Desert Torture Test! // 2019 Subaru Forester Review

An Off-Road review of the new Generation 2019 Subaru Forester Limited. Being brutally honest about how I feel as a previous generation Forester XT owner.
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#subaru #2019forester #sarahntuned

[@craiglange4852]

Kudos to you on the effort it took to produce this...outside camera shots on the trail, having to position your cameras and then retrieve them. Lot of extra work. Thank you!

[@SarahnTuned]

Craig Lange It took 6 hours to film and 15 hours to edit... probably not worth it for how many views it’ll end up getting, but it was fun nonetheless.

[@sebastiantaylor2600]

@@SarahnTuned It's worth every millisecond.

[@HoweDoYouDo1999]

Sarah -n- Tuned Hehehehe it better be fun forester gump is watching right now even subaru is watching don’t try dissing anything subaru😂😂😂

[@SpyderGarage]

Craig, I kept thinking the same thing. Well worth the effort though! Sarah's production quality is really unmatched imho.

[@stevethea5250]

@@SarahnTuned CUTIE

[@Dave-fx5zw]

Most of your reviews are unlike any other reviews on KZbin! Keep it that way.

[@terryfong2906]

The most entertaining car reviews. It makes me smile and laugh each time. I love the braking test and the bean/meatball scores. Keep up the hilarious content.

[@dedeog1]

Respect-n-Salute seeing the way you navigated the trail with no shortcuts, and in a stock unit like that just took my admiration up 1 solid notch. Awesome Vid!

[@SpyderGarage]

I can't lie, the editing just gets better and better, let alone the car review which I found highly informative. There's a reason you're growing your channel, Sarah. It's because your content is just THAT good!

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

Spyder Garage, cars aren't bad either!

[@Galiuros]

I love driving fast on dirt roads. As long as you're within the limits of the vehicle and the conditions of course. Great review. Thanks!

[@Moosesoup]

Grew up hauling ass on the dirt back roads of South Dakota! You definitely have to know what your vehicle can handle but they are hella fun!

[@jeffreybrooks8643]

Great review...thanks! Your southern Arizona "Jeep trail" is very much what we see for unpaved roads in Michigan, so the vehicle performance there was good to see. The comparison between your 2015 Forester Gump and the 2019 Forester was very much appreciated!

[@kurtbrinson3531]

I love you girl for your gutsy no compromise attack on anything you work on or review for he general public! I was really getting tired of car reviews that look like a demo drive at the dealership . An SUV should be driven; hammered; all types terrain and weather; accident avoidance; acceleration 0 to 100 then break 100 to 0. Breaking from 60 going around tight turns ! Test same on dry; gravel and snow if available too! Then put additional weight 4 additional passengers in car and repeat tests! I’ve found many cars braking; handling gets dangerous when fully loaded! Driving car at its minimum levels tells you nothing on what to expect in an emergency

[@JetMech100]

"...this is not my vehicle and I don't want to damage it." Then takes it up a gnarly jeep trail. I love this girl.

[@MrWafters76]

I wouldn't take my XT up that.

[@alanpikku]

That trail is moderate. I take my xt to way worse trails out here in AZ. Just sucks that my paint is scratched to hell though, lol. But I do have k02 all terrian tires, so that helps.

[@SarahnTuned]

yeah, no scratches on the press cars. I actually keep a small pair of pruning sheers in my camera bag just incase I need to trim a rogue branch back. lol

[@stevethea5250]

@@alanpikku I have always been passionate about maths, having completed all three maths units available at VCE year 12 level, and always made sure to help others during class when stuck. I feel I am a very attentive person who can recognise easily problems and help people when stuck, as I know learning new concepts can be very frustrating and confusing.

[@milesb4231]

Why did I watch this? I’d love to see how little footprint you get by “airing down”. Torture test should mean: go until you can’t.

[@moonsapling]

Thats how you review a Forester. Not on a parking lot but on the dirt. Damn, girl!

[@geniemedford9200]

Yes! Loved watching this.

[@familytriate]

Lady Sarah.... You have my Respect, this is how you test a Subaru in Dirt, fast road, jeep trail, I agree Turbo would be awesome, but with kids, it would never happen with me. This is the best Subaru review from all and believe me, I have seen MANY. Keep going

[@swaool]

My son-in-law has a 2019 Forester sport and he loves it. Of course, it will probably never leave the asphalt, but it's nice to know that it could do so capably. My '06 Forester (with 245K on it) has been up and down dozens of those jeep trails and still runs like a champ.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

13:24 That's right! I hope Subaru listens to you! I traded in my 2015 Subaru Forester XT for a 2019 Honda Fat Forester. I love the thing!

[@Ryan-re7oj]

I absolutely love my '06 N/A 5spd. Just traveled over 6000km across country and back this past year without any issues. It's also been an absolute beast in the winter.

[@davidjohn9006]

Really appreciated this review, and your authenticity as an enthusiast 👍🏼 I’m downgrading from a 3.2 diesel Ford Everest 2017 to a (used) 2019 Forester L, with some reluctance, and purely on economic & change of circumstance. Never had anything to do with Subaru, I’m pleased to have come across this vid. Well done, and thanks, it looked like you had fun, and gave me a bit more confidence in my decision to go ahead with the purchase. 😉✌🏼

[@radtrax4509]

Very refreshing review on the Forester Sarah. One thing you picked up and focused on is that plastic cover over the possible second tailpipe. Every other reviewer failed to mention this. I’m feeling very hopeful with the advent of the new Outback Turbo 2019 we should hopefully see a Forester Turbo soon😎

[@chrisgravel7157]

Well done! Best review I have seen yet and love your feedback for Subaru which echo's other enthusiasts. Great that you took it off road and in situations lots of us do with our Subaru's. My old forester (1st Gen) was a little rally car off road and would blow buy pickups on forest roads while keep me comfortable. This new one looked soo smooth and effortless to drive on dirt. Three vehicles they should offer all with 6MT or CVT - Forester XT, 2020 Outback XT and Levorg XT (WRX wagon). At least one XT version in each model should be a true performance European inspired beast. For reference I still own a 2005 Legacy Wagon 5MT and haven't been able to buy a new one. The 2016-2018 Forester XT in a 6MT would have had me, but they boofed and never offered it...This newest Forester is dying for an XT and 6MT. Question dealers keep claiming demand for Manuals is down too far to justify them I dont believe it and think Safety ratings are also to blame as manuals dont let you use all of the drive assit tech - which could care less about. How many WRX/ BRZ owners would buy a 6MT XT Outback or Forester - my guess is plenty...So I hope they listen to you Sarah and go back to their quirky cool roots!

[@geekinthehood]

Finally! Someone who gets a CVT! I have a CVT in my 2006 Ford Freestyle that does what you described - it just goes to the right RPM and stays there. It annoys me so much to hear car reviewers say "Fix the CVT," when it's not broken. In the age of electronics, I'm all for options. If they want to add the option for a CVT to pretend it's an old-school automatic, that's fine - just don't take away my option to have a CVT that performs like a CVT.

[@TheJournier]

That’s how you do a review! I just got the 2021 Forester Sport and I love it and yes I’m a soccer mom but I love outdoor adventures too. :) I didn’t know any of the Forester history and this is my first Subaru. So glad I found this car and your channel!

[@adamk9652]

Yeah my grandfather has a 2017 XT and it's a fun car when pushed. Last summer during a road trip, he touched the GPS and accidently had us avoid all highways. Got to hoon it around on some dirt PA backroads 😂. They told me to slow down and I was like it's got rally car roots don't worry we'll be fine😊

[@michaelholey]

Great review! My parents just got one of these. The cvt is supposed to mimic an automatic so people don't complain about it being a cvt. Works great and still get good Mpg. I love it in my '17 impreza. You don't get that annoying droneing sound most cvts have.

[@bobpopovich5612]

You do an absolutely outstanding reviewing the Forester! Informative and great sense of humor. Like you, I'm sad that they dropped the XT (looks like I might have to hold on to "Sandy," my 2017 XT). Love your videos and thank you for sharing them with us!

[@toddb930]

That was quite the 'jeep' trail you went up on. Those were some serious wash-outs you drove through. My wife bought a 2020 Forester in January. In the late winter I was attempting to back out of my daughter's driveway during a snow storm and dropped the left rear wheel off the culvert into the ditch. My wife was yelling that we were going to tip over. ( it wasn't that bad ) But the right front wheel was off the ground. Thank goodness for XT mode and the ability do select if traction control was needed. I was able to power that relatively new Forester out of the hole. We're sold on this Forester.

[@todddembsky8321]

You make the funnest facial expressions when you give it the beans and when you concentrate or get yourself into a situation where you are a bit spooked, Your eyes got so huge when you came to the steeper section of the trail. Of course my Kia Soul would have just flown up that road (oh wait, I got stuck in my parking lot this winter with 3" of snow)

[@natewadesubaru]

Good video! Just one small edit: Subaru's adaptive cruise control (EyeSight) is not radar based. It uses cameras which is unlike just about any other car manufacturer and is the main reason it is one of the best systems out there. Maybe get yourself a 2020 Outback XT next ;)

[@peterkinyua5399]

I always like your reviews and sense of humor... Keep it up

[@simonbroddle754]

Lovely car. I have a Forester SJ manual diesel which has done over 52 UK mpg this week over 500 miles. Great towing a large trailer as well and to finish it off it's over 45,000 miles on it's original Yokohama tyres! Makes me smile each time I sit in it. I also note all my little annoyances which I have to forgive it has been largely addressed in this new version.

[@jitkr1489]

Bought the 2017 XT.. its a blast.. you and a few other friends on youtube convinced me.. Man I miss tucson and the sonoran hot dogs.. cheers

[@stephenhendricks103]

Sarah, it's been great watching you mature from a novelty voice on others' channels to a truly excellent reviewer with a unique perspective. Your review of the Forester sealed it. It should be required viewing for anyone considering a purchase of the vehicle. Oh, hell, it should be required viewing for just about anyone interested in automobiles.

[@HoweDoYouDo1999]

If I didn’t see this one coming I don’t know what sarah would be doing right now sarah has owned a Subaru Forester for how long now and just finally gets hands on a newer one wow that was a long wait and a half. Great job Subaru could’ve just done it sooner so I can get my comparison of the two

[@dgkparasite1037]

I have a 2019 sport and i love it, very nice for a daily driver

[@ALNSMOVERLAND]

10/10, I would definitely rock this as a daily driver !

[@muiruri_ke]

A great review. Subaru owners are as fanatical as iPhone users. They are very loyal and know what they want in a vehicle. Subaru should listen to them.

[@TheBandit59]

I just bought my wife the 2019 Forester Sport,the blacked out trim,and the orange accents , to me look nice! In addition to the extra off road controls with mud snow,deep mud and snow works great.

[@SarahnTuned]

Donn Greenwald Holy crap! You bought a car for her?!! I’m excited when I find a boyfriend that will even buy me flowers. 😂

[@TheBandit59]

@@SarahnTuned she's put up with me ,she deserves more! But I'm old fashioned,I married her ,and have a bunch of tricycle motors together,great review,are you up on a 2020 Onyx outback turbo,I'm dying to see that,thanks again. Donn

[@ABSVabeautifulsunsetvlog]

I test drove a used XT before I got my RAV4 and yo that car was fun to drive. So I know what you mean Sarah. Awesome review and incredible driving. I always say that it’s not the car but the driver and you my friend are a driver ✌🏽😀✌🏽

[@anthonycummins7617]

Sarah, becoming quite the professional car reviewer..👍🤗🤗well done. 🌞👍

[@ronh2660]

Is, rather than becoming

[@stephenmoxley3004]

Awesome video, Sarah. That Subaru is very impressive off-road. Of course, your driving skills help too. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Sarah is awesome! It's great seeing a girl know what she's doing offroad! Very enjoyable review! Great content and editing as always. Lots of respect for you, young lady! Rob in Switzerland

[@RobWhittlestone]

@M M cvt? Continuously Variable Transmission - Stufenloses Getriebe - Vorteil: theoretisch kann eine Übersetung gewählt werden, die den Motor bei maximale Drehmoment hält - Sarah hat sich beschwert, weil anstatt stufenlos, wird von Subaru gestufte Überstzungen simuliert als ob fixe Übersetzungen vorhanden wären - sind sie nicht! Nachteil: früher konnten sie nicht so viel Drehmoment übersetzen als echte Zahnrad-Getriebe - aber ich denke heute ist das weniger ein Problem. de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stufenloses_Getriebe?wprov=sfla1 Hoffe, dies hilft! Gruss, Rob

[@daniel166hue]

The Subaru AWD system is awesome, one of the best if not the best in the world. I own a Forester XT, I did through obstacles worse than this, slippery muddy road and the AWD performed flawlessly.

[@terrellcarey6178]

Quite literally the best Forrester review I've seen. I think I'll be back.

[@stevethea5250]

Bby got back

[@cmk5522]

Just wait the 2020 Outback is getting a XT Im sure the Forester is not far behind. Id like to see a Crosstrek XT as well!

[@Andrew-jh5uv]

Legend review. I was/am eyeing off a forester but this review showed once again the CVT just isn't what I think I will chance for my retirement trip around australia....now a performance XT turbo with manual...mmmm

[@18_rabbit]

u rock!! and spot on about the simulating gears in the CVT--- hate such sim's-- want pure CVT action. U are sublime to listen to and watch, and very very perfect presentation personality, and u seem quite car knowledgeable. Thank u!

[@bsmukler]

I love this review! It's one of your best so far (I give it 3.5 beans and 4 meatballs). I hope Subaru NA pays attention to your comments, because I think they are right on the mark. I suspect the cutout on the left side of the rear valance is for right-hand drive editions, rather than for dual exhausts, although that wouldn't stop some garage-types from modding it, I suppose :) Congrats on another great review!

[@michaelhenecke]

I love taking my 18 crosstrek offload especially with 235/75R15 all terrain tires 1" taller and wider than stock, they grip like crazy in deep snow and dirt

[@Samisdman97]

Your blushing at 1:30 is priceless! Great video 👍

[@ahmadrefaei01]

Sarah ..only few girls make cars reviews but you are the best in this field .. go on and make more reviews

[@jimz68]

Good stuff, Sarah ! Can't wait to see what's next.

[@hughsnyder891]

Another awesome entertaining review with knowledge and style only Sarah can dispense 😊 And Subaru you should listen to Sarah !

[@istp1967]

I got 2010 Forester; and I totally agree with you on Subaru going Too middle of the road/average soccer-mom SUV . . . So I'm stickingg what I got.

[@67comet]

Whoop! Send it Sarah! Hopefully you don't get stranded without your co-pilot on board .. Good review, keep it up ..

[@davidmahan4160]

You'll be glad to hear a turbo version is making a come back in the 2021 Subary forester sport.

[@temsopsinternational6744]

Agree 100%. Just picked up a 2016 XT and I'm sad they no longer have a turbo option. SUBARU - listen to us, offer a turbo and manual on your new Forester Sports...pleeeeze. Great review - thanks Sarah.

[@icanfartloud]

Nobody wants a manual in this class anymore...

[@SarahnTuned]

I do!

[@asarand]

Listen to Sarah. If she wants an XT, give her an XT.

[@kentsutton4973]

I'd assume if the Outback XT sells well we could see a 2021 Forester XT. Ultimately Subaru is in the business of selling a lot of new cars so that is the data point they will consider. Manual transmission ain't gonna happen.

[@Charlie-wishin]

Great review. I have a 2017 Forrester. Smiles with miles.

[@rodneydecormier1504]

You are my favorite youtuber. Great videos!

[@rodneydecormier1504]

And there is a chance that the new Forrester wilderness may get the 2.4 turbo out of the ascent. We can only hope.

[@hunterphan5506]

This is a great off road review. And she is super cool.

[@anthonyspicer874]

That was an awesome off road review. You took it up a jeep trail. Mad driving skills girl.... Thanks for sharing.....

[@larrywt656]

I gotta admit, I was pretty impressed with the hill action.

[@JeffMunson]

Cool review. Liked the honest off-road testing. One note...the second exhaust tip isn't for the XT. It's for any implementation of a turbo. That means, maybe no XT, but what about the new 2.5L turbo? That'd be a nice bit o' kit!

[@markcampbell8507]

Stuffing an STI transmission in a new model forester sounds like a great Sarah n Tuned project

[@Varrig]

Great production quality on the videos! I just stumbled onto you today, why hasn't KZbin sent me here sooner? Subscribed!

[@sshum00]

Love the extra outside shots. I imagine you had to hike back and forth quite a bit haha.

[@SarahnTuned]

Shelby S yep... a lot

[@philipzwick]

Having recently bought a 2020 Forester Touring and using it on a couple pot-hole filled dirt roads quite comfortably, I was excited to see this test on far worse terrain. But I am troubled why you and other car reviewers complain so much about the absence of a higher horsepower engine as if it is a deficiency. People did not buy it because hyper performance is not what they are looking for in a car like the Forester. What we have gotten is an incredibly smooth and capable performer on the road that can go off-road comfortably and safely. So review a vehicle for the audience it is designed for, rather than speed addicts who are doing the reviews..

[@BJPr12]

If Subaru releases an FXT, I might buy it. It’ll be interesting to see what the next gen will bring to us enthusiasts.

[@rhettdopwell5351]

Thanks for the awesome review. I too miss the XT and wonder if the previous Forester will be my last. You are so right about them trying to make cars appealing to a broad spectrum of buyers. They already have that with normal Foresters thus making true performance versions of it viable such as the Impreza/wrx models. It feels like Subaru is abandoning their roots but the old saying "make new friends but keep the old" is valuable. The other point I agree on is the CVT made to feel like a manual. That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard of. Most of the CVT negativity is from journalists jumping on an ignorance band wagon and not checking the numbers. CVTs are smooth, thats' an advantage and to remove that is crazy. The most I would have done is have the simulated shifts as an option as should be the case with the auto start stop. Switch off and stay off if you don't like it. They need to stop telling people what to accept and start listening to buyers.

[@morthomer5804]

6:30 - cvt's may provide peak torque, but they suffer from lag and develop more heat. Take a drive up to flagstaff and you will hate the cvt without gear hold.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Mine did just fine several times

[@kiho1995]

I own a 2000 SF Forester here in Tasmania, Australia and its not a case whether I can climb a offroad hill with aired down BFG ko2's its a case of whether I can drive back up what I've just come down with open diffs, I don't want to get stuck at the bottom of a hill on my own with a very basic hand winch. I don't mind all the technology for safety but give me a 5 or 6 speed manual with low range and I'm happy. I tow trailers daily pulling 1 to 1.5 ton and have done that for about 3 years 65000km and touch wood rock solid reliability. Yes I've had to tape up the cv boots on the side of the road and drove like that for 5000km and destroyed reverse gear pushing 1.2 ton of trailer in thick mud but considering that's a bloody big ask of a small vehicle not really designed for it and most of the components are 19 years old and probably original, bloody well done Subaru. Hopefully this new model is as reliable at 250,000km

[@blackackcl]

Should have taken the 4Runner up that trail :) Great review as always Sarah, love Foresters

[@scullen96]

You handled that off-road trail like a pro. I was legitimately impressed. And the Harmon Kardon slip was one take away from believable. 😉 Still funny though

[@SarahnTuned]

Steve Cullen I learn things fast 😊

[@woodworthd2]

Accent motor with a true 6 speed manual or paddle shifting at least would be the XT version easily done with very little development. Great review

[@USoligarchy]

When I started the video everything was normal. By the end I think I’m in love.

[@frankmorris4790]

Honda did the same thing with the CRX went from animal to town hauler. That's why we love our 2002 and 2006 out here in the big country.

[@Giobemo]

"I love the styling each time it gets revised- it just gets better with age! ...I like the previous styles better." Ha! 😄

[@Matucks]

Its so cute watching you have fun... I'm considering getting my mom's this vehicle she needs something safe

[@Civicky]

I wish I had something big and off roady, and somewhere in Ireland that we could do it.. you can drive though 😍

[@stefanczechorskidds5536]

Sarah, you really captured Subaru's relatively new (post rally days) advertising theme "Love"...... when you demonstrated freeing that monarch butterfly! You should send that clip to Subaru of America ; perhaps they may use it in one of their commercials. ?? Nice job! Don't kid yourself Sarah, you may "not be that big" (Yet) as you say, but You tube IS and I'm sure someone from SOA is monitoring their image!

[@johneason6540]

Did you know when you switch deep snow and rock, it turns off the traction control! Also subie makes a 2 inch lift and some real off road tires, Yokohama geolander g015 in a 255r60x18 this is truly off road worthy. I have been sucked into the Subaru vortex. 1000 miles in 2 weeks. So far so good. This is the 2019 sport! And look at the base price and what you get.

[@gewing61]

Great review and some pretty skillful driving!

[@smuve740]

it is a shame that Subaru discontinued the FXT. I guess not enough people bought them. I am kinda looking forward to the new OBXT with the FA24 DIT from the Ascent.

[@neometalx9]

I think most people think cvt is garbage, so the xt only having that option it did hurt the sales imho... I think they should have the manual option for it and it would probably sell better than the cvt one... Just think about the wrx, almost no one buys the cvt one but the manual yes they do.

[@Scoupe400]

Love the wide angle shots. Nice. Great video as always. Style. Humour. All goes without saying.

[@cx78R78]

"I guess it's a water fell.." jesus, how did I Laugh to this?

[@jody024]

I like that middle eastern vibe sound track you used, nice nod to the Dakar rally :)

[@HoweDoYouDo1999]

If it’s going to be in the dirt it has to sound like it is on the dirt and sand and whatever else kind of shit pops up😂😂

[@RCHyperRacing]

Lol I thought you almost said, “It has a karmen hard on.” Love your reviews! 😊

[@LastStarfighterAJ]

Great review and a really interesting video. Love it and you’re awesome girl!

[@MyHairyChin]

I own the 2019 forester sport, love this new gen subies

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Nice review. You are doing well. Thanks for posting.

[@GoatOffroad]

It’s time for rally-girl Sarah to do more 4x4 Off-road Sarah!! You seemed to love being on 2-wheels and getting off the pavement. 😃 Would you consider an off-road 4x4 to be in your garage collection!?! 🚙🏔 We could go Jeep’n when I move to AZ 😂❤️🐞

[@joseluque4094]

Wow that was super fun and detailed review, great Sarah!! Here is a thought it seems like you’re getting to start like off-roading. I think maybe you should consider to add to your garage a project Jeep Wrangler.

[@upfactoryracing4148]

Hell yeah that's a good call on a new generation Forester turbo!

[@hellraiserx9490]

You’re right the first time it’s a carton hard-on stereo system LOL

[@jungno6347]

Good Review 👍 👍 I liked the dirt test. I love my 2015 XT fonzie and didn’t like this new one. It’s slower at a much higher cost. They did a okay job, minus the eyesight is useless on snow days and dirt roads. The windshield cracks are $1200. They forgot the paddle shifters. 💩👎

[@travelandtech2185]

My dear. 2020 we will get turbo xt models back. And they are packing some bhp. Good news.

[@garganega]

I drove an '01 Forester manual with the viscous center diff for 11 years. Supremely talented car but not more than 29 mpg on the highway with a cruising range just under 350 miles.

[@chrisrinard2981]

Love your content period Sarah. Apparently there's a turbo Outback on the way. I wish I could remember who posted the video. I'd tell you.

[@johnmbell4642]

You blinded me with science! Love the garage time The last one with Volkswagen I watched it again that was hilarious The new Forrester you’re right better than I would’ve thought still like the look of Gump The black vinyl wrap really sets him off. thanks for The long hours and hard work it’s impressive john from MI.

[@potterma63]

Great review, Sarah!

[@kevinlyon9501]

great review Sarah, with you on the looks doesn't have much road presence compared to previous models.

[@fixitman21]

Awesome job Sarah!

[@travelandtech2185]

I have taken my Forester deep into the desert. I can make it up dunes it's brilliant.

[@samrowlands7842]

"Take the drive train of a STI and stuff it in a forester", concur 100%. As a SJXT owner; I'm not excited by the current gen, not until they bring back a performance version.