop/start system when you are at a stoplight which also helps in conserving fuel. Considering the fact that Subaru comes with an AWD system, it does not affect its fuel efficiency.
Model |
Subaru Forester SUV |
Nissan Rogue S SUV |
Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV |
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV |
Honda CR-V LX SUV |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV |
Kia Sorento L SUV |
GMC Terrain SL SUV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
26 |
26 |
22 |
26 |
26 |
25 |
22 |
22 |
26 |
MPG (highway) |
30 |
33 |
29 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
29 |
32 |
MPG (combined) |
28 |
29 |
25 |
28 |
28 |
28 |
25 |
25 |
28 |
Range (city/highway (miles) |
431.6/547.8 |
377 / 479 |
337 / 444 |
387 / 477 |
364 / 448 |
370 / 459 |
414 / 545 |
414 / 545 |
387.4/447 |
Tank Capacity (gal) |
14.9 |
14.5 |
15.3 |
14.9 |
14.0 |
14.8 |
18.8 |
18.8 |
14.9 |
The 2019 Nissan Rogue provides the best combined fuel economy of 29 mpg. This is just 1 mpg more than what the Subaru Forester offers. Most of the rivals match this combined fuel economy of the Forester. The Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento have the largest fuel tank capacity of 18.8 gallons which provides a minimum range of 414 miles.
The Subaru's new Global Platform has a 30-millimeter longer wheelbase over the outgoing Forester. This accounts for the more interior room; the rear seat is spacious enough for two adults — and a third if needed — with plenty of head and legroom. The interior is crafted from durable material and seems like it will last a decade.
 The seats are well-bolstered and provide great overall comfort. The 2019 Subaru Forester can carry up to 5 passengers in total while providing great spacing to all the passengers. The interior design of the Forester is clean and feels premium and modern. The dual-tone color scheme enhances the overall look of the vehicle from the inside.Â
Model |
Subaru Forester SUV |
Nissan Rogue S SUV |
Volkswagen   Tiguan S SUV |
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV |
Honda CR-V LX SUV |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV |
Kia Sorento L SUV |
GMC Terrain SL SUV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
7 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.0/57.2/40.9 |
41.6/56.6/43.0 |
39.6/57.0/40.2 |
40.0/57.2/40.9 |
40.1/57.9/41.3 |
39.7/57.1/41.0 |
41.2/59.1/44.1 |
39.5/59.1/44.1 |
41.2/58.2/43.3 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
38.5/55.6/39.7 |
38.5/55.9/37.9 |
39.1/55.9/36.5 |
38.5/55.5/39.7 |
39.2/55.6/40.4 |
39.0/54.8/39.6 |
39.2/58.3/40.9 |
39.3/58.0/39.4 |
39.6/57.2/39.4 |
In terms of the available interior space, the Subaru Forester and Nissan Rogue are pretty similar. The Honda CR-V and Mazda are also quite similar, but the CX-5 suffers from cramped rear seats. While most of the vehicles in comparison can accommodate up to 5 passengers, the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Kia Sorento can accommodate up to 7 passengers in total.  Here is a list of all the interior features that are available with the 2019 Subaru Forester:
The infotainment system included in the 2019 Subaru Forester gets all the basic features as standard. The Subaru Forester features the Star Link infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen and a larger 8-inch touch screen with a built-in navigation system are available on the two premium variants.
Here is a list of the infotainment features that are available with the 2019 Subaru Forester:
The Forester as the name suggests is made for people who love trails and long distances. It comes with an impressive cargo space that can hold a large amount of cargo. Forester has 35.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and a maximum of 74.3Â cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The wide rear gate opening of 51.2 inches and automated liftgate makes loading of luggage a breeze.
Model |
Subaru Forester SUV |
Nissan Rogue S SUV |
Volkswagen   Tiguan S SUV |
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV |
Honda CR-V LX SUV |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV |
Kia Sorento L SUV |
GMC Terrain SL SUV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Volume (ft.3) |
35.4 |
39.3 |
12.0 |
29.9 |
39.2 |
30.9 |
35.9 |
11.3 |
35.4 |
With the rear seats down it can hold a substantial amount of cargo. That's above average for the class, exceeding both the Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V in total cargo space. The CR-V's cargo area is slightly larger, though the Forester has more maximum cargo room if you don't opt for the sunroof.
The exterior of the 2019 Forester is much like the previous one as Subaru doesn't want to mess with the ess mantra. Front, side, and rear under guards are standard, as is lower body cladding to protect against mud and rocks. The new Sport model is distinguished by its gloss-black exterior trim and orange accents on the black under guards and roof-rail mounts, plus orange stitching on the inside.
Model |
Subaru Forester SUV |
Nissan Rogue S SUV |
Volkswagen Tiguan S SUV |
Chevrolet Equinox L SUV |
Honda CR-V LX SUV |
Mazda CX-5 SPORT SUV |
Hyundai Santa Fe SE SUV |
Kia Sorento L SUV |
GMC Terrain SL SUV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
3499 |
3456 |
3721 |
3274 |
3307 |
3541 |
3591 |
3810 |
3449 |
Length(in) |
182.3 |
184.5 |
185.1 |
183.1 |
180.6 |
179.1 |
187.8 |
189.0 |
182.1 |
Width(in) |
72.4 |
72.4 |
72.4 |
72.6 |
73.0 |
72.5 |
74.4 |
74.4 |
71.5 |
Height(in) |
65.4 |
66.3 |
66.3 |
65.4 |
66.1 |
66.2 |
66.1 |
66.3 |
68.1 |
Ground clearance (in) |
6.9 |
7.8 |
7.9 |
N/A |
7.8 |
7.5 |
N/A |
7.3 |
8.7 |
Wheelbase (in) |
107.3 |
106.5 |
109.8 |
107.3 |
104.7 |
106.2 |
108.9 |
109.4 |
105.1 |
Track width (in) F/R |
62.2/62.2 |
62.8/62.8 |
62.2/61.8 |
62.2/62.2 |
62.9/63.5 |
62.8/62.8 |
64.3/64.7 |
64.3/64.7 |
61.6/61.8 |
The Nissan Rogue is the best among the lot which accounts for spacious interior followed by Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V. The Mazda CX-5 is the smallest among the rivals. The 2019 Subaru Forester is one of the heaviest in this comparison with a curb weight of 3499 pounds, while the Chevy Equinox is the lightest at 3274 pounds. Here is a list of the exterior features that are available with the 2019 Subaru Forester:
The Subaru brand is now increasingly focusing on safety. The NHTSA has given the 2019 Subaru Forester a perfect 5-star safety rating in their crash test. The acclaimed Subaru Eyesight driver assistance technology is optional in 2.5i Premium and 2.5 Limited and it's standard on the Touring trim. Subaru Forester is pretty good when it comes to safety features and comes loaded with a long list of safety tech:
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is priced higher than the Subaru Forester and comes with an upscale cabin. The steering is precise and it's very fun to drive like other Mazda's. The Subaru, on the other hand, comes with a bland cabin but makes up for it with an excellent safety score. The Mazda also loses in terms of Cargo space when compared with Forester. So the Forester is a clear winner here.
The Subaru Forester and 2019 Honda CR-V have similar fuel economy and size. The Honda CR-V has best-in-class cargo space which the Forester can't match. The 1.5-liter turbocharged powertrain of CR-V is far better in terms of performance when compared to the Forester. The Forester is a capable off-roader and the CR-V can't match its ability. Opting one depends on what you desire, city jaunts, or adventure junkie.
The 2019 Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester have a lot of things in common. Both have an underpowered powertrain and similar EPA ratings. Both of the vehicles have lots of legroom and headroom. The Subaru Forester undercuts the Nissan Rogue by $500 and also comes with standard AWD system. In Nissan, you have to pay extra for 4WD, which makes the Forester an obvious winner.
The 2019 Subaru Forester starts at $24,295 gets fully redesigned 2019 and is a good compact SUV and offers the best price on a used model. It has class-leading cargo space and a nice interior with plenty of room for passengers. The Subaru Forester offers a luxurious ride, better chassis, sharper handling, and one of the best AWD systems in the market. However, this Subaru doesn't have a lot of power, and individuals looking for lively acceleration should opt for an ing else. If only the turbocharged engine was available it would have been the weapon of choice. All in all, the latest Forester is a great compact SUV for a large family having a go-anywhere attitude.