Subaru officially unveiled the all-new 2019 Forester at the New York International Auto Show, marking the debut of its fifth generation. This iteration of their best-selling SUV boasts significant enhancements, establishing itself as the roomiest, most capable, and most versatile Forester to date. Crucially, it introduces pioneering safety technology, setting a new benchmark in its class. Built upon the Subaru Global Platform, the 2019 Forester promises a superior driving experience with improved agility, enhanced crash protection, greater ride comfort, and reduced cabin noise. Set to arrive at Subaru dealerships later in 2018, the Forester will be available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring, and the newly introduced Sport trim levels. Every model is powered by a refined 182 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine with direct injection and Auto Stop/Start, coupled with a standard Lineartronic CVT and Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system across all trims.
A standout feature for the 2019 model year is the inclusion of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard across the entire Forester lineup. Furthermore, the top-tier Touring trim exclusively premieres DriverFocus Safety Technology, an innovative system designed to enhance driver safety and convenience. This system is engineered to detect driver fatigue or distraction and provide timely alerts, in addition to automatically adjusting driver settings upon vehicle start-up.
Groundbreaking DriverFocus Safety Technology
Subaru’s DriverFocus technology directly addresses the critical issue of distracted driving, a major concern within the automotive industry. Statistics reveal that in the U.S., over a thousand individuals are injured daily in accidents linked to distracted driving. As a safety-focused leader, Subaru developed DriverFocus as a cutting-edge solution to mitigate distracted driving for drivers of all experience levels.
Leveraging facial recognition software, DriverFocus proactively monitors the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction. When detected, the system issues both audio and visual warnings to promptly alert the driver. Integrating seamlessly with EyeSight, DriverFocus contributes to accident prevention. For personalized convenience, DriverFocus can recognize profiles for up to five different drivers, recalling their preferred seat positions, exterior mirror settings, multifunction display configurations, and climate control preferences.
The 2019 Forester distinguishes itself as the first in its segment, and among the pioneering vehicles in the broader automotive landscape, to incorporate technology that actively tackles the pervasive societal problem of distracted driving. This advanced feature is standard equipment on the premium Touring models.
Enhanced Power and Efficiency
Under the hood, all 2019 Foresters feature a newly enhanced 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. This updated engine now incorporates direct fuel injection, a higher compression ratio, and an active valve control system (AVCS) on the exhaust side. These enhancements result in a power output of 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, a notable increase from the previous model’s 170 hp and 174 lb-ft, leading to improved everyday performance and responsiveness.
The 2019 Forester is exclusively paired with the Lineartronic CVT. This updated powertrain not only delivers quicker acceleration compared to the outgoing Forester but also achieves up to 33 mpg in highway fuel economy, according to manufacturer estimates pending EPA certification. Sport and Touring trims further enhance the driving experience with a CVT manual mode that simulates a seven-speed manual transmission, controllable via steering wheel paddle shifters.
Standard across all trims is the driver-selectable SI-DRIVE, a powertrain performance management system. SI-DRIVE allows drivers to customize the vehicle’s throttle response by selecting between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes, with the Sport trim featuring an even more responsive “Sport Sharp” mode. “Intelligent” mode prioritizes fuel efficiency by smoothing out accelerator inputs, while “Sport” mode sharpens throttle response for enhanced performance.
Signature Subaru Design and Enhanced Functionality
The 2019 Forester showcases a more robust and contemporary design, embodying Subaru’s evolved design philosophy while maintaining a clear visual connection to the brand’s established aesthetic. The exterior design features prominent shoulder lines that flow around the pillars, emphasizing the vehicle’s height and strength. Pronounced wheel arches underscore the functionality of the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Front, side, and rear underguards are standard on all models, with color finishes varying by trim level. All models now come equipped with new LED headlights as standard. High-gloss black or silver trim accents contribute to the Forester’s premium appearance, further enhanced by new exterior color options including Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Crimson Red Pearl.
The redesigned Forester prioritizes functionality. The wheelbase has been extended to 105.1 inches from 103.9 inches, resulting in increased rear-seat legroom, now at 39.4 inches, a 1.4-inch gain. Improvements in headroom, hip room, and shoulder room further enhance passenger comfort and create a more spacious cabin environment.
The signature hexagonal grille now incorporates active grille shutters, optimizing aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency. Wider rear door openings and a steeper C-pillar angle improve both passenger ingress/egress and ease of child seat installation. Lower body side cladding is standard on all Forester models, providing protection against mud, rocks, and road debris.
Maintaining Subaru’s commitment to visibility, the 2019 Forester design ensures excellent outward visibility. Strategically designed pillars and generous glass areas provide a panoramic view from within, complemented by a standard rear vision camera on all models.
Cargo capacity in the 2019 Forester has been increased to 76.1 cubic feet with the 60:40 split rear seatbacks folded down, a gain of 1.9 cubic feet. The cargo floor is now flatter, and the cargo area’s squared-off shape is further optimized for accommodating larger items. Notably, the maximum width of the rear gate opening is now 51.3 inches, a 5.3-inch increase over the previous model and up to 8 inches wider than some competitors. This expanded opening allows for loading a full-size golf bag sideways without needing to tilt it. A power rear gate is standard on Limited and Touring trims and available as an option for Premium and Sport models.
Roof rails, standard on all trims except the base model, are compatible with a range of Subaru Genuine Accessories for carrying bikes, kayaks, and other gear. New tie-down hooks integrated into the roof rails on Sport and Touring trims offer more convenient and secure rope tie-down points.
Introducing the Forester Sport
The 2019 Forester lineup welcomes the new Sport trim, designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts with unique styling and enhanced standard features. The Forester Sport stands out with a Sport grille featuring a black gloss finish frame, black-finish 18-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler, creating a rugged aesthetic. Orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts add a modern and youthful touch. The interior is uniquely appointed with dark gray material accented by orange stitching throughout, exclusive to the Sport model.
The Forester Sport exclusively features a version of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes. The Lineartronic CVT in the Sport trim includes a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters. Building upon the standard features of the Forester Premium trim, the Sport also includes a high-grade instrument panel combination meter and multi-function display, LED fog lights, High Beam Assist, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN Code Access, and the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer).
A standard cargo area tray provides interior protection. For added convenience during nighttime loading and unloading, the Sport features a cargo area LED light with auto-off and a rear gate LED flood light that illuminates the area around the rear gate when opened.
Family Comfort and a Refined Cabin
The 2019 Forester boasts the most spacious cabin in its history, and also the quietest, thanks to the inherent noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction capabilities of the Subaru Global Platform. Road noise is significantly minimized, and specific frequencies have been tuned out to enhance conversation and music enjoyment at highway speeds.
The Forester’s interior is designed for both enhanced passenger comfort and increased durability for everyday use and outdoor adventures. New front seats are engineered for improved comfort on long journeys. An electronic parking brake replaces the traditional parking brake handle, freeing up valuable console space.
Automatic climate control is now standard on all Forester models (dual-zone on Limited and Touring trims). Available heated front seats now offer three-stage control, up from two stages in the previous model. The Touring trim adds new heated rear seats for 2019. Keyless Access with Push Button Start is standard on Sport, Limited, and Touring trims and optional on the Premium trim. In conjunction with this feature, SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services now offers available Remote Engine Start via the MySubaru smartphone app, allowing climate controls to be adjusted remotely as well. Numerous other connected services, including Wi-Fi and concierge services, are newly available on the 2019 Forester.
Throughout the Forester, thoughtful details reflect Subaru’s understanding of real-world customer needs. The cargo area floor, sides, and rear gate interior trim utilize a textured material resistant to dirt and scuffing, ideal for hauling camping gear and outdoor equipment, and easily cleaned. PVC material on the lower portion of the front seatbacks is similarly scuff-resistant and easy to clean. Front seatback pockets are now divided to better organize items like magazines and electronic devices.
Enhanced Subaru Value
The 2019 Forester is the most comprehensively equipped model to date. The standard trim now includes features like EyeSight, LED headlights, Auto Start/Stop, SI-DRIVE Engine Performance management, Active Torque Vectoring, Automatic Climate Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Trailer Stability Assist, and Welcome Lighting. A panoramic power moonroof is standard on Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims.
Each trim level builds upon the standard features with additional amenities while maintaining the vehicle’s inherent rugged capability. The 2019 Touring represents the most luxurious Forester ever offered, featuring standard and exclusive amenities including a 10-way power driver’s seat, new 8-way power front passenger seat, new heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. New for 2019, the exterior mirrors feature a two-position memory function synchronized with the driver’s seat position memory and now tilt downwards when reverse gear is engaged to aid in parking. A new power rear lock button on the liftgate allows for closing and locking the gate and all vehicle doors simultaneously.
Adventurous Spirit and Capability
The 2019 Forester continues the model’s legacy of blending SUV capability with car-like ride and handling, underpinned by Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This core technology ensures stable and secure driving for families and provides essential capability for outdoor enthusiasts. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system actively monitors driving conditions to optimize power distribution to the wheels with the best traction.
Active Torque Vectoring, initially featured on the WRX® and WRX STI® performance models, is now standard on all 2019 Foresters. The base model rides on standard 17-inch steel wheels, while the Premium trim upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels. Sport, Limited, and Touring models are equipped with 18-inch wheels, each trim featuring a unique wheel design.
The Forester offers a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, exceeding many competitors and enabling confident off-pavement driving while maintaining an easy step-in height.
For challenging driving conditions like snow or mud, Forester Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims include standard driver-selectable X-Mode® with Hill Descent Control. X-Mode optimizes engine and transmission control, AWD clutch force, brakes, and Vehicle Dynamics Control for enhanced wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. New for 2019, Sport, Limited, and Touring models feature a dual-mode version of X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings for even greater off-road capability.
Comprehensive Subaru Safety
The Forester’s new platform incorporates the latest iteration of Subaru’s ring-shaped reinforcement frame design, a proven structure for superior occupant collision protection for nearly two decades. All 2019 Forester models come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, encompassing Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
Available driver-assist technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking can automatically apply the brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
Forester Sport, Limited, and Touring trims include High Beam Assist, while Limited and Touring trims further add Steering Responsive Headlights. New for the 2019 Forester, the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) now displays individual tire pressures. Standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) uses yaw sensors to detect trailer sway and can selectively brake individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.
A power locking fuel door is integrated into the standard automatic power door lock/unlock system. This system locks all doors, the rear gate, and fuel door once the vehicle exceeds 13 mph, with customizable locking/unlocking preferences.
Inside, the Forester’s safety suite includes Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags, and side curtain airbags providing front and rear outboard seat coverage.
SUBARU STARLINK™ In-Vehicle Technology
The 2019 Forester features the latest touchscreen SUBARU STARLINK multimedia systems, offering standard Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto, and SiriusXM® services (subscription required), along with Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone and audio streaming. Standard Aha™, Pandora®, and STARLINK app integration provide access to a wide range of entertainment and information. An optional built-in, voice-activated navigation system powered by TomTom with an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen is also available. The standard Forester comes with a 6.5-inch Multimedia system, while higher trims feature 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus and 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation systems.
SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services offers remote engine start (on models with Keyless Access and Push-Button Start), concierge service, anti-theft vehicle immobilizer, young driver safety functions (geofencing, speed alert, curfew), and over-the-air firmware updates.
The optional Safety Plus package provides SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health reports, and diagnostic alerts. The Safety Plus & Security Plus upgrade package adds stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, and remote vehicle locator.
(1) National Center for Statistics and Analysis. Distracted Driving: 2015, in Traffic Safety Research Notes. DOT HS 812 381. March 2017, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Washington, D.C.
About Subaru of America, Inc. Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., SOA markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of over 630 retailers across the U.S. Guided by the Subaru Love Promise, SOA is committed to showing love and respect to all, supporting communities and customers nationwide.
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