The 2019 Subaru Forester is one of those cars that seems to make friends wherever it goes. It’s dependable, safe, and ready for almost anything—whether you’re driving in the city, heading to the mountains, or taking a road trip with the family. In this guide, we’ll take a close look at what makes the 2019 Forester so special and why it’s still a favorite among U.S. drivers even years after its release.
First Look at the 2019 Subaru Forester
When you first see the 2019 Subaru Forester, you notice its clean, modern design. It’s not flashy like a sports car, but it’s practical, friendly-looking, and built to last. Subaru gave the Forester a fresh update for 2019 with a more spacious body and sharper lines that make it look more confident on the road.
The front grille is wider, the headlights are sleeker, and the overall shape is slightly bigger than before. This extra size gives it a more stable feel, and it also means there’s more space inside for people and cargo. Subaru also improved visibility, so you get a clearer view of the road in all directions.
Subaru Forester 2019 Features You’ll Notice Right Away
One of the best things about the 2019 Subaru Forester is how much thought Subaru put into its features. Even the base trim comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, which is rare for an SUV in this price range. That means you get better traction in rain, snow, or dirt roads.
The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is another highlight. This safety system uses cameras to watch the road ahead and can help you brake automatically if it senses danger. The infotainment system is straightforward, with a touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen isn’t overloaded with buttons, so even someone who’s not tech-savvy can use it easily.
Driving the Subaru Forester 2019 – How It Feels
Driving the 2019 Subaru Forester feels stable and controlled. This SUV isn’t built for wild speed, but it’s made for comfort, safety, and the ability to handle many types of roads. The steering is smooth, and the car responds well when you need to turn or change lanes.
Engine Power and Speed
The 2019 Forester comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. This is enough power for everyday driving—merging onto highways, passing slower cars, and climbing hills feels easy. Subaru paired the engine with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which helps with fuel efficiency and keeps the ride smooth.
While it won’t win drag races, the Forester’s engine is tuned for reliability rather than raw speed. Many owners love that it feels calm and predictable, especially when compared to more aggressive SUVs.
Smooth Ride on City Streets
In the city, the Forester handles potholes, bumps, and stop-and-go traffic like a pro. The suspension is tuned to absorb shocks, so passengers don’t feel every crack in the pavement. Visibility is excellent thanks to large windows and a tall seating position, making it easier to see pedestrians, cyclists, and other cars.
Off-Road Fun with All-Wheel Drive
If you enjoy exploring trails or taking weekend camping trips, the Subaru Forester’s AWD system is a big win. It can handle dirt paths, snowy roads, and wet grass without much trouble. There’s also an X-Mode button that adjusts the engine and brakes to give you more control on slippery surfaces. While it’s not a hardcore off-roader like a Jeep Wrangler, it’s perfect for light adventure driving.
Safety in the 2019 Subaru Forester
Safety is one of Subaru’s strongest points, and the 2019 Forester proves it. The EyeSight Driver Assist package comes standard on all trims, offering adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and pre-collision braking. These features act like an extra pair of eyes on the road, helping you avoid accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2019 Forester a 5-star overall safety rating, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick+. Those are the highest safety honors you can get, which means it’s a great choice for families.
Inside the Subaru Forester – Space and Comfort
Step inside the 2019 Subaru Forester, and you’ll notice how open it feels. The cabin design focuses on comfort and visibility, with wide windows, supportive seats, and a logical layout. Subaru used soft-touch materials in most areas, and the build quality feels solid.
Even the base trim is comfortable, but higher trims add leather seats, a panoramic moonroof, and heated seats for both front and rear passengers. The seats are shaped to support your back, which is especially nice during long drives.
Room for Passengers
The 2019 Forester is a two-row SUV that can seat up to five people comfortably. The rear seats have plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. The doors open wide, making it easy to get in and out—something parents with child seats will appreciate.
Big Cargo Space
Cargo space is one of the Forester’s strongest points. You get 35.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 76.1 cubic feet when you fold them down. The cargo area has a low loading height, so you don’t have to lift heavy items too high. There’s also a wide rear opening, making it easier to load large boxes, camping gear, or even a bicycle.
Easy-to-Use Tech Inside
The infotainment system in the 2019 Forester is designed to be simple. The base model has a 6.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get an 8-inch screen. Both support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can connect your phone for maps, music, and calls. There are also physical knobs for volume and tuning, which many drivers prefer over touch controls.
Fuel Economy – How Far You Can Go
Fuel economy is another reason why the Forester is popular. The 2019 model gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for an SUV with standard all-wheel drive. With a 16.6-gallon fuel tank, you can travel over 500 miles on a single fill-up if you drive efficiently.
Thoughts – Is the Subaru Forester 2019 Worth It?
If you want a safe, comfortable, and reliable SUV that can handle a variety of driving conditions, the 2019 Subaru Forester is worth serious consideration. It may not have flashy sports-car speed, but it excels in practicality, fuel efficiency, and long-term dependability.
The Bottom Line
The Subaru Forester 2019 is a balanced SUV that checks all the right boxes for most drivers in the United States. It’s roomy, fuel-efficient, packed with safety features, and capable of light off-road adventures. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or heading out on a family trip, the 2019 Forester will get you there with comfort and confidence.
