2019 Subaru Forester Review | All Inclusive Hauler

[@youtert]

"If you look at the entire structure, it's more pear-shaped" I've found this to be true of myself in recent model years.

[@aic0809]

Lol!!! 😂😂😂

[@bikebudha01]

Father in law just got one. The visibility is what sold him. He looked at Toyota, Ford, and Honda - they all were 'tank slit' window vehicles. It's just so much nicer to be able to see your environment...

[@midnitestate]

that's one of the things I'm glad Subaru didn't follow in terms of trends

[@lowandslow24]

safer too.

[@abin26]

What about outlander mitsubhishi

[@valdius85]

I like the windows but the trunk is very high. The sides have this bump going up that limits the low distance visibility. I like the very last facelift of previous generation. The interior improved a lot though.

[@leootp22]

@@valdius85 I actually found the visibility to be limited which surprised me because I head heard how big the windows are on this thing.

[@Musicman971997]

I didn't used to be a fan of this channel. I've changed my mind. I see now what I thought was arrogance was just humble honesty. I get it now.

[@fredguntern.e.4185]

Stay away from new auto that are not electric. Also Subaru also uses thin body metal as with the Ford Focus.

[@luckyluke5638]

@@fredguntern.e.4185 Why putting that under his comment ?

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

I hated Doug demuro for his stupid clickbaity titles when he did that R32 Carmax stuff. Once I actually watched his videos, I haven't stopped watching

[@HydraliskX]

Agree about the trims. This is the best compact SUV between 25-30k. I personally got the sport trim and it's amazing. I got over the crowded steering wheel/screens within about a day or two of driving it. For long term ownership, it's a non issue.

[@peruprofundodance]

wow... you look tiny in that forester 1:10

[@jakes5530]

Ya honestly i confuse it with the ascent every time i see one. It grew a lot since last gen. I think he’s just sitting low on purpose, there are lots of people shorter than him who will buy it and need to be able to see out of it.

[@andersonrodriguez8258]

Jake Stoler prolly his camera don’t go that high he just went for the best angle

[@eganfo]

Everyone looks tiny in a Forester. It's like a fishbowl.

[@jackd1582]

#Savagemouse??

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

I think he always puts the seat in the lowest position.

[@Stockman22]

Best car reviewer on youtube period. I love your brutal honesty.

[@kenhoward3512]

He's a savage goose.

[@metalblade8576]

I’ve owned one of these in the sport trim since January and Savage pretty much nailed this review, even the downsides. The inside feels like a it should be a larger vehicle than it is. It’s a comfortable vehicle. The Eyesight safety system has saved me from a driver that decided they needed to slam their brakes and make a turn without signaling. The infotainment/steering wheel dose need some refinement, but I’ve gotten use to it. The CVT doesn’t bother me too much as long as you’re driving civil. Also thank god you can turn off the auto start/stop, it feels like the car is thinking “Oh shit I need to start now!” Overall a very comfortable, practical daily driver for a good price.

[@Rabidus289]

I must say, after testing the Impreza and getting into a Forester, i was suprised at how cramped the interior was.

[@mpetrides]

Alas, you have to turn the auto start-stop off every time you start the car. BMW did this with the X1 when it first came out but within a few months wised up and came out with a software update that saved your last setting as the default. Hopefully, Subaru will do the same. It can not be good for vehicle longevity to turn off and on all the time.

[@cywoods60]

Do you think this would be a good car for my daughter a first year driver. She is 24 and responsible. How is this car as far as safety in your word?

[@Sirgromulus]

As another new owner (2019 Sport), I concur with all your comments!

[@yabbadabbajr]

Another Sport owner (since last February) - and concur with everything you and Savagegeese observed/experienced. And as much as I enjoy the 2019 Sport, I'm giving serious eyeballs to the 2020 Outback Onyx XT.

[@basithph8958]

These reviews keep getting better and better Even on a family car like a Forester, the visuals are just so damn good and you get to every point about the car Keep up the good work

[@chauncey_vw5015]

Thanks Goose. This video made me forget my excruciating hemorrhoid flare up!

[@palebeachbum]

Eat more fiber.

[@khunopie9159]

TMI my dude

[@eternalalchemist]

rutin supplement did it for me

[@ChadDiamond7]

You know what is crazy?? How long it took me to find a way to support you via Patreon. You don't sell yourself enough man! I highly respect that. You've got a fan for life here. A Chivy Fan.

[@miguelestela6681]

Great honest review, especially pertaining to the engine. With our power hungry world, it's refreshing to hear a positive review of a naturally aspirated engine with 189 hp. I think the power is just right for most consumers.

[@jdonns2221]

Either he is a little person or there is like a foot of headroom.

[@bextar6365]

Joseph D...He needs 2 phone books....

[@rkalla]

LOL thought the same thing “that’s a good driving position? Damn...”

[@savagegeese]

Tons of headroom

[@717dash_cam]

GOBS of headroom. Just took delivery of a 19 Sport, compared to my old 16 Legacy it's night and day.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

I think he always puts the seat in the lowest position.

[@borger99]

The interior is so simple and so effective. My wife fell in love with it, and she worked with Lexus on design and Art direction. She's been in Ferrari's and Porsche's her whole life, and our 2019 Sport is in her words, the best looking car she's ever been in.

[@Mohankeneh]

the quality of your videos step up with every release its unbelievable.

[@Lex-Rex]

So refreshing watching vehicle reviews for us middle-upper middle class group. Not really into watching exoctic car reviews all the time. Plus your cinematography is pro level. Not even sure if that is your main gig, but I wouldn't doubt it.

[@maxzorin7613]

Previous gen Forester owner. Can sign to both the positives and criticism. All in all, seems a positive progress. As always, superb review from a superb channel. Less (reviews) is more.

[@pedromartin4437]

I always stick around to hear that little Piano melody at the end of your videos, super relaxing.

[@heshan3694]

I kind of disagree with the steering wheel part and the informant system. I am having a Subaru Impreza 2018 model and basically, all the interiors are the same as the forester. Since I just plug in my phone and use carplay almost every time and just set up some settings after I picked it up from the dealership. The buttons on the steering wheel make sense to me, the left side controls the volume thing and the right side are about the cruise control thing. I think not just for me, probably for most subaru users, we just let the digital gauge cluster show speed, use carplay or android auto for navigation and play music and use that smaller upper screen to show mpg and AC temperature thing. Pretty great design, never have problems with it.

[@marcoaayub]

Ok... so the first few minutes I thought you were just going to be mad about everything. I decided to watch your whole video regardless. Great review. Honest, to the point, and fair. Thanks!

[@sleeksilver]

Best reviews on YT, hands down. Shit is next level. Other than the superior AWD system which I don't really need often, I see NO reason to buy this over the CR-V or CX-5.

[@fighter835]

The biggest reason is that you can actually SEE out of the damn thing.

[@worrywart1311]

@Peder Hansen AWD makes things a bit safer in the wet. Less likely to slip off the road or have a crash. Anything that might help save your skin has to be a worthwhile component.

[@baddriversofcolga]

I have no real interest in a Subaru these days, but other companies need to take note of Subaru's visibility. If they can make new cars that have good visibility then other companies should be able to as well.

[@tonychau1983]

Then all cars would be boxy and ugly

[@steveprinty5674]

That is one reason I keep hanging on to the ‘96 Suburban I bought new 23 years ago. Visibility is great in all directions. Several different vehicles I have seriously considered, for instance a Lexus RX, loose too many points because of that on the pros and cons list.

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@tonychau1983 Not at all. Thin pillars, large windows, and lower belt-lines don't make for ugly cars, in fact they usually make for better looking cars.

[@tonychau1983]

@@baddriversofcolga I hope we're not talking about subies now

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@tonychau1983 I'm talking about cars in general.

[@themightymrpink]

As someone who watched several of your previous car reviews like the Ford Expedition, Kia Telluride, and now the Subaru Forrester review, I without a doubt would say you're one of the best car reviewers out there. Your reviews are straight to the point and discusses the throughy information and pros/cons about every vehicle you review. I would like to see your review on one of GM's next generation large SUVs that are coming for the 2020 MY "Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade offerings." You've earned yourself a new subscriber. 👍

[@tmed827]

That comment about stuff falling off the dash because of the vibration from the auto stop-start was hilarious. Great review as always

[@crebegea]

The underbody section is getting from a crazy good idea to amazingly informative!

[@VoxSweden]

Perfect opening music for a Subaru review! Fans will rejoice!

[@greentjmtl]

FWIW CVT in last gen XT before they added fake shifting is one of the best non-manual transmissions I've ever driven, super smooth for daily commuting, good on gas, and hauls butt on demand. There are some small kinks but no major problem. All the hate I've seen are coming from people who are regurgitating crap they consumed elsewhere, often with completely wrong info.

[@ThatGenericCanadian]

Loved the review, my mom drives a '15 Forester and with how nice the new ones are I can see an upgrade in the near future. I just noticed during the hoist part of the video, the fish-eye lens had a weird split in the middle and it was really messing with my vision. Loved the rest of the video! Even for their downfalls, I love me a nice Subie.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Your videos literally get better as each one releases. I'm patiently waiting to see your channel hit 1 million subscribers

[@Freehand59]

I had a 15 Forester XT for a couple years. Loved that thing. Perfect all around vehicle. He's not kidding with the space in the car. I fit a love seat in the back and still was able to shut the hatch. Had to sell it for money reasons, but I'll be back!

[@imaldon1]

Your reviews keep getting better and better. Loved the reviews on the Kia Soul, Forte and Telluride. Keep up the great work!👍

[@borger99]

Honestly, driving this in the summer is fantastic. Nothing better.

[@18_rabbit]

u and your guys are the best, seriously. Truely the best reviews out there, and i look at 'em all almost.

[@slabrankle9588]

People who buy this car want a commuter appliance, not a driving experience. Those who want a driving experience buy an F-Pace, or a CX-5 if they're on a budget. This new Forester has quickly become Subaru's most popular model for a reason: it just flat out works for what the customer wants, full stop.

[@midwestfarm757]

If you get a turbo cx5, yes.

[@HoofHearted2DAY]

Also they do heavy market research from their existing customer base. We had the Gen 1 Forester decades ago & Nick Senior (head Subaru here in Australia) would issue out owner questionnaires with the included Subaru Magazine subscription they also sent to owners every few months. They know the exact market they're selling to because having a Subaru meant you were part of a community.

[@LLG47]

If you want driving experience, why would you buy a crossover?

[@bofaboys5783]

@@LLG47 Exactly this is a commuter car for people who have to deal with snow and ice. People that dont want their everyday commute to be an experience. Driving a Cx5 turbo isnt going to be like driving a miata either.

[@LLG47]

@@bofaboys5783 I drive through snow and ice and have never needed 3 extra inches of ground clearance. A sedan, hatch or even a sports car with knobby snows is better than a crossover with all seasons. The trade-off stinks, you get worse gas mileage, worse performance, marginally more storage, no manual, more weight, and more cost, for what?

[@pramodhb6796]

You review like a true pro... Car making is no fun business, it takes so much blood, sweat n tears of so many technicians & designers down to assembly line workers..its no fun.. and to review a new car some reviewers just mock and flock around a new car just to entertain the viewer, but you without all those gimmicks manage to keep the viewer glued to the video, just with your honest review done in a expertly manner.. Keep it up.

[@xzst]

Fart absorption rating of 51%? That wont cut it considering my diet...

[@Itsallindica]

An activated charcoal seat cushion might tip the scales for ya. No shit.

[@markm0000]

That's a problem see my fat is now the decision maker in this relationship. I don't know what to do with myself now that I can't decide if I need this Whopper or if I do another week of shit tickets.

[@gplusgplus2286]

Oh how I miss the frameless windows of the first Forrester. Great review as always.

[@gplusgplus2286]

@Quix look awesome though.

[@wvusmc]

I prefer them myself but I'm partial to the Foresters up to 2008. I've owned three older Foresters and still have a 08 XT. Only downside for me was the wind noise was always an issue for each one.

[@whoawoahh]

It’s all fun and games until your borderless windows get stuck and iced over onto the frame

[@majbach1968]

I just bought one - Premier trim level here in Canada. I bought it because of all the "crap" and I find the functionality, layout and intuitiveness no where near as bad as described. I have to admit, I didn't know that climate control display disappears with the screen off - good catch. The fit and finish is pretty good too, no loose trim or scratches as described. My doors came out of the factory with no lube and they felt like I was shutting the doors on a Hummer until I lubed them. My start/stop works smoothly and I leave it activated. However, this car sounds and feels like a diesel locomotive on a cold start. Boxer engine trait? Finally, I completely disagree with your CVT assessment. Originally, I wanted to replace my old Santa Fe with something that didn't wallow like a life boat and got decent fuel economy but still had AWD and lots of room. I originally had my eye on a Tuscon but after comparison shopping I realized how few features a 2018 Tuscon had and how sparse its cargo volume was. The double clutch was a performer but in the long run...? Hyundai took several steps back in the 2019 design. The Mazda was sporty to drive but little else. The CR-V was appealing and I even was ready to drop $$$ but thankfully I took a look at the Forester. When you go deep, the Subaru has way more features that the Honda does not and the interior material quality is apples and oranges. The game changer for me was the CVT. The Honda's whines like a banshee when you ask for power-similar to most small displacement engines with CVT. The Forester does not. True, you're robbing yourself of some power by shifting into a virtual gear instead of leaving the CVT where the power is greatest, but that high rpm whine just to casually pass on the highway on the CR-V or Rogue is just too much for me. Plus you get paddle -shifters in the Sub and a sport mode which really does make it more responsive and peppy. The real cons on the Forester are the center console room and the location of the USB ports!

[@YZJB]

Direct injection can be very noisy

[@SaraK_69]

Just drove a Tiquan and then drove this Forester. I'm usually a German Das Auto type of Girl but wow this Forester seemed way better than the Tiquan! It handled better, and I actually prefer the multiple screens, once you get used to them they are better than the ones the Tiguan has! Subaru definitely handles better and the AWD is amazing! Plus, it was 3k less than Tiguan but had LED lights and more creature comforts such as adaptive cruise control! Wow!

[@zefolantar]

I own a 2015 Forester XT and love it. The 250 hp 2.0 Turbo boxer engine is a winner, and aside from some “turbo lag”, the CVT matches up quite well with the engine. Yes it has interior flaws, but most cars do. The huge bonus with Subaru’s is reliability and the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive....and that makes it a solid choice when shopping for an SUV. Great video. 👍👍

[@jeffr.3464]

George Pichl, Agreed, love my 14 XT as well. I’m just over 65k now.

[@desert_jin6281]

Hey, got a '15 XT too with short of 90'000km and can't but agree :)

[@nikzanzev2402]

2018 XT owner. This winter was brutal for snow where I live, set all kinds of records. And while others complained, I enjoyed driving in the snow. Good car.

[@grumjpy]

Hi, After watching your reviews I have finally decided that you have the best most honest and technical aspect of the vehicles. I learn about what I need to know to the point. You should be known as No non sense reviews. Keep the good work up. I am a subscriber now. Cheers!!!!!

[@magsteve]

This comment is about the trend to include all the screens, buttons, dials, etc in most every car today not to pick on the Subbie. My experience has been to wade thru the learning curve on how to set up everything the way you like it and you never touch it again. Until you or someone accidentally touches a control and you have to relearn everything to get it back where you want it. That's just me but I can't imagine anyone fooling around much with all the controls after you've had the car for a while.

[@worrywart1311]

Agree. After 4 years I sometimes forget my car has features I never bother to use.

[@ilyap7012]

0:23 that music, I was expecting Turbowski to show up on a horse buggy, or maybe a 0 to 60 on a Honda

[@jeffreyjeziorski341]

I think the music was a cue to the practicality over sex appeal of the vehicle. Seemed like tyrolean style, almost but not quite polka. Mr goose pays close attention to detail.

[@wizmanballin8498]

Something about Subaru never did it for me. For years, their brand seems so behind in design inside and out. My brother had one years ago and I hated being in that car...just aesthetically unappealing. And this, a brand new Forester, looks hideous to me. To each his/her own in what you like, but Subaru needs new designers because it's a brand I would never even consider spending my money on. That steering wheel is a clusterf*@! to the ninth degree. It reminds me of what car companies were doing back in the 90's when it was cool to push tons of buttons. The engineering may be a good trade-off, but not good enough in my books. Great review btw SG!

[@JohnGlasscock]

That outro LOL

[@Bmjoshi63710]

I owned one and I love it. I m coming from Toyota fan club bt I m not disappointed

[@bigmontyjones8769]

Great honest review. I appreciate the shots on the lift and the detail. We decided to test drive one and ended up with a limited. Thanks for the great info!

[@Natethegreat200c]

This man gets a new camera every month it’s seems like !!🤣🤣 I love it. WHERE THE JEEP REVIEW

[@nikzanzev2402]

Very fair and good review of this car. As a Canadian owner of a 2018 XT, I'll just bring a few points: the 2019 infotainment system is much much better than the 2018 one in the Forresters. This car makes driving in the snow a fun experience. I think the naturally aspirated engine is a bit underpowered for such a heavy car, but I'm biased as I have the turbo engine option (not available in 2019). The eyesight system is really good. Makes long drives and being stuck in traffic much easier and more comfortable. It really is cheaper than the competitors.

[@davidoneill2983]

Interesting. I'm currently trying to decide between buying a 2018 XT or 2019 CX-5 Turbo. I've done heaps of research and I'm still not certain what I'll get but I'm thinking more towards the CX-5 Turbo. I want a car that's fun to drive and has a sporty feel but I also want the ability to drive some sketchy fire roads/mud etc. As much as I love the Subaru, I think the upgraded tech, nicer interior and also the automatic transmission seal the deal. Such a shame the new Forester has no turbo because the CX-5 unfortunately looks less adventurous and more of a soccer-mom car compared to the Subaru. Also a shame Subaru has CVT

[@davidoneill2983]

Interesting. I'm currently trying to decide between buying a 2018 XT or 2019 CX-5 Turbo. I've done heaps of research and I'm still not certain what I'll get but I'm thinking more towards the CX-5 Turbo. I want a car that's fun to drive and has a sporty feel but I also want the ability to drive some sketchy fire roads/mud etc. As much as I love the Subaru, I think the upgraded tech, nicer interior and also the automatic transmission seal the deal. Such a shame the new Forester has no turbo because the CX-5 unfortunately looks less adventurous and more of a soccer-mom car compared to the Subaru. Also a shame Subaru has CVT

[@nikzanzev2402]

@@davidoneill2983 Cool, do whatever works for you. Imho, the main difference between a decent CVT and a decent automatic transmission is that one is more fuel efficient than the other. I'd also consider a few more things before buying: What's the price differential between the 2 cars? Do you need a proper AWD where you live? I'm from Canada where 2/3 of the year is winter, so Subaru>Mazda for that reason alone. And double check to see if they've fixed the rusting problem Mazdas used to have. I think they have, but now is the time to make sure. Good luck and congratz on the car, when you get it!

[@jeffruebens8355]

For about the same price, the Mazda CX-5 with all-wheel drive looks a lot better, and you can get a new one with a turbo and all have a nicer transmission. I test drove a Crosstrek recently as a cheaper alternative with less luggage space and lower- the brakes felt great, but the steering was very numb, and the model I drove had a sunroof my wife wants, but no push button start and no electric motors to adjust the driver seat that she also wants. I might buy one if I lived in Maine or Oregon- they are well designed for hilly roads covered with snow, with a low engine for the high ground clearance, and very hot heated seats on the high setting.

[@Amitriptyline10mg]

You definitely say what’s on your mind regarding the pros and cons of the Forester! I like that you don’t dance around your peeves about stuff in/on/under the car. Also, your review is the first I’ve ever seen where the reviewer and cameraman actually go under the car. Some reviewers might SAY something about a car’s underside without showing us, therefore necessitating our figuring it out ourselves or just take the reviewer’s word. One thing I have concern about is the direct injection and how carbon buildup occurs over time. The Subaru adds on TV now mention how 98% of Subarus are still on the road after 10 years. Aren’t most cars? But does the carbon kill the Forester at 10 years and 1 week? That is to say, am I going to need to fork over a ton (or two) of money to fix the car in order to have it run another 10 years.?

[@stuntmonkey00]

Thank you for pointing out that the CVT should just be the CVT. I've driven the Impreza and it's funny how much the Forester FB25B and tranny sounds and shifts like the Impreza FB20D now. Feels like every wannabe auto journo has to denigrate anything that isnt a manual transmission, which is absolutely silly for reviewing this kind of car. With light acceleration the CVT doenst try to do the fake shift points, so the ride is very smooth in city traffic under 35mph

[@supertrooper73]

Agreed

[@kenhoward3512]

That the CVT isn't annoying as long as you only accelerate gently is certainly "damning with faint praise." I'd prefer a modern, well-designed, long-lasting, conventional automatic transmission, to avoid finding myself with what will very possibly become a vehicle worth $10k needing an $8k transmission replacement.

[@cybrarian9]

You'll laugh, but I drove the sport vehicle of the 2019 Forester for about 6 miles in a neighborhood and on I-270 in Montgomery County, Maryland, and the best part of the whole drive was the back-up camera where you can see your wheel turning lines inside the back-up camera. For me, that was "worth the price of admission." As you noted, all those bells and whistles and buttons on the dashboard, the steering wheel, and the buttons by the left knee (did I get them all?) are so darn complicated that I figured I needed a graduate degree on how to drive a vehicle. I was driving a 1998 Toyota Corolla with 206,197 miles on it up till March 29, 2019, when it got rear-ended and smashed into the car ahead of me. I'd drive that car again if I could find another low mileage vehicle if only because it was so darn simple to drive, to see all around, no confusing buttons, clearly designed purpose-built items in the car, and 21-plus years of reliability. These new cars for all their safety features are like driving a video game or being a fighter pilot.

[@_gramcrakka_82]

You kill me with the music at the beginning. Love it.

[@AF9D2]

Excellent review savagegeese! After watching this and several others went w/the Touring. I appreciate you!

[@fabianherrmann6398]

Nice that you can get an AWD hauler for that money. Cool presentation again too. Man I feel sorry for all the betas and morons who blow right past the quality of your content cause you dont cater to the crazies but focus on what is important in a car and subtle humor. You rock!

[@kevinnorwood7355]

It's a shame they dropped the XT. This one's better looking then last years version. Too bad you can't get a manual with it. As much as I love Subaru I wont buy a new one because of my dislike for the CVT. The Mazda 5 gets my vote if I was looking to buy. Until then I'll keep driving my 01 Forester with 336K on it! I love the visibility on my Subaru the sunroof make it feel like a convertible in the warmer months. Traction is amazing never been stuck in snow or mud. We're avid hikers and have taken the Forester though some tough places its never let us down. My wife has a 07 Outback and she won't drive/own another car.

[@802Garage]

336K, finally broken in huh? Hahaha. I agree. They should keep offering turbo and manual options on any model when possible. Obviously I understand the monetary angle, but at least with platform sharing and classic Subaru Lego engineering, it's not like they have massive hoops to jump through to make it happen. They are bringing the Legacy turbo back, so perhaps the XT models for the Forster and Outback will follow! At least Subaru does still offer manuals in most cars, even the Crosstrek. :)

[@kevinnorwood7355]

Sadly you can only get a manual in the base Crosstrek.

[@802Garage]

@@kevinnorwood7355 True. Does make me sad. I always wonder if you go into the dealer if you can get them to "special order" you a different trim level with the manual. I also hope they offer a Crosstrek XT at some point. Their reason for not doing so thus far is literally that they already sell the Crosstrek too fast to keep up with demand, so they can't add an XT variant and keep selling at that rate. Sad, but positive for the brand.

[@kevinnorwood7355]

@@802Garage unless something has changed you can't special order one and spec it with a manual. IF I bought one I would had a supercharger to it, it's the same 2.5 that's in the BRZ..

[@802Garage]

@@kevinnorwood7355 I'm assuming you mean 2.0? They are similar, but the Crosstrek uses the FB20, not the FA20. Either way, one supercharged sounds like a blast. I know you "can't" special order one. But I always think of the guy who was able to order rear disc brakes on his Fiesta with the 3 cylinder from Ford just by having them spec it at the dealer, hahaha.

[@vila92276]

You are by far the best car reviewer. Not afraid to be honest.

[@stuartjohnson5173]

I like that you have your subaru uniform patagonia jacket on for this review

[@MrMomo0529]

Man, you good!! Nothing bias, just tell it how it is. I believe Subaru’s AWD is the best and you explained that better. It is built from the ground for AWD not like others that build as front drive and upgrade to AWD. And you are right about the auto start/ stop being the worst. Thanks for the video!

[@timothycc711]

Thank you for another wonderful review Savage. I love the funny parts with Toddd! This car looks really practical and has great visibility. You add that great visibility with all the safety features and Suburu's famous symmetrical awd and you have a very very safe car.

[@tomrakusan1179]

Have had had a 2008 Outback, a 2012 BRZ, a 2016 WRX, a 2023 WRX and family has had a 2015 Forester, another 2015 Forester, a 2019 Forester, and now a 2024 Forester - says it all.

[@samsen201]

The 2019 Forester Touring is simply the BEST car I ever owned.

[@brucew.5292]

Goose, I’d like to offer some constructive criticism. You should spend more time reviewing the interior (live-ability and comfort compared to others in its class), I like your videos but don’t feel like you talk about comfort as much. When I purchase a car, comfort, quality of life , how stiff the suspension is, and road feel through the steering wheel is what I look for. It seems like you need to do more actual “living with this” over time. Just my opinion, keep up the good work.

[@t-bone9239]

nice to see some well mouthed criticism these days

[@YasumotoUS]

Perhaps Mr. Geese can't legitimately publish content about the stiffness on the youtube platform. Agreed that talking points such as cabin noise on a typical U.S highway, ease everyday interactions with the vehicle, etc. are always welcome.

[@RickyJnum1FAN]

I dont have a family and live in Los Angeles, so this is the last car for me, but you best believe im gonna watch the whole video

[@henryi9738]

You're cool Goose, but where's Tubowski? miss that guy.

[@kingsqueak2221]

I have a 2013 XT and I love it. I dropped the rims to 16" and put LT mud and snow tires on it. It gets beaten on dirt roads (many thousand miles worth) in New England all the time and has been problem free. If they don't come back with a manual or a mechanical gear trans + turbo, it will be my last one. The turbo makes the vehicle, solid power up steep inclines and at elevation, plenty of passing power at highway speeds too. My head is over the top of the head rest when I sit in it, it's a good vehicle for tall people unless your torso is on the extreme side.

[@ashman0071]

Stop Start easily turned off with the Circle / A button to the left side of the steering column. You journalists don't understand CVTs do you ? The idea is you apply just enough throttle to keep your engine's revs at the lower end of where you engine's torque is at its maximum . Applying anymore throttle just reduces fuel economy and increases NVH with little increase in 'performance.' The Forester is a very good 'car' imho. We own 2 of them. Both white - both with the same light grey / black two tone interior . Over 30 mpg city .

[@Itsallindica]

Good review! I especially appreciated getting a view of the belly of the beast. I have a new (2019) Forester Limited, after driving a Camry for 23 years with never a breakdown. I find the Forester to be a little sloppier in the steering, harder to get rolling smoothly from a standstill, the steering wheel is slippery, uncomfortable, and the armrest is too far from the wheel so I can’t just steer with my left hand, the engine turns itself off when I’m parking in my garage before I can set the parking brake and shift into park, too much eye candy on the displays, the 18 inch wheels are a disadvantage because the tires are more expensive and 17 inch tires are better for winter driving, the stock Falken tires are nothing special, the rear view mirror is set low to accommodate the iSight cameras so blocks my view, and the rear headrests also block my view (I took them off because I rarely have rear passengers, but can always slide them back in when needed). Everyone says the Magellan navigation I could use if I had an iPhone or Android to interface with the system is a POS, and there is no good place to mount a Garmin. Not sure if the Maps app on an iPhone would appear on the built in display, or not. As for the acceleration it seems totally adequate, but I’m a conservative driver. I’ve only had it for a month and driven it less than 100 miles, so these are just first impressions. I paid $30,000 plus taxes etc. for the limited with no add-ons. The dealer said they were having a sale on the extended warranty, $500 off, but I have no proof that I saved any money (I paid another $1,690 for it). No car is perfect and there are lots of things to like about it, but I’m wondering now if I might have been happier with a Toyota. Time will tell.

[@cward2986]

Hey, never dreamed you would review my humble car - unexpected bonus! What I really want to drive is a VW Golf R but the Subaru is a more practical option for this mid-50’s Minnesota woman who spends a lot of time driving on snowy country roads, hauling dogs, and bumping across muddy pastures. Not a car for “spirited driving” but definitely not underpowered - just a solid comfy workhorse that is a pleasure to spend time in. The busy steering wheel is zero problem as your fingers quickly learn what’s what. Wish it came with better tires - anyone in the snow belt should be aware that they will need to buy proper winter tires to get the best from the 4WD system. Final thoughts: I am sad that this fantastic channel seems to have so few female subscribers - go Goose!

[@tayljordan]

The Subaru owner's dream is owning a 13 year-old Subaru, owning it outright, and paying almost nothing in maintenance.

[@JacenLetsPlay]

As a Bavarian I had to chuckle a lot at the intro bratwurst song. Didn’t expect to hear that type of music accompanying smooth shots of a Forester :D

[@thedriver5462]

I like what Forester used to be and I even like some things about the new one like visibility, saftey and solid AWD system. But Subaru is making their cars more numb with each new generation and that worries me. They handle little bit worse, their sound is not what it used to be, manuals are mostly gone and instead of investing in good automatic they stick to CVT with track record of issues. Even AWD is not what it used to be, except on WRX and STI. Subaru is turning into new Nissan and that is not good.

[@whoawoahh]

Have you driven a Subaru with the global architecture platform vs older model Subaru’s? I don’t know where you are getting the worse handling feeling. The new ones are much more rigid.

[@adriand.731]

Best reviews I have seen just brutally honest

[@emotionz3]

Like all Subaru’s - the base model is where it’s at. You can just katskinz your interior in leather after the fact for $1500, while getting the basics and none of the BS for a reasonable price. The higher end trims come with gimmicks and tech that Subaru has never executed well, and in the past, you could only get a manual on base trims (excluding the ye old days XT trims) as well. As for the CVT, I haven’t driven this model, but I agree in that my sisters 2015 forester 2.5NA + CVT has a far less desirable feel than say, an Accord 1.5T. CVT’s seem to perform best on turbocharged motors or motors that wind out well, not large displacement motors.

[@dko8546]

Oh my God, the opening music. It takes a lot to get me to laugh at 6 AM! Thanks for that.

[@mrofnocnon]

What is not discussed in the video is the reliability issues of the CVT which is nowhere near as durable as the original hydraulic transmission or the manual. It is particularly vulnerable to destruction when towing.

[@dorkultra]

you're grabbing some really cool shots with the 360 cam

[@802Garage]

Pure sex appeal was the 2nd generation Forester XT. Especially in blue with the manual transmission. Mmmmm. It's great that Subaru stepped up the interior game. The Legacy looks even better. The multimedia and display fails are such a shame though. Even worse is it seems every trim level of Forester gets most of the tech. If I got one, I'd honestly prefer the traditional 3 knob HVAC. That worked! Glad Starlink was good for you at least. I can't stand a glitchy and unresponsive system in a car. Frustrating and even dangerous. Spot on about the AWD system and being standard Subaru underneath. You can feel the difference when driving and they are easy to work on. Great review as always! Hope you can get your hands on the new Legacy, especially the turbo when that comes back!

[@rallysauruswrex]

The base and premium trim doesn't have the top screen on the dashboard, which means it has the traditional 3 knob HVAC

[@802Garage]

@@rallysauruswrex Ahhh, that's what I like to hear! I went to the build page at Subaru and it was hard to decipher which screens they meant exactly. I thought not having the color just meant you got a simpler one in the gauge cluster.

[@markm0000]

@@802Garage yep so get the base model and rip out the shit touchscreen media thing. Replace it with a dedicated cradle to charge your phone and a direct bluetooth hookup to the amplifier.

[@802Garage]

@@markm0000 Hahaha true I could just go full custom Android head unit etc. I can't afford a new car right meow anyways though. 😢

[@richardmoravec102]

802 Garage a

[@yabbadabbajr]

Savagegeese, thanks for this review -- I've been a pleased owner of a 2019 Forester in the Sport trim since last February. Concur on all your observations. Hoping you'll soon do a review of the 2020 Outback, now built on the global platform. As much as I've enjoyed the 2019 Sport, I'm giving serious eyeballs to the 2020 Outback Onyx XT.

[@nyquil07na38]

Solid review as always. I am suprised how much rust was on the underside for a brand new vehicle.

[@joetarrant99]

Solid content Sir Goose. Man. I’m a big Subaru fan, but that thing has grown more in the last few years then my ego.

[@rogerthat24]

After living with it for three months, I am very comfortable with the different displays and controls. I can use the buttons on the steering wheel without looking and the climate control information stays in the upper part of the top screen in most modes.

[@bradcomis1066]

Love the music at 0:30 hahahahha so perfect for a big ol' rolly polly like this thing

[@deanfeldman2505]

Thanks for not pulling your punches. Helpful data

[@billlyl3725]

Best car review music bed ever!

[@JakeDrives1]

Subaru’s nicest interior yet : EXPOSED. They gave us such hope. You reminded us where Subaru came from. Lol. Better luck next time, Subaru. Seats and aesthetics are SOO much better. Keep it up !

[@valdius85]

Outback is a massive step, apparently. Even previous Outback was good, more comfortable for my body type that Forest. Also felt much better made.

[@JVR_Funwithdesign]

I'm a certified BMW addict but you can't beat the reliability of our 2010 Forester. Bought new and literally have not had to do anything other than maintenance.

[@valdius85]

You are lucky then. There is plenty of people mentioning head gaskets and CVT wherever I search anything forester related

[@JVR_Funwithdesign]

@@valdius85 no CVT on the older ones, HG are a relatively common Subaru issue but we've never had an issue but then again it's low mileage.

[@valdius85]

@@JVR_Funwithdesign Truth be told I lost the trust for the brand after researching issues. It is annoying as I wanted to buy 2017 Forester in the future. I will do a lot of engine breaking in the mountains and, by my understanding, I just do not want to put my own money into that tech. I prefer having LC150 if have to and pay more in fuel than have to visit mechanics.

[@wind7sailor]

This is a nice rig and should be great on country roads

[@glendree1]

Accurate and fair review. I agree with everything you have said. I have a 2018 Forester and have driven the new model.

[@joewhar33]

The new Forester has paddle shifters only on the Sport and Touring trims. The paddle shifters on my Legacy do a great job slowing the car down on steep downhills which I need in the mountains to avoid excessive brake use. The other trims (base, Premium & Limited) have a single "L" gear. Anyone have experience in the mountains with this single L gear on steep downhills?

[@bextar6365]

Own a 2016 Outback 2.5 and a 2019 Santa Fe 2.4....I really enjoy driving the S-F much more than the Outback for sheer overall driving pleasure..

[@davidjym]

Also because the Santa Fe is newer ............

[@bextar6365]

DAVID Y... Not the reason, S-F is just more enjoyable overall.My S-Roo only has13,000k in mint cond. and want to sell it.

[@atl3630]

Why didn’t you get the 2.0T engine? Do you like the 2.4 better?

[@dylf14]

Gotta disagree with the 2 info screen. I really like Subaru's use of the second screen as it helps separate the information without overloading you. Integrating everything into one much bigger screen ends up being far less legible and more difficult to get information out quickly without running through many different pages. Also it helps keep cost low with platform sharing.

[@scottlynch5804]

We have a 2019 Crosstrek and it shares the same interior switch gear and screens. You NAILED IT. It's horrible. After 16K miles on ours, there's still things we haven't figured out, and have to look up in the owner's manual. The buttons on the right side of the steering wheel aren't so bad (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist), but the left side is HORRIBLE. We like everything about our Crosstrek (and other new Subarus) except this disaster. They really need to study how other manufacturer's interiors interact with the driver.

[@davidjym]

Yes, same here with my 19 Crosstrek. There are 'features' that I don't know or care about. Just one screen to many to look at !!! Otherwise I would've gone for the Forester if it wasn't so big.

[@802Garage]

Subaru stepped away from KISS and it was just S. Their normal functional interiors have always been a high point for me. I don't need 1000 screens.

[@johng.4959]

Great vehicle because they dare to not follow trends. Wonderful visibility and fuel economy. They have a niche and their buyers know it. Great review.

[@tomastylecek7209]

29 mpgs, thats awesome, my crv gets 22, but no more depreciation, now i just modify

[@laurenbina4188]

Like your music choice, especially in the beginning. Gave me the giggles all the way thru

[@Qubnomil]

I like my 2014 XT even without the ride comfort. It doesn't have my 2019's useless eyesight system that breaks in front of roadside trash bins, its auto stop-start that is worthless because Foresters get great mileage anyway (the gauge says 3 hours of waiting at a red has saved me 3 gallons of gas), and its annoying tendency to "shift gears" at low revs that feels like it breaks suddenly when slowing down at a light. Revving the engine too hard makes an unpleasantly loud and raspy noise. Further, the manual says the eyesight system needs special window wipers that have a thin profile so as not to set it off by accident. It also says the auto-stop start system needs a special battery. My 2019 may be more comfortable and roomier, but my XT never had any of these problems besides the twitchy throttle at low revs.

[@jedclampett7705]

Excellent insight, Q'. Thanks for posting.

[@parrishwl]

music fits perfectly the look of that thing....

[@TheRebuilt1]

That ending made almost piss my pants, yeah 60 PSI being tuned on an Apple 2e CPU. Too funny.

[@zildmaster]

The polka music though... nice touch.