2019 Subaru Forester Review - Doubling Down On Safety and Value

[@tfbond8687]

Leased a 2019 Forester about 3 months ago. My wife wasn't real interested in it and seemed to be just humoring me in its' selection. Fast forward to now - she LOVES it and I never get to drive it. She's asking "What else does Subaru make?". It has all of the amenities you'd ever want, gets great gas mileage, more than enough acceleration and is super easy to maneuver. On top of that it easily swallowed a baby car seat base. We are hooked for life!

[@daviduhrin1671]

We've had our Forester Sport for 2 weeks now and we've absolutely been impressed. The interior quality is luxurious but at the same time comfortable enough to throw at it whatever the weather wants to bring. For us the power has been more than adequate and for us we wanted a capable comfortable drive whether we're going to work each day or piling it full of gear for holiday parties/cookouts etc. Do your research , know what a vehicle is supposed to be and what its not, and you'll come away impressed with this one!

[@jeffpuglisi8204]

We just purchased a Limited model, and Wow we love it. Drives outstanding , great pickup speed . Very smooth ride. Safety features are awesome.

[@jeffpuglisi8204]

No issues with speed and acceleration at all. I traded a Silverado for this SUV and am very happy. Performs great on highway and windy hilly roads.

[@owenstv]

@@jeffpuglisi8204 Thank you, for that. I have a Touring on order. Very excited!

[@Bgtrfvcde]

Just got a 19 Touring edition. Excellent.

[@jeffpuglisi8204]

Francis Springer that is awesome, we love ours. It’s so great to be able to start it with your cell phone. So many features. Good luck with yours.

[@NeeNee_B.]

@@Bgtrfvcde How is it, a couple years later? I am thinking of picking one up used

[@harmagician1]

He's right about fuel economy. My 2020 Forester Limited gets between 26 and 27 mpg city. Other likes: spacious feel inside, expansive moon roof, wide cargo space, head up display, 8.5 inch touch screen. Minor dislikes: radio turns on every time car starts, auto on/off turns on every time car starts (at least there's a dedicated button to disable), collision alert system has gotten a bit confused a few times and beeped for two seconds but it has never slammed on the brakes or anything horrific like that.

[@stephenmaurer156]

Just purchased Mt Forster and absolutely love this vehicle. It is so comfortable, smooth, quiet.

[@spiralnapkin]

Excellent video. I think he just sold me a forester.

[@daehwankang8500]

Wow... He is a smoothe salesman.. he is one of the best iv seen on youtube. Thanks for showing how its done!

[@highdharr]

I will never understand people down voting objective and high quality videos like this! Thanks for the great and highly detailed review analyzing all practical aspects of the model, subbed immediately!

[@salemsaberhagen8390]

literally all videos get down voted sooner or later

[@thomasmullins1989]

Great review as usual Alex. This Forester is on the top of my new car shopping list.

[@Driver6M]

Wow, I'm shocked! I was not going to consider a Forester as my old Subaru is TERRIBLE for fuel economy. 33mpg is fantastic!

[@alexL2]

Yesterday I borrowed my moms 2018 XT and drove it to the local Subaru dealer to test drive a Forester Sport, I figured I could have a good look at the chassis differences and weather or not a new NA power plant could have “enough” power. I was pleasantly surprised, I thought the FB25 in the new forester had plenty of power, I drove around town and did some highway driving to further compare it to the 2018 XT. What I found is the forester sport has enough power to pass at 80 mph, gets significantly better mileage and doesn’t slurp the pricey premium gas. The latter of which is very important to me, I can fill up my ‘94 f350 power stroke (2wd) for about as much as a tank of premium for the Forster xt and go almost the same distance as the XT. So as a money saver the XT is definitely out (the dealer I visited has 2 ‘18 XT’s just sitting on the lot, said they didn’t sell many of them). Is the XT more fun to drive? definitely yes, that thing has some serious go. But compared to my old ford or mid 2000’s Malibu the forester sports acceleration would be a vast improvement for me. As far as cornering goes I threw the XT, Sport, and New Crosstrek into the same left handed 90 degree turn at about 40 mph, the XT more body roll, sport flatter corner when pushed to tires squealing. The crosstrek was better than both it didn’t even squeal the tires at that speed but obviously it is shorter and lighter than either of the foresters. For me with $$$ saving in mind I would actually purchase the Forester Sport, if I want a fun manual car I can have both because a first gen Miatas are dirt cheap and absolutely a blast to mess around in. Just my two cents

[@afcgeo882]

The Sport and other trims on the 2019 have the same exact engine/transmission.

[@avanti2k]

One thing that is always missing from Alex's review: the driver assist system, in this case, Subaru's excellent EyeSight

[@joshgeekie5623]

I test drove one of these in the rain and it had plenty of punch and traction. Did not feel slow at all, even with 3 people in car. Really good ride quality as well. Both of us were thoroughly impressed. I’d love to have one of these as a “do everything” car..... even though I have a 2017 F150 4x4 Fx4 , it’s too big to get in and out of some of the campsites and trails I’d like to go to without scratching the cab and sides...... I found that out the hard way LOL

[@stevelink21]

Excellent and comprehensive review, Alex! I originally preferred the 2019 Forester "Premium" model, because of the lumbar seat adjustment, but as my dealer only had base and Touring models available, I went with the base model, without lumbar adjustment, and thus far am quite pleased with comfort and performance! I know that some folks criticized the CVT engine, but in reality, I find it perfectly fine for typical city and highway driving, with more than adequate acceleration and power for light off-roading as well. Thanks again for your superb review!

[@apache-yaquibrown4060]

You are the best reviewer out there. When my children buy a new car they look to your reviews, so they know what they are getting. Keep up the good work.

[@Al13n1nV8D3R]

Alex, really knows his off-roading vehicles. Your videos are the best!

[@lukem9707]

23:04 - Thank you Alex! This is very important yet so few people mention it

[@FlyGuy457]

Owner of 2018 Forester. You can have a big fast engine and bad fuel economy or right sized and decent mileage but you cannot have both. If you want a Lambo, buy one, if you need to drive in snow and, get home in one piece-here is a fantastic option. Now,,please stop testing the model that the least number of us will buy.

[@gouldbowman]

Love my 2013, reeeeeallly looking to trade up for a 2019 sport. Love all the off road tech. Speed? Why are people angry about speed on a forester? Smh. Backroads camping off of "4x4 only" trails is where i wanna go.

[@tonymontana3742]

How does it feel when you're on the on ramp and you have to get up to highway speeds?

[@raydavies3278]

The Premium.

[@twospirits411]

@Viscous Force So let me get this straight, an owner of a Forester gives his opinion that you can have a big fast engine with bad fuel economy or a right size engine with decent mileage but can't have both and you say that folks like him are losers for killing the Subaru rally heritage. What does the Forester have to do with the Rally heritage?

[@wind7sailor]

While I like the interior of the 2019 Forester, I wished that Subaru would have waited 1 year and put the 2.4 turbo engine option and the larger infotainment system from the 2020 Legacy in the Forester. Considering that the Forester outsold the Legacy by more than 4 to 1, I hope they show their 2'nd best seller some more love in 2020.

[@Doc1855]

It’s now 2023 and I’m still Loving my 19 Forester Touring! In 25 the Forester will be totally redesigned and offer a Hybrid offered from the Toyota RAV4.

[@robertknight4672]

On the 5th generation Forester starting with the 2021 model year the swiveling headlights became standard on all trim levels. I love my 2023 base Forrester. 2024 is the final year for this generation.

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

I just took delivery of a White with black interior Subaru Forester Touring 2019. It is a nice car indeed, and Mrs. Karamazov is very pleased with it. The power is fine, and the safety features can't be beat. I got. a pretty good deal. Here in the US all the Subaru dealers I visited still rely on plus sales from the 'finance manager'. Anyone who has bought a car more than once and thought about the 'finance manager' experience knows it is a scam and old fashioned. Other automakers have abandoned this relic of the past and Subaru should do the same. It makes the purchase a fine car a cheesy experience.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

A more scientific review than most reviewers. He might put an actual decibel meter to objectify the noise levels but the type of road surface has bearing. I find that the fancy sound systems you pay for are seriously degraded by noise (road, wind, engine, whatever). The model packages present a lot to consider with having to buy features you don't want. Conclusion, A nice vehicle which I might choose today over my Honda CR-V EX.

[@Xaluber]

All these armchair critics saying its too slow but the people actually buying them don't give two shits. Thats why the turbo model didn't sell. Y'all want fast cars but then you don't buy them.

[@villasantamaria1]

Right on CJRhoades, too many self experts are complaining about the CVT transmission, the car is too slow, no more XT turbo, etc. etc. etc., NOBODY was buying them, when you are driving, most of the time in traffic, you don't give a hut, you just want to get there, and if you can save on gas, better yet.

[@nomad5176]

@@villasantamaria1 Maybe we spend so many time in traffic because there are so many nonaccelerating cars without turbo.

[@Sacapuntas69]

Well price the turbo at the exact same price, then see how well it sells. Same for any car that has a V-6 as an option. Don't make it so only the top of the line model has that option, then see how many sell.

[@cheerios102]

Ive got the 18 XT, i would take it any day over a non turbo. I paid up for it but in the long run its been worth it. I do a lot of cross country trips and if i need to pass someone on a 2 lane road I just do it.

[@Sacapuntas69]

I don't own one, but the last time I was in Oregon I rented one, and loaded down with 3 people and all the gear, it sure struggled going uphill at times. (non turbo model).

[@MrRailroader03]

Easily the best reviewer out there! Honest and unbiased, unlike that one guy whose first name starts with a S and last name with B.

[@Mjfsocial]

When the 2019 RAV4 comes out can you please do a side by side comparison with the Forrester. It would be great to also include a view of average support and maintenance costs along with a real world comparison of the safety features.

[@shunsuikyoraku5428]

Always good to mention height when discussing headroom and legroom Nice review

[@AbzAden]

Rear heating and AC vents paired heated rear seats FINALLY!!!!

[@davidcantu863]

Always enjoy your comparison graphics! Excellent work Alex!

[@astrog8tr]

Alex does far and away the best reviews and an excellent gift of ability to speak without breathing :) Just kidding Alex, really like your videos.

[@mapledoodle5516]

That black sports edition looks like Subaru’s answer to the A- Team.

[@wvusmc]

2008 FXT is my favorite Forester ever. This one is sharp though.

[@pesto12601]

Really wish reviewers would get the mid-range version of these vehicles instead of "touring" addition... don't talk about features that are only on the highest trim levels like face recognition, etc.

[@lordkosc]

Almost middle of October, and still zero on lots, decided to go with a CX-5 AWD GT, wish I could have tested a Forester, but had time to buy constraints. Overall it looks great!

[@tT-hw8yu]

I visited a few Subaru dealerships about a week ago and neither of them had one single 2019 Forester on the lot. Ascents, Outbacks, and Crosstreks of plenty, but no Foerster.

[@leetahm3460]

Tall Topp I bought the last one on my dealer’s lot last week. I was lucky that one was left. And after owning one, I can see why they’re so popular. 👍🏻

[@sprague49]

Sept. 2019. Nearly sold out in my city too.

[@MrNemo721]

Waiting for the comparison vs. the 2019 Rav4. Based on what I've seen so far it should best the Subaru in most areas.

[@dantezandveld1885]

Toyota make too many compromises for suburban use. RAV4 is an SUV, Forester is a small/light off roader.

[@afcgeo882]

Unfortunately, the Rav4 isn't going to best the Subaru in a few things. The Subaru is larger, has more cargo space, is better laid out and has a full-time AWD system that many people tend to like.

[@valdius85]

@@afcgeo882 2019 RAV4 has an adventure model that might outcompete Forester. Also Toyota isn't known to have issues with CVT and head gaskets breaking down few weeks after the end of the warranty.

[@wolvesdengaming4844]

Errr and it didn’t lol 😂

[@kenvererer]

Hey Alex, for crossovers, I think you should always mention whether a 110 V outlet is somewhere as part of the regular comparison you'd make. For this segment, it's a really valuable feature.

[@redskins5926]

Thanks for another great video Alex. Not going to lie, I stopped after the 9.9 sec 0-60. If Subaru fits in a better engine I’d seriously consider the Forester.

[@joa8593]

Thank you for plugging snow tires. Too many AWD owners use their AS tires even in heavy snow without chains.

[@afcgeo882]

Many states in the US prohibit chains.

[@rlsuarez65]

This car checks all the right boxes for me, but the prices I'm seeing are higher than I expected. There's almost no difference in price now between an equally equipped Forester and Outback. It seems to me the Forester is no longer a value play where you get AWD as a bonus. It's basically priced like an AWD CR-V. So now Subaru is making you pay for AWD and not giving you a FWD option to save money.

[@martinr8278]

Great review. TFL guys could use this video and learn from it!! Thanks for the subaru review. Love my 16 Forester.

[@raydavies3278]

Alex is #1. TFL dont compare sadly.

[@wind7sailor]

@@raydavies3278 Alex on Auto and Redline Reviews are among the best on youtube. I don't even trust or watch TFL reviews anymore, but stick with these guy's factual and more honest reviews.

[@DoctorSkillz]

I only watch Scotty Kilmer for car reviews. The rest of these automotive "journalists" are easily biased.

[@CAMPFIRESKY]

Thanks for the awesome review. Looking forward to owning the Touring model later this year ! Love the saddle brown seats !

[@keving7940]

Did you ever get it?

[@NeeNee_B.]

How is it?

[@CAMPFIRESKY]

@@NeeNee_B. I have owned my 2020 Forester Touring for just over a year now. It really is an amazing car. Probably the best car I have ever owned.

[@NeeNee_B.]

@@CAMPFIRESKY Great to hear, congrats! 😁❤

[@bryanmatson4042]

Have a 2013 Impreza, with the CVT transmission. The interior of the car is beyond cheap . Front seats covers are completely worn out. Steering has been repaired, computer stopped working. You can’t steer the car either. Engine had to be resealed, oil leaks. Two wheel bearings so far! But it get 30 mpg plus. Fun to drive. That’s my experience so far!! Oh! CVT sucks too.

[@afcgeo882]

Why not look at the 2019 Impreza to compare it? What's your point about anyway?

[@Doc1855]

I love my 19 Touring model with Brown leather interior

[@satyanveshi1939]

Fantastic review Alex keep up the good work. Please post a review of Forester in comparison to the other best main stream SUV of this class like cx5, rav4, crv, Tucson and sportage

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Hopefully we can do that early 2019 when teh RAV4 will be out.

[@afcgeo882]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I would ask that you try to test just either a Tucson or Sportage (they're the same car, really) and add in either one of the GM (Terrain/Equinox) and a Cherokee turbo. The Escape is long in the tooth by now and doesn't do well the way it's equipped (2.0 only on Titanium).

[@tkamel18]

Alex, your reviews are the most concise and thorough on KZbin. I am a subscriber - thanks for the great work. Question: fully loaded 2019 Forester or fully loaded 2019 Sante Fe? I’m torn. We have a 6 year old and 4 year old and will retain our 2015 Toyota Highlander Limited, which I love, as our second ride.

[@florianbutterhof8691]

Thank you for the thorough review!

[@scot_smith]

Thorough overview as always! Looking for a vehicle like this in the near future and will definitely put this one on the list to test-a lot to like. The biggest ‘?’ being the acceleration, as I haven’t owned a car this slow to 60 in over 25 years. Although, I usually don’t drive the faster cars fast anyway and the better fuel economy may be the sensible route, as long as I feel safe merging on the highway with 5 or 6 hundred pounds of people and stuff on board.

[@EMichaelBall]

You'd probably be better off with a slightly used RAV4 hybrid. It'll cost the same (or less), acceleration should be better than the Forester, you'll get Toyota reliability, and better city MPG.

[@scot_smith]

Michael Ball definitely considering that too. With the redesign, I wonder if there will be any deals on 2018s? We once had a 2006 v6 rav4 that I really liked.

[@EMichaelBall]

There probably will be, especially in the winter, when demand, at least in the norther states, will be lower. That said, by "slightly used", I meant something more like 2013-15, so someone else takes the depreciation hit. To go even further, if your current car is reliable, the smart money would keep it, and take the money that would otherwise go towards a monthly car payment, and use it to accelerate paying off various debts, most notably credit cards and student loans. You want as little of it as possible, in case you lose your job in a corporate downsizing.

[@tritchie6272]

I prefer the look of the green one but find the ideal of the other one supposedly being better offroad interesting.

[@audaciousifti]

This vehicle puts safety above all else. I applaud Subaru for keeping true to their name. Very nice Forester, cant wait to see what future models might have in store.

[@haroldpayne2527]

We are so fortunate!

[@Class1973]

Best review ever: so much info and comperition. Thanks!

[@MyLife2020]

if 2.5L slow! here Subaru offer Forester 2019 with 2.0L engine 156 hp

[@DailyLifeCam]

Dude u r the best cars reviewer on KZbin.. keep it up 👍🏻👍🏻

[@sylonosa9189]

Very happy with my 2018 i-s S5.

[@MrBojo-jv4qq]

Extra solid review. A lot of good facts in a short time. Thanks.

[@joehohmann8559]

I don't recall him mentioning the #1 reason I bought a '19 Outback instead of the '19 Forester...the dreaded stop/start system, where the engine shuts off every time you stop the car (stop signs included) to save a little bit on gas..

[@ZipSpeed]

I had a 2001 Forester S and a 2006 Forester XT. I loved the fact that both vehicles looked like nothing else on the road. The XT was especially fun since the vehicle was totally sleeper. Since then, each successive Forester has become more mundane , and now with the 2019, it’s nothing but another me-too CUV. The saddest part is the loss of the turbo. This thing is too damn slow. It’s really too bad Subaru has forgotten the people that loved their quirky qualities that built the brand. But they’re going where the money is, so who can blame them? You make money or you die.

[@sm9613]

I purchase my 2018 Forester XT because in 2019 they did way with the turbo . Why would I buy a gutless under power car in the future? Their sport model sucks they made a shit decision doing away with the turbo and manual transmission! This will be my last Subaru! When you put lipstick on a pig you get a pig! Nice going Subaru!

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Really like the dark green. Very detailed review as always.

[@reddpanda7343]

This guy must have a great set of lungs, he doesn't have to breathe, he just keeps yakking!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

The only thing I do not like is the Subaru spare tire is a donut tire and if you have a flat on the front, you need to first switch a rear tire to the front, then put the donut tire on the rear. A better solution would be to have enough space so if desired, the owner could store a spare tire the same size as the 4 other tires.

[@ahu747]

I appreciate your points Alex. I just hate there's no turbo anymore.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Sadly nobody bought it.

[@ahu747]

Hey, there's dozens of us! DOZENS!! 🤣

[@DronieUp]

Just want to say your review of the previous gen Forester XT sold the car to me. It’s unlikely now but still hoping an XT option will come...

[@rezap1356]

Excellent, objective and comprehensive review.

[@davidgiles9751]

Subaru should use this engine in the Crosstrek as well.

[@afcgeo882]

Too big.

[@DailyLifeCam]

TOTALLY AGREE.. if this engine is in crossrrek.. I'm gonna buy it without thinking..

[@afcgeo882]

@@DailyLifeCam without thinking indeed. The Crosstrek has the 2.0 engine, not the 2.5.

[@valdius85]

They have 1.6 and 2.0 T. They should offer that... their decisions are really hard to understand. They also offer a hybrid...

[@tayloranderson456]

Only have a few complaints on mine: road noise is crazy loud, I don't understand why they don't offer a hybrid or electric version in 2020, hate how the headrests point forward and force you to have bad posture

[@GasparKazarian]

hey! at 21:30 he mentions that subaru AWD can now disconnect the rear axel for improved fuel efficiency.. Can anyone give a link to proof of this? I'm asking cause until today, I always thought Full time symmetrical AWD that Subaru boasts means it is always on, and never disconnects..

[@DailyLifeCam]

Subaru should use this engine in the crosstrek and give the Forester at least 2.0 turbo..

[@troyklassen1473]

Subaru is definitely getting more upscale on the interior fit and finish. A job well done on the review Alex, when might you be doing the Ascent review? I think this Forester would be better received if the XT would not have been already out, to have it and take it away is not good PR.

[@derek1213]

Troy Klassen still feels cheap and much below the class leading Tiguan interior..

[@geezer4962]

A vehicle this size and weight still needs a turbo. I think the boxer engines are really cool.

[@pjay1281]

In my opinion, I think the Crostrek is the coolest new Subaru,among Subaru SUVs.

[@MrRedskins0021]

My 2015 Subaru had major problems with the CVT. I had it repaired and traded it in for a Rav4 with a real transmission.

[@dattape2828]

MrRedskins0021 cat sucks

[@villasantamaria1]

TROLL ALL OVER THE THE SCREEN.

[@MrRedskins0021]

@@villasantamaria1 No, my car did have transmission problems. It sucked because we had one year left to finish paying it.

[@afcgeo882]

@@MrRedskins0021 any car can have transmission issues. You get that, right? Overall, statistically speaking, the Subaru CVTs are incredibly reliable.

[@valdius85]

@@afcgeo882 So the information on the internet about the head gaskets and CVT is untrue? There are companies specialising in repairing Subaru's "reliable" engines. Personally, I like Forester inside very much but wouldn't risk my money on a belt in a heavy SUV. I want to do engine breaking and reversing without fear.

[@satyanveshi1939]

I don't get why people hate CVT so much. If you see the technical aspect of CVT it is probably the most ideal transmission. It is amazing please drive it with an open mind. I drive subaru wrx and kia sorento cvt vs traditional six speed. Cvt are so smooth they have awesome acceleration you don't feel the gear shifts at all and WRX is bloody fast. Try driving WRX you all cvt haters will understand how cvt transmission can rock performance it is awesome. That is why good tech knowledge reviewers like Alex, engineering explained talk good about CVT because they know how it works and it's advantages.

[@pepstein]

I find CVT annoying in cars without much power. Don't like the rubber band feeling. With enough power they're fine. But my favorite automatic is the DCT. Love the fast shifts and direct feeling you get when there's no torque converter. I like EVs too. The silent acceleration and regen braking on throttle lift-off are addictive.

[@nileshsingh1146]

I actually like the cvt in my Forester 2016, smooooth

[@RajaSekar-USA]

WRX is a powerful car and its capable with good acceleration but Forester is slower 0 to 60 even though it has CVT and less 170 - 183 horse power don’t help it but it’s adequate and once it reaches the power band after 60 mph it rocks

[@nileshsingh1146]

@@RajaSekar-USA agreed ,it's got more than enough power for passing and doesn't seem slow at all to 100 km , it's not a wrx or a sports car but it does drive well.

[@RajaSekar-USA]

Agreed, But if you are comparing with other competitor its slow due to lack of turbo, a shadow above 200+ horse power might have helped

[@mo-ld6nf]

Amazing job not going crazy from all those flying bugs, I would be going crazy.

[@Drysamel]

Damn, there are a lot of bugs there

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

OMG yes there were

[@Huy_Nguyen_USA]

My Subaru B9 Tribeca sits safely in the shop most of the time.

[@King_Kenny66]

I also found it had lots of head and legroom for driver and all passengers. I only found the driver's seat bottom cushion a bit short for my liking. Otherwise, it's a nice suv, and another solid review Alex.

[@afcgeo882]

Are you talking about the 2018?

[@King_Kenny66]

@@afcgeo882 No, last gen.

[@afcgeo882]

@@King_Kenny66 Right... the last generation was the 2018. This is the 2019 and it's different. The cushion's longer.

[@TedSchoenling]

it really bothers me how comfortable car reviewers are with creepy camera tech.. on cars that are connected . Big brother is watching and you folks are all welcoming him in with open arms.

[@bowlingbrawn3063]

I test drove one of these recently and I found the following issues, and was wondering if anyone else noticed the same: 1. At higher freeway speeds (70-80mph) this vehicle seemed very unstable. The car felt as if it was going to lose control if I wasn’t holding on to the steering wheel firmly. It was windy today too, but I test drove two other SUVs today (Mazda CX-5 & Cadillac XT5) in the same conditions and on the same stretch of freeway, and did not have that problem. 2. The engine noise definitely makes its way into the cabin. I did not enjoy listening to the boxer engine growl when starting up from a full stop. 3. The rear seat cushions seem to be sub standard. They did not provide much cushion or thigh support.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Bowling Brawn Boxer engines are not quiet, and thats one of the reasons why people buy Subarus because they sound different to every other bland car on the road. They have character, something which most SUVs dont. Diesel, yawn, old fashioned, traditional 4 cylinder petrol engines, yawn, smooth, boring sound. Subaru for people who want to live a bit.

[@wentfishing]

Alex I’m asking you to make reviews between RAV4, CRV, Rogue, Forester and other CRV for best for family with kids. With 2 car seats. Stroller and some luggage. Thanks

[@valdius85]

Research about CVT reliability in Forester and Rogue before purchase.

[@Redfour5]

I had two of the second gen and loved them. I'm still kicking myself for saving 15 bucks a month and NOT having gotten the 2004 Turbo, the only one to ever have the STi motor. It was a detuned STi vs later ones that were uptuned regular 2.4's. I also could tow with my old Forester's. Now days it is the same 1500 lbs. that everyone else has. It is NOT the same vehicle anymore. That's what happens when you hire a marketing puke as a CEO...but I must admit,he sure increased sales. They should NOT compare this to a Jeep Cherokee (Trailhawk) that tows 4500 lbs with the V6 and has rear lockers....

[@Redfour5]

We just traded in a third gen for a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. I must admit, that Forester went 105K miles with zero, nada service time other than oil changes and two sets of tires. That was the most reliable vehicle I ever owned or rather she owned. We never even put new brakes on it. We did change out the timing chain at 103K miles.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Great review as always, Alex. And the Subaru faithful here in the upper left corner of the US are going to love it. I do wonder, though, where this leaves the Outback. Other than the H6 engine option, a choice with what seems to me a relatively low take rate, what does the Outback offer? It's arguably more attractive but that seems to be a secondary issue among Subar-ites.

[@Mamo878]

The Outback is longer, rather than taller, so you can sleep in the back of it. That's actually important for some Subaru owners who like to go off-pavement. Right now it's interesting with the Outback as we wait until next year's model when it finally switches to the Global Platform as has this Forester. You could make the argument that a '19 Forester is 'better' than an '18 Outback.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Mamo: Good points. My wife and I looked seriously at an Outback in 2013 and re-visited the model when we purchased a new crossover earlier this year. When we looked at it again I was struck by how little had changed from 2013 to 2018. In 2013 it was a close second to our choice of a Kia Sorento. In our more recent assessment, though, it didn't come close. No offense meant to loyal Subar-ites; it just didn't fit our priorities.

[@niuhuskieguy]

The interior of the Outback is also nicer imo. As long as Subaru doesn't carbon copy this interior to the Legacy/Outback redesign, I would expect that to remain the case.

[@YasumotoUS]

A '17 [edit] Outback's driver's seat felt better and more supportive as compared to a '17 forester's seat. I can't speak to the '19 forester's seat, though. The Outback felt much more solid, quieter and like a better handling vehicle. The Outback can be a very tight handler on twisting country roads -- very surprising. The Outback was much quieter than the Forester over the road, as well. It sounds like the '19 Forester addresses the noise issue, potentially.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Mamo: Sleeping accomodations isn't an advantage I'd considered. Of course, now that Subaru will sell you a tent to put on the top of your Forester, the Outback's appeal may be somewhat blunted. Not to mention how attractive the Forester plus tent is. :)

[@Kinzlr]

Given that there is only one engine option, they could have tuned this direct injection 2.5 to 200 hp . I think it would have adequate performance without having the need of premium fuel due to high compression.

[@bestcarreview5021]

Awesome 😀 😀 2019 Subaru Forester review .

[@Nikonhermit]

Perhaps the CVT will solve the transmission problems, but how did they deal with the head gasket leaks? I had to throw away my Forester at just 147,000 miles.

[@tonychau1983]

Nikonhermit come on the fan boys told me they fixed those issues yrs ago

[@Ktheodoss]

I don’t mind at all about the turbo. But I’m not a fan of the cvt.

[@jrnumex9286]

the orange sport trim will come in handy opening day deer season. then no idea what its on there for.

[@afcgeo882]

I don't know why so much orange was used and I suspect that will drop for the mid-cycle refresh, but the Sport's standard equipment slots nicely between the Premium and the Limited. In fact, I'm considering getting it and replacing most of the orange plastic inside with the trim from a Limited.

[@Corkfish1]

I owned a 2004 XT. It was a rocket and was a lot of fun, but at 80,000 miles the repairs became to expensive and I sold it. Gas mileage was just horrible

[@kuyagords]

Getting mine this weekend! Thanks

[@jayjoo1234]

I love Subaru! except for screen with high reflection. I often can not see the LCD screen during the day.

[@CalvinHikes]

Problem with reviews is they (every car manufacturer ever) give you guys the top end trim while blokes like myself buy the base version... which is almost a completely different vehicle.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

One could argue that without testing all teh features we wouldn't know which are worth it and which aren't. That's why at the end I say that the base version is a screaming deal but value tapers off the higher you go.

[@afcgeo882]

I agree, but that's why it's great that they got a mid-level Sport trim, which is slotted just above the Premium and just below the Limited in features and price. Plus, the engine, transmission and AWD systems are exactly the same among all trims.

[@afcgeo882]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I think the Premium is the sweet spot on the Foresters and judging by sales, I'm right.

[@danielaltherr1229]

Great review as always Alex! You're great! But now I'll sound like I am buttering you up. Could you please do a review on the 2018 or 19 Frontier? I am looking for a midsized pickup truck that is reliable and nice and affordable. That seems to be the best choice. I was hoping to pick it up before the remodel.

[@nowellingram3855]

Alex When you get one home can you keep it for a week and put a 1000 miles on it and check the oil consumption? Pritty Please! I love the way the Subaru looks and drives but the oil burning issue it has had in the past is not something I could tolerate.

[@alliejr]

Great review, Alex! I love that you contrasted the Touring and Sport interiors. Great photography and editting. Is Subaru still using a framless glass design (which I think negatively impacts wind noise)?

[@mrhats830]

I was really distracted by all the bugs lol. Great video though

[@quietguy1948]

Good review, very nice vehicle.

[@texanfournow]

I think Alex's reviews are the best. But "no comprises" SUV? I would say 9.9 sec to 60 is a serious compromise--a deal-breaker, in fact. Slow vehicles, IMO, can be dangerous. Yes, everything else is better than before, and the price is right, but the engine is the heart of the vehicle.

[@scottyh1509]

average highway driver in TX goes 80+mph which is dangerous, especially in a car that sits high like a SUV. Most people in the US dont drive that fast.

[@syenosis]

Most slower vehicles actually do better in real world car accident statistics though. It can obviously be very nerve wracking to do a merge onto a high speed road with a slower car but it also makes you more likely to wait for a safe situation before going. Usually the higher powered version of a vehicle has higher insurance premiums for this reason. I do think Subaru should have gotten this down to more of an 8 second 0-60 though. If you look at the list of cars by driver mortality rates you see super slow vehicles like the CT200h make the list of safest cars, and you can go get insurance quotes on cars that easily show you that insuring the faster version of a car is more costly due to the increased crash risk.

[@carssucksince1800s]

Big compromise, true, not a deal breaker as it still dives great. As for slow is dangerous, it's a good thing that opinions are not facts.

[@texanfournow]

Several people have misunderstood my opinion--which is what I said it was, an opinion. I was NOT referring to top speed or its ability to carve up roads. I am talking about situations where the driver has to make an emergency maneuver to get out of a jam. It's a scary sensation when you hit the gas pedal and nothing happens. I have had dozens of cars over the years, and a couple of them were "slow" in that sense. I don't speed and I don't suggest people drive like maniacs. I just want to to know I can get out of a jam if need be. And I am not interested in a car that dives great. I will leave those to James Bond.

[@1rcproductions]

I owned the first gen Forester and it was very slow. (Non turbo). Had to plan half a mile ahead before passing. Only had it for two years and the motor would tick loudly when it was cold. The dealer told me, "They all do that".

[@mariof9103]

Great review, Alex. I'd give two thumbs up if I could.

[@fchino-jr.3340]

Great detailed review Alex, love Subaru’s 👍🏻

[@maegenluna3255]

I love the sport package but is there a way to get it in all black without the orange trim?

[@josephfraniewski6111]

Im finally replacing my 2002 Forester with a new 2019 Forester limited trim loaded. My old Betsy only has 100k miles runs great but body is rusty. Hope to get another 17 yrs out of this new one.