2019 Subaru Forester Sport Road Test Review
July 05 2019, Docksteader Subaru
Larger and roomier than ever
Good news. Subaru just introduced an entirely new fifth-generation Forester to its ever-improving lineup, and it's a big step up over its predecessor. Now built around the new Subaru Global Platform (SGP), it offers more capability on and off the road, greater refinement all-round, plus increased interior roominess.
The new Forester is now 15 millimetres longer from front to back, with 30 millimetres more wheelbase for improved rear legroom, while it's also 21 mm wider including its mirrors, aiding shoulder, elbow and hip space. Its front and rear track has widened too, now up 20 and 15 mm respectively for better high-speed stability, while those wanting to venture off-road will appreciate that its minimum ground clearance has been maintained at a very capable 220 mm. This said the new Forester is fractionally (5 mm) lower in height, while its base curb weight has increased by a nominal 26 kilograms when compared to the outgoing model with its optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is now standard, impressive considering its increased size. Even more surprising, the fully loaded 2019 Forester Premier is 56 kg lighter than the ritziest version of the 2018 model.
Along with the roomier passenger compartment, which can really be felt when seated inside, the new Forester grows cargo volume by 29 litres to 1,003 litres behind its 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks in base trim, and by 40 litres to 2,155 litres in base trim when those seats are lowered. The optional sunroof encroaches slightly on overhead space, allowing an additional 43 litres behind the back seats for a maximum 935 litres, plus another 68 litres for a new total of 2,008 litres when those rear seats are lowered. I found the extra space really made a difference when hauling larger items, thanks to a flat and open load floor.
Comfortable cabin comes stocked with new features
Back up front, the driver's seat is very comfortable and includes powered lumbar support that matched up well to the small of my back, while the driving position is excellent with plenty of rake and reach from the tilt and telescopic steering column. In Sport trim the steering wheel gets a nice leather-wrapped rim with orange stitching, its spokes filled with nicely organized controls that even include an "S#" mode for enhancing performance, or alternatively adaptive cruise control switchgear for a more relaxed highway driving experience.
A whole host of Subaru EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems come standard with the Forester Sport and other top trim levels, these including pre-collision braking, pre-collision brake assist, pre-collision throttle management, lead vehicle start alert, lane departure warning, lane sway warning, lane keep assist, reverse automatic braking, and just noted adaptive cruise control.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. The 2019 Forester starts at just $27,995, yet includes standard LED headlamps, an advanced safety technology that previously required a move up to Limited trim, and one that's still optional with most of its rivals including the 2019 RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Forester's also include automatic on/off, this new standard feature part of last year's Convenience trim upgrade, while automatic climate control is now standard too.
New standard mechanicals improve the 2019 Forester's driving experience
Also positive, a new electromechanical parking brake frees space between the front seats while modernizing the look and driving experience, while auto vehicle hold replaces the hill holder system previously used with the now discontinued manual transmission. Speaking of Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that's now standard across the line, its impressive X-Mode off-road system with Hill Descent Control is now standard too, as is the SI-Drive drive mode selector.
Together with the CVT and Subaru's much praised Symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive system that remains standard, all 2019 Foresters get a new direct-injection enhanced 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine that's good for 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 12-horsepower and 2-lb-ft bump over last year's base engine.
The upgraded drivetrain now includes an auto start/stop system that automatically shuts the engine off when it would otherwise be idling, reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency. Subaru claims its new Forester saves 0.2 L/100km in combined city/highway driving despite its increased size and performance, from 9.2 L/100km city, 7.4 highway and 8.4 combined in the old model to 9.0 city, 7.2 highway and 8.2 combined in the new one, and I must concur that it lived up to estimates. I was able to average 8.6 L/100km during my weeklong test, and while my area is mostly flat and therefore not as taxing on fuel usage as a hilly environment, I was hardly focused on achieving the most mileage from a tank of fuel. I'm usually fairly easy on the throttle, but I took opportunity to drive the Forester harder on occasion for testing purposes, plus I even spent a little time off-road (more on that in a moment).
Improved efficiency and performance make the new Forester more fun to drive
Testing in mind, with the aforementioned S# sport mode engaged, an exclusive Sport trim feature that provides more immediate throttle response, the new Forester had noticeably more get-up-and-go than the previous 2.5i-powered model. In fact, it was plenty of fun off the line and had more than enough power during highway passing manoeuvres.
Just the same, equal focus has been applied to comfort, thanks to a really smooth ride and even smoother Lineartronic CVT. It's hard to knock a CVT in this type of vehicle. Its simple, reliable design and creamy power delivery is perfect for tooling around town, whirring down the highway, or trekking across a countryside gravel road, and when combined with the Forester's fully independent front strut and double-wishbone rear suspension setup it's compliant over most any road surface. Handling is plenty capable too, and braking is strong, especially in Sport, Limited and Premier trims that come upgraded with 316 by 30 mm front discs. The new Forester is truly a well balanced compact SUV.
Loads of standard features make any Forester trim a joy to live with
Trims in mind, the 2019 Forester is now available in base 2.5i, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited and Premier grades. Along with everything already mentioned, the base model includes standard powered and heated side mirrors, steering wheel controls, cruise control, filtered air conditioning, a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, Bluetooth with audio streaming, StarLink smartphone integration with Aha radio, HD and satellite radio, two USB ports/iPod interfaces, an aux input, heated front seats, roof rails, the usual active and passive safety features including an airbag for the driver's knees, and more, while the standard infotainment touchscreen is now 0.3 inches larger at 6.5 inches, and also features standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity that wasn't even optional before.
For just $30,295, Convenience trim comes with even more including fog lamps, a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, a windshield wiper de-icer, silver interior accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, a colour trip computer, a 6.3-inch colour multi-function display atop the dash, six-speaker audio, dual-zone auto climate control, premium cloth upholstery, a 10-way powered driver's seat with lumbar, and more.
By the way, for $1,500 more you can add the aforementioned EyeSight features, while this upgrade package also includes proximity-sensing keyless access with pushbutton ignition, as well as a retractable cargo cover.
As noted earlier, EyeSight comes standard Sport trim, but I should also mention it's included as standard equipment in all grades above the two lowest trims. This means the $32,995 Touring model gets EyeSight too, plus everything already mentioned plus automatic high beam assist, a large powered glass sunroof, and a powered liftgate with a programmable memory function.
New two-mode X-Mode off-road system makes Forester a capable 4x4
Above this, the as-tested Sport model, plus the Limited and Premier trims get a new two-mode X-Mode off-road system that's capable of even greater go-anywhere prowess thanks to separate settings for snow and dirt, as well as deep snow and mud. Of course, I had to take it to my favourite local off-road play area for a little bushwhacking and it performed extremely well for this class, swamping through water-filled ruts, streaming rivulets and muddy bogs, and tromping up steep, slick inclines that I wouldn't have previously attempted. I can only imagine it would be equally adept at fording deep snowy ski hill parking lots, this now the most confidence inspiring Forester to date.
Back to features, the top three trims improve safety further via standard steering responsive headlights and Subaru's Side/Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) system, while each model also includes a leather shift knob plus a new 8.0-inch touchscreen that adds an inch to the diameter of last year's top-line infotainment display. Once again the interface includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto where there wasn't such advanced smartphone connectivity last year, while these upper trims also get dual rear USB ports for a new total of four, plus A/C ducts on the backside of the centre console, and reclining rear seats.
Sport trim really stands out while the new Forester Premier is luxury all the way
All new as-tested $34,995 Sport trim is the visual standout of the 2019 Forester lineup. It features unique orange exterior trim around its matte grey lower panels, plus a gloss black grille, special front corner grilles, a larger rear spoiler, a blackened trim strip that runs across the rear liftgate before striking through the taillights, and a unique rear under-guard. The Sport also features exclusive dark metallic 18-inch alloys, while LED daytime running lights, vertically stacked LED fog lamps and LED turn signals integrated within the mirror caps add to its upmarket appeal. Inside, it features orange highlights and eye-catching sport fabric/leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching.
I should also make mention of $37,695 Limited trim despite this review being mostly about the Sport. It eliminates the Sport's performance upgrades yet keeps most of its convenience and luxury improvements, while adding a special set of 18-inch 10-spoke bright-finish machined alloy wheels, a premium grille, chrome detailing around the fog lamp bezels and side windows, auto-dimming side mirrors with approach lighting and reverse tilt (the latter item a Subaru first), an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated compass, chrome trimmed primary gauges, a heatable steering wheel, GPS navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link with weather, sports and stock market information, eight-speaker 440-watt Harman/Kardon audio with an eight-channel amplifier, leather upholstery in black or platinum, silver contrast stitching throughout, driver's seat memory, heated rear outboard seats, and one-touch folding rear seatbacks.
astly, for a mere $1,800 more you can opt for $39,495 Premier trim, a new top-of-the-line model that pushes the Forester up into luxury SUV levels of style and refinement. Premier trim once again includes the vertical LED fog lamps from the Sport within unique satin-silver trimmed bezels, as well as special aluminum-look satin-silver trim on the front fascia, side mirror caps, roof rail posts, side sills, and rear bumper. Additionally, exclusive 18-inch five-spoke machined alloys combine with chromed exterior door handles and a stainless steel rear bumper step pad to spiff up the look further. Inside, the Premier features exclusive brown leather upholstery that I really like, plus an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, while Subaru's new DriverFocus fatigue and distracted driving mitigation system uses facial recognition to detect drowsiness or inattentiveness.
Improved refinement and great attention to detail inside
No matter the trim, all of the 2019 Forester's features come in a cabin that boasts improved style, refinement and attention to detail, from additional soft-touch surfaces to some really nice dark satin metallic accents. Subaru even adds soft padded leatherette sides to the lower centre stack and console, the result being a wonderfully upscale look and feel. The geometric grey fabric used for the Sport's door panel and seat upholstery is attractive, and I really like the orange contrast stitching throughout the interior.
The analogue gauge cluster is bright and easily legible, with a large, colourful, straightforward multi-information display at centre, the latter complem
ented by a much larger and more complex MID atop the centre dash, that's fully functional and filled with great looking high-resolution graphics. It even includes a trio of default meters for water and oil temperatures, plus average speed. Likewise the upgraded infotainment system is the best ever offered in a Forester, with bright, attractive graphics including album artwork when using satellite radio, wonderful depths of contrast and colour, and excellent resolution quality. All of the aforementioned functions worked well too.
This last comment really sums up the entire 2019 Forester. The new model offers a significant step forward in the powertrain department, while the rest of this compact SUV is also better in every way. Therefore it only makes sense that it's finding plenty of success, with December 2018 sales up 30 percent over the same month in 2017, plus year-over-year sales up 6 percent. Yes, it seems to be onward and upward for this much-improved new 2019 Forester, a compact SUV that's easy to recommend.
