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2019 Subaru Forester

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Used Car Price Range
$13,988 - $24,995
$13,988 $24,995
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2019 Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,295
2019 Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $26,695
2019 Sport 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $28,795
2019 Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $30,795
2019 Touring 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $34,295
Expert Rating
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Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

The all-new 2019 Subaru Forester gets more from the formula that its customers love. Its safety, spaciousness, and honest design will surely help Subaru continue on its upward sales trend.

What's New for 2019

The Subaru Forester is all-new for the 2019 model year, notably adding Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite as standard and a new Sport trim level.

Subaru Forester

Choosing Your Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester rides on Subaru’s latest platform, meaning improved safety, vehicle dynamics, efficiency, and greater interior space. The exterior shape is instantly recognizable as a Forester, and the interior receives a thorough redesign with increased use of premium materials.

All Subaru Forester models are equipped with all-wheel drive, a continuously variable transmission, and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine that generates 182 horsepower and 176 pound-foot of torque. This sole configuration earns an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 combined and claims a 1,500-pound towing capacity.

The Forester is available in five distinct trims. The base Forester is the price-leader, the Premium offers a range of features, and a Sport trim adds not only distinctive styling trim bits but also feature content. The Limited and Touring trims offer subsequent features and safety equipment.

Subaru Forester

Base

The base Forester starts at $25,270 (all prices include the $975 destination charge) and includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and the latest in infotainment with access to SiriusXM, HD radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto controlled through a 6.5-inch touchscreen display. LED auto-headlights, automatic-climate controls, and LED interior map lighting are also noteworthy standard features. The option list is narrowed down to 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels for $600 and two extra USB ports for the back seat for $178.

Subaru Forester

Premium

The Premium trim begins at $27,670 and adds two additional speakers(for a total of six), 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10-way power driver seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, and automatic collision notification. The exterior receives roof rails, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, and a body-colored rear roof spoiler. There are three option packages offered that build upon each other. First up is the All Weather Package for $500 that includes heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer. For $1,295, the features of the All Weather Package are joined by blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and proximity entry with push button start. When the power tailgate feature is added to that list, the package price jumps to $1,845.

Subaru Forester

Sport

The new Sport trim, priced from $29,770, includes bright orange accents around the exterior and interior that are emphasized with blackened exterior body parts, wheels, and an exclusive gray interior trim. In addition to the styling features, notable content upgrades include 18-inch wheels, proximity entry with push button start, a larger 6.3-inch driver information screen, and vents for the rear passengers. A more capable terrain management system, larger front brakes, and paddle shifters are also included for sporting moments on- and off-road. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking are available along with a larger eight-inch infotainment touchscreen for $795. Those features can be bundled with a Harman Kardon audio system and a power tailgate for $2,045.

Subaru Forester

Limited

The Limited trim is $31,770 and notably features perforated leather seating, unique interior trim finishes, dual-zone climate control, a power tailgate, and active headlights. The reverse automatic emergency braking system, Harman Kardon audio system, and navigation are included in the available package for $1,695.

Subaru Forester

Touring

The Touring trim represents Subaru’s vision for luxury in this segment and checks in at $35,270. Its exterior trim parts, such as the mirror housing, door handles, fog light surrounds, and front, rear, and side lower garnishes are dipped in chrome. The interior sees exclusively available leather colors, a power passenger seat, heated rear seats, and a camera that utilizes facial recognition software to detect when the driver may be getting drowsy. The system then notifies the driver with an audible and visual alert. There are no packages available.

CarsDirect Tip

The 2019 Subaru Forester strikes the sweet spot of value with the Premium trim, as it features a robust level of active safety and practical upgrades.

Get your price on a Subaru Forester >>

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

All-wheel-drive crossovers seem to whet the whistle of buyers unlike anything else these days. Though nearly every automaker offers some sort of high-riding, so-called-active-lifestyle vehicle, Subarus in particular seem to embody the ideal of the crossover unlike anything else. Even non-enthusiasts know Subaru is the first choice of the outdoorsy among us; a casual trip to the local dog parks or trailheads will almost certainly reveal a gaggle of Subarus clustered together in the dirt parking lots.

This is the high wave that the 2019 Subaru Forester comes riding in on. It looks little different than the outgoing model, though underneath a host of changes promise a better driving experience than before and interiors have been upgraded in respect to materials and quality. There's no doubt, however, that the essence of the Forester remains wholly intact. Nicely straddling the line between technological progress and comforting familiarity, the 2019 Forester should have no problem continuing as the cornerstone of the Subaru lineup and holding envious competitors at bay.

Best Value

For 2019, the Forester is available in five different trim levels. All are powered by a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder hooked up to a continuously variable transmission (CVT); the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission options have been quietly euthanized. Of the five trim levels, it's the Limited that we're smitten by. Luxuries include leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert; it's also the first trim where the larger eight-inch touchscreen is standard. Though the lower trims are still competitive options, the balance of features and price make the Limited a strong value proposition even if it's second from the top in the Forester family.

  • Model: 2019 Subaru Forester Limited
  • Engine: 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder
  • Output: 182 hp / 176 lb-ft
  • Transmission:CVT
  • Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
  • MPG:26 City / 33 Hwy
  • Options: N/A
  • Base Price:$31,770 (including a $975 destination charge)
  • Best Value Price:$31,770

Performance

Subaru Forester

Up through 2018, the Forester used to be a bit of a dark-horse performance crossover, thanks to the availability of a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and a separately-available six-speed manual gearbox. Unfortunately for enthusiasts, both of those elusive options have been taken off the ordering sheet, leaving the timeworn 2.5-liter boxer four and CVT as the only powertrain combination.

The 182-hp, 2.5-liter engine will be immediately familiar to anyone who's spent some time in a Forester or Outback built in the last 20 years. There's still that subtle but distinctive exhaust note that gives away the engine's flat boxer-style design, and engine noise is still rather prevalent, though the cabin is well soundproofed. Power is adequate for around town, though highway passing or short onramps will expose the lack of grunt. Fuel economy is good for the 3,500-pound crossover – the EPA rates it at 26 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 combined.

People like to rag on CVTs, but the reality is that the unit fitted to the Forester is a good one. It does a good job of providing good off-the-line acceleration, and the characteristic whining when the gas pedal is depressed isn't an issue here. It makes the most of the engine's limited power and will put it to use without ever being unpleasant or cantankerous. On Sport models, paddle shifters let buyers pretend to row through the nonexistent gears themselves; it's a small consolation for those who were hoping the manual transmission option would return for 2019.

Though the sheetmetal is familiar, the chassis is all-new and is the same as that found under the Impreza, Crosstrek, and also-new Ascent three-row crossover. With the new platform comes marked improvements in stiffness and handling, translating to noticeably less body roll and a much smoother ride. It's still no Mazda CX-5 in the corners, but it certainly handles with more verve than the old one did. All Foresters come with Subaru's trademark full-time all-wheel-drive and a useful 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Style

The Forester embodies Subaru's reluctance to jump headlong toward new styling directions, as the new-for-2019 model looks as if it could share all it's body panels with the old one. For some brands, this kind of restraint could mean a slow demise, but for Subaru, it seems only to further entrench their already loyal customer base. It probably explains why the new Forester largely keeps it's chunky and blocky look; the small details that were revised only serve to heighten the sense of butch purposefulness it seems to exude. Big windows, a wide hatch with a low load floor, and the severity of the angles all combine to make one of the most practical, upright crossovers on the market.

The innards of the new Forester make a decidedly more apparent leap forward. Materials, fit and finish, and overall quality are better on every trim; top-of-the-line Touring models have a particularly rich-looking brown leather available that belies the car's $35,000 price tag. Lower-spec cars use a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while the Limited and Touring have an eight-inch unit. Both house Subaru's Starlink infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Passengers both front and rear have ample stretch out room, with the rear passengers benefiting from nearly 40 inches of leg room. Tiered seating put those in back slightly higher than the already high-up front seaters, and together with the space make sitting in the second row a pleasure. Drop the rear seats – possible with the touch of a button on the Touring models – and the 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space more than doubles to 76.1 cubic feet. Drivers have 10-way power adjustment unless they opt for the base model, in which case they'll get six-way manual adjustment; passengers make do with four-way manual adjustment except in the Touring model, where they'll have an eight-way power seat. Visibility is excellent from the front, thanks to the large windows and commanding seating position.

The Best and Worst Things

The feature count, quality of materials, and ample space will be enough to sell most prospective buyers, and old-time Subaru fans will be glad to see how familiar their favorite crossover still is.

Evolutionary rather than revolutionary styling might be a drawback for buyers who were hoping for something more stylistically daring; the 2.5-liter boxer motor is almost old enough to legally drink, and it's mediocre at best compared to some of the competition.

Right For? Wrong For?

Subaru Forester

Yes, it's become a trope, but it's true – the active-living outdoorsy set really would be right at home in the confines of the Forester, as it has the space and capability to handle the rigors of this lifestyle.

Buyers looking for actual performance will be disappointed with the new Forester, especially now that the turbo engine and stick-shift options have been discontinued.

The Bottom Line

Subaru's Forester has become a favorite for a reason – it does everything well for not a lot of money. Sure, it's no sports car or corner-caver, and the styling certainly won't inspire any artists or poets, but it's a comfortable and efficient daily-driver, a reliable road-tripper, and a perfect weekend getaway vehicle when it's time to escape the hustle and bustle. The 2019 Subaru Forester continues to deliver on these principles, and we're sure both new buyers and returning customers will be happy to trade in and trade up to Subaru's latest salvo in the hotly-contested crossover market.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L H-4 / 182 HP / 176 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Lineartronic 7-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
26 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L H-4 / 182 HP / 176 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
26 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
16.6 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$63
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
74.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
112 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
182.1 "
Exterior Width
71.5 "
Exterior Height
67.5 "
Front Headroom
41.2 "
Rear Headroom
39.6 "
Front Legroom
43.3 "
Rear Legroom
39.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.2 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,449 Lbs.
Wheel Base
105 "
Turning Radius
17.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 17.0 " Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored / Front Body-colored
Grille Moldings
With Chrome Bar / Silver
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver / Driver And Passenger
Tinted Windows
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Eyesight Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Eyesight Pre-collision Braking Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Eyesight Sway Warning Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2019 Subaru Forester for Sale

11 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Subaru
Color: Gray
Price

$13,988

Mileage

163,325 mi

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Team Nissan - CA (49 mi)

Phone: (310) 877-5977
Subaru
Sport
Color: Crystal White Pearl
Price

$17,995

Mileage

107,848 mi

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Puente Hills Subaru (29 mi)

Phone: (626) 626-4800
Subaru
Premium
Color: White
Price

$18,495

Mileage

92,316 mi

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Simi Valley Toyota (33 mi)

Phone: (805) 426-6600
Subaru
Premium
Color: Ice Silver Metallic
Price

$18,795

Mileage

70,739 mi

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605 Auto Inc (16 mi)

Phone: (562) 461-7400
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