2019 Subaru Forester Breaks Cover and It Looks the Same

Sam McEachern
by Sam McEachern
The 2019 Subaru Forester has been presented at the 2018 New York International Auto Show with some expectedly reserved styling.

Subaru may not be setting the internet alight with the Forester’s styling, but the crossover is improved in ways that returning Forester buyers, of which there are many, will genuinely appreciate. It rides on the Subaru Global Platform that also serves in the Impreza and Crosstrek, which has contributed to reduced road noise and an altogether more comfortable ride. The new platform also enabled the Forester to grow in length from to 105.1 inches from 103.9 inches, making for additional rear seat legroom.

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Under the hood is Subaru’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer engine, which is paired with a CVT Lineartronic transmission. The four-cylinder is making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, up from 170 hp and 174 lb-ft in the previous model. Subaru says the new Forester, which will feature its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system as standard, can achieve up to 33 MPG highway. City mileage wasn’t shared, but we expect it to be up slightly from the 26 MPG the previous model got.

A new drive mode select system called SI-Drive also debuts on the new Forester, which adjusts the vehicle’s throttle response and other settings. The system can switch between a fuel-saving “Intelligent” mode or a “Sport” mode, with Intelligent smoothing out the throttle for improved fuel economy and Sport sharpening it for a performance-inspired feel.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Pros and Cons

The Forester’s interior is ready for whatever an outdoor enthusiast may throw at it, featuring dirt resistant materials and scuff-proof plastics. All trim levels will feature standard automatic climate control, which can be adjusted via the MySubaru smartphone app in Sport, Limited and Touring trim models. The app can also remote start the engine and take care of many other connected services. Touring trim levels will also now have rear heated seats.

The latest take on Subaru’s Starlink multimedia system is offered as well, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius XM. A 6.5-inch display screen is standard, while an eight-inch display screen with navigation is offered as an option. The brand’s EyeSight suite of active safety features is on offer as well and is joined by a new system called ‘DriveFocus’ that uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction.

The 2019 Subaru Forester will reach dealers this fall. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Discuss this story on our Subaru Forester Forum

Sam McEachern
Sam McEachern

Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.

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  • DJR DJR on Apr 10, 2018

    Since 2002 I have owned four Foresters either a GT or XT love them. They just suit my needs, towing or touring here in Australia. What now, well no more Subaru, a Lexus NX is on the cards, two litre turbo same as 2016 XT. Subaru has taken one big step backwards in my book, and the new looks like the old model.

    • Richard Joash Tan Richard Joash Tan on Apr 12, 2018

      AND YOU ARE A BULLSHIT BECAUSE THE NEW FORESTER IS 1 MILLION STEPS FORWARD AND YOUR CAR IS AN UGLY SMELLY BULLSHIT SON OF A BITCH!

  • John s. John s. on May 15, 2018

    the bottom line is the awd in subaru.

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