2019 Subaru Forester Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Subaru Forester, marketed as the SF, was produced from 1997 to 2002. It was built on the Impreza’s platform in the style of a higher station wagon. The second generation Forester, branded SG, debuted in 2002 and was built until 2009. During this time, Subaru introduced the STI (Subaru Tecnica International), a sportier version of the Forester with a redesigned grille, a revised bumper, and new headlights. The back end was also modified, and a rear spoiler was installed.

The third-generation Forester, codenamed SH, went into production in 2009 and lasted until 2014. The Forester’s body shape evolved into a crossover SUV here. The Forester SJ was the fourth generation, built from 2014 to 2018. The interior was completely redone. The fifth-generation Forester, known as the SK, has been in production since 2018 and is still going on.

The 2019 Subaru Forester is available with three engine options,  a 2.0 L FB20 (Petrol), a 2.5 L FB25 (Petrol), and a 2.0 L FB20D e-Boxer (Hybrid), all of which are mated to either a Linear-tronic CVT or e-Boxer MHEV.

2019 Subaru Forester grades

1. Subaru Forester Base- This grade comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system,  Apple car play, Android Auto, forward collision warning, climate control, and LED headlights.
2. Subaru Forester Premium- This grade features a WI-FI hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, hill descent control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a panoramic moonroof.
3. Subaru Forester Sport- This grade features heated front seats, power mirrors, keyless entry, a central door lock, and automatic high-beam headlights.
4. Subaru Forester Limited- This grade has blind spot monitoring, leather seats, power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a voice recognition system.
5. Subaru Forester Touring- This grade boasts driver seat memory settings, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo, heated rear seats, and reverse automatic emergency braking.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2019 Subaru Forester is a five-seater with a roomy and appealing cabin. Higher trim levels have plush accents. The first row has lots of legroom and headroom, and the seats may recline to match your needs. The second row is also impressive, with plenty of knee room and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Subaru Forester has multiple storage compartments to keep and store things like paperwork, soft drinks, and other goods, all with the goal of enhancing occupant comfort. The first row features two cup holders, a center console, door pockets, and a glove box compartment. The second row has door pockets, jacket pockets, and two cupholders.

Boot Space

The 2019 Subaru Forester encompasses an ample cargo area that can haul freights of different sizes. The rear seats can be folded to create more space.

Exterior

The 2019 Subaru Forester features an aggressive design with a contemporary appeal. Its authority is stamped by a finely curved chrome grille with the Subaru symbol attached to it on the front end. The Forester has new sleeker headlights and LED daytime running lights, which give it a modern feel. The lower fascia includes fog lights and air vents.

The side profile has a slightly longer wheelbase than earlier incarnations, which allows for a more spacious cabin. A sunroof is standard on higher-end models to allow for ambient lighting. Roof rails enhance the overall appearance of the car. New redesigned tail lights and turn signals are positioned in the back. A rear spoiler improves aerodynamics while also giving the Forester a sportier appearance. Its tailgate is electronically actuated, which is quite convenient when your hands are full of cargo.

2019 Subaru Forester Safety Features

The 2019 Subaru Forester features traction control, stability control, an anti-locking braking system, multiple airbags, and electronic brake force distribution. It also incorporates Starlink Safety Plus telematics system which includes emergency assistance and automatic collision notification.

2019 Subaru Forester Fuel Consumption

2019 Subaru Forester 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 10.8 km/l on average

2019 Subaru Forester 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 10.2 km/l on average

2019 Subaru Forester 2.0 L hybrid engine consumption- 15.0 km/l on average

2019 Subaru Forester Acceleration

2019 Subaru Forester 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.0 secs

2019 Subaru Forester 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.7 secs

2019 Subaru Forester 2.0 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs

The 2019 Subaru Forester Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2019 Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 9.0 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from Subaru Kenya.

Stability And Handling

The 2019 Subaru Forester offers a stable and pleasant ride. Its power-assisted steering wheel responds to road curvature, resulting in an intuitive and enjoyable driving experience. The suspension mechanism shields passengers from jarring vibrations caused by driving on uneven road surfaces. It has exceptional visibility, allowing the occupants a better outlook on what is ahead.

Its approach and departure angles are sufficient for navigating off-road terrain. All-wheel drive is standard on the Forester, making it the most effective crossover SUV in its class for tackling rough terrain. The 2019 Forester incorporates “EyeSight” technology, which aids in the detection of objects in front of the vehicle. It decreases engine power to help lessen potential collision force and frontal impact damage. Other technologies utilized to improve the Forester’s stability include anti-lock braking, stability control, and traction control.

Reliability

The 2019 Subaru Forester is regarded as a reliable vehicle. It has a high ground clearance, allowing it to drive on off-road terrain without fear of compromising its body components. The common problems reported in the 2019 Subaru Forester include loss of engine power, oil consumption, and short-circuiting steering system. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such troubles.

Refer to the Subaru Forester buyer guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Subaru Forester Competitors:  Mazda CX5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson.

What we like about the 2019 Subaru Forester

Standard all-wheel drive

Generous cargo capacity

Driver assist features are standard

What we don’t

Low towing capacity

The engine is underpowered

Conclusion

The 2019 Subaru Forester received a small redesign that improved its practicality and versatility. Its spacious cabin makes it perfect for folks with large families who relish traveling, as its cargo space is large enough to hold numerous freights. The addition of “EyeSight” technology has improved its safety rating status by reducing crash impact. Individuals on a tight budget may be unable to purchase this car due to its high price, not to mention its hefty service and maintenance.