The all-new fifth-generation 2019 Subaru Forester arrives this fall and it gets new features you need to know about. The first reviews after the reveal were all about the lack of exterior design changes for the new model. But there’s more underneath that will benefit consumers.
Forester is all about safety
The new 2019 Forester now comes with standard EyeSight, Subaru’s driver assist technology with Pre-Collision Braking that’s been proven to reduce accidents. It also features new technology, DriverFocus that helps reduce distracted and drowsy driving. Other safety features include Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross alert and Reverse auto braking, LED headlights, High Beam Assist and Subaru’s STARLINK Safety and Security.
Subaru Forester gets improved performance
The 2019 Forester gets a newly-upgraded 2.5-liter boxer engine with direct-injection now producing 182 horsepower with improved fuel economy (33 mpg highway). It’s not new, but Forester comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for extreme off-road use.
Forester Utility
The new fifth-generation grows and now has more cargo space: up to 76.1 cubic feet, and up to 111.9 cubic feet of passenger space. It comes with roof rails for carrying extra cargo, a new extra-wide rear gate opening (51.2-inches) and power rear gate for easier loading.
Staying connected
The new Forester also gets new advanced technology with first-ever Wi-Fi capability, and you can access all your music and apps through Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia now with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto app integration. The new SUV can be equipped with heated rear seats, climate control vents and two USB ports. An optional power panoramic moonroof is another new feature along with a heated steering wheel.
The all-new 2019 Subaru Forester will begin arriving in Subaru showrooms this fall. Subaru will announce pricing closer to dealer launch.
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
Comments
One can't argue the
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One can't argue the improvements to the fifth generation Forester and while they are appealing - the lack of power (non-turbo) is a deal-killer for me. Based on what I'm hearing the next gen Legacy and Outback will have the turbo engine option based on the new Ascent. The choice to leave the Forester out of that equation frustrates me to no end as an enthusiast.
I concur with Ed B's comments
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I concur with Ed B's comments - one of Subaru's major complaints is always a lack of power from their base engines.
Rather that invest R&D time and money into developing a new 2.5L naturally aspirated engine with modest power improvements, I think it would have been wiser for them to make the new 2.4L turbo engine the standard engine in the Forester, as well as the 2020 Outback / Legacy. Not only would this have simplified the engine lineup, it would have maximized the R&D investment in this power plant, while simultaneously improving the HP and Torque ratings so that these vehicles surpassed their competition.
If cost is an issue, delete the power sun roof as a feature on higher trim lines, and make it optional. I personally would rather have a more powerful engine and a more robust CVT than to have a sun roof.
They are not going to invest
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In reply to I concur with Ed B's comments by Mark Salopek (not verified)
They are not going to invest in 100% turbo power plants for all their autos, Everybody does not want them.
Jerry,
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In reply to They are not going to invest by Jerry Stover (not verified)
Jerry,
You may be right, but I would guess that more people will not buy the Forester since it is lacking a turbo than those would would not buy it if it only offered a turbo...
My point is that they could have offered a vehicle with increased HP and torque without incurring a price penalty by standardizing on the 2.4L turbo and making some of the other features optional instead of standard.
The 2.4L gets 27 MPG Highway in the Ascent, so the smaller vehicles would see even better fuel economy, and they would not be lacking in power.
They are likely counting on
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They are likely counting on the hybrid version to add the extra power for those that want it. I traded in a 14 Crosstrek after the hybrid came out later that year because it drove so much better. That, of course, was traded in on a Forester XT and I also have an Outback 3.6 so while this model has almost everything I’ve been lobbying Subaru for so I can downsize from my Outback, I’ll probably pass on this one (a big part of that is the styling) and wait to see how much power the electrified version brings to the table (and order a new 2019 Outback 3.6 so I can get one of the last ones with the engine I love).