- 2019 Subaru Forester Touring Specs
- Performance Specs
- Engine and Transmission
- Steering
- Wheels
- Suspension
- Tires
- Fuel and MPG
- Fuel Economy
- Fuel Tank
- Emissions
- Dimensions and Measurement
- Exterior Dimensions
- Interior Space
- Weight and Towing
- Cargo Box Dimensions
- Colors and Materials
- Standard Exterior Colors
- Standard Interior Materials
- Features and Options
- Infotainment
- Interior Trim
- Comfort
- Additional Packages
- Int & Ext Auto Dim Mirror w/Approach Lighting
- Int & Ext Auto Dim Mirror w/HL & Approach Lighting
- Popular Package #3
- Protection Package #3 Aero Cross Bars
- 2019 Subaru Forester Touring Review — Slow, Safe, and Steady
- 2019 Subaru Forester Touring Long-Term Review Part 1 – Our 3-Year Lease Begins
2019 Subaru Forester Touring Specs
2019 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring powered by 2.5L Flat 4 Gas Engine with Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT) transmission.
Performance Specs
Engine and Transmission
Steering
Wheels
Suspension
Tires
Fuel and MPG
Fuel Economy
Fuel Tank
Emissions
Dimensions and Measurement
Exterior Dimensions
Interior Space
Weight and Towing
Cargo Box Dimensions
Colors and Materials
Standard Exterior Colors
Standard Interior Materials
Features and Options
Infotainment
Interior Trim
Comfort
Additional Packages
Int & Ext Auto Dim Mirror w/Approach Lighting
Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass Part number H501SSG203, Passenger’s Side Mirror — Bulk, Exterior Mirror Hardware Kit, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror w/Approach Lighting Part number J201SFL301, Driver’s Side Mirror — Bulk (PIO)
Int & Ext Auto Dim Mirror w/HL & Approach Lighting
Passenger’s Side Mirror — Bulk, Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass & HomeLink Part number H501SSG303, Exterior Mirror Hardware Kit, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror w/Approach Lighting Part number J201SFL301, Driver’s Side Mirror — Bulk (PIO)
Popular Package #3
Rear Bumper Cover Part number E771SSJ000, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirror w/Approach Lighting Part number J201SFL301, Dome Light LED Upgrade Part number H461SFL110, Auto-Dimming Mirror w/Compass & HomeLink Part number H501SSG303, All-Weather Floor Liners Part number J501SSJ030, Cargo Net Part number F551SSJ000 (PIO)
Protection Package #3 Aero Cross Bars
Rear Bumper Cover Part number E771SSJ000, Aero Crossbar Set Part number SOA367010, Splash Guards Part number J101SSJ000, Alloy Wheel Locks Part number B321SFG000, All-Weather Floor Liners Part number J501SSJ030, Rear Seatback Protector Part number J501SSJ310, Cargo Net Part number F551SSJ000 (PIO)
2019 Subaru Forester Touring Review — Slow, Safe, and Steady
Prices include $975 destination charge in the United States and $1,825 for freight, PDI, and A/C tax in Canada and, because of cross-border equipment differences, can’t be directly compared.
Subaru has a dual reputation. Car people know it as the company that gives us WRX and STi (and a good chunk of the BRZ/Toyota FT 86 partnership), while the rest of the world thinks of the brand as one that puts out a lot of wagon-esque crossovers that appeal to granola types, academics, and families that prioritize safety but aren’t in a Volvo tax bracket.
The Forester Touring definitely fits in to that latter stereotype. And that’s not a pejorative – it’s okay to embrace what one does best.
For the Forester, that means serving as a solid if not spectacular commuting wagon that’s road-trip ready.
By coincidence, I happened to have the Forester during a weekend I’d planned a short trip with an overnight stay. A trip that would require hauling the usual snacks and such and luggage for two. Oh, and at least one case of a certain type of beer sold only in Wisconsin would be coming back across state lines with us. It was like Smokey and the Bandit, but no truckers, no Firebirds, and actions that were completely legal.
That’s the kind of drive the Forester excels at – it swallowed up the cargo with plenty of room to spare and provided long-haul comfort from Chicago to east-central Cheeseland and back.
Not all was well. The 2.5-liter “boxer” four is a bit underpowered here, with just 182 ponies and 176 lb-ft of torque on hand. At least the continuously-variable automatic is inoffensive in its operation.
Standard all-wheel-drive probably doesn’t help with acceleration, given the extra weight and driveline losses endemic to such systems, but Subaru’s safety reputation is staked in part to the availability of AWD across so much of its model lineup.
[Get Subaru Forester pricing here!]
Don’t expect enthusiastic handling here, either, though the steering is just fine for commuting and longer drives. The ride is on the firm side, but not punishing.
Subaru is proud of its EyeSight safety system, standard on the Forester. The system can alert the driver when it detects fatigue or distraction, but it needs work – it beeped at me at times when my eyes were firmly on the road, and other times, I intentionally let my eyes wander or looked down briefly (when it was as safe as possible to do so, of course – think empty highway with no cars around) and it didn’t activate. I suspect it will work better at some point down the road, and the driver-recognition ability (EyeSight can recognize who’s driving and set mirrors and climate settings accordingly) is a fine idea. For now, though, you’re best served using your own self-discipline.
My test Forester came well equipped, since it was a top-trim Touring. In fact, there’s no available options packages – just a few accessories. Standard equipment included EyeSight, rear spoiler, roof rails, fog lamps, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, navigation, dual USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, keyless entry and starting, power tailgate, leather seats, heated front and rear seats, and heated steering wheel. That totaled $35,270 with destination fee.
The Forester isn’t the world’s sexiest tall wagon, thanks to a mish-mash of curves and soft angles and a boxy, snub nose. Inside, the buttons and graphics look like a bit like those pretend dashboards kids played with in the ‘80s, but I give Subie credit for integrating the infotainment screen.
Not that anyone expects the Forester to be sexy. You don’t buy this for sex, speed, or sport. You buy it to load up with gear, and you expect it to be comfortable, and should the worst happen, safe.
I’ll let the IIHS determine that last bit – we’re not equipped to crash-test cars around here. Comfort and utility, though, were on hand in spades.
Gliding along in the mainstream ain’t so bad sometimes.
[Images © 2020 Tim Healey/TTAC]
2019 Subaru Forester Touring Long-Term Review Part 1 – Our 3-Year Lease Begins
Before our three-year lease ended on our Subaru Outback we went shopping for another long-term test car. While we considered several different models from other brands, we decided to lease a new 2019 Subaru Forester Touring.
We configured the Forester the way we like it online at Subaru.com prior to visiting a dealer. The top-line Forester Touring with new Jasper Green Metallic paint and Saddle Brown leather trim was our top choice.
We went to Irvine Subaru, in Lake Forest, Calif. (above), where our helpful salesperson, Marcelo, located the Forester of our dreams. We made a great deal for a three-year lease, said “goodbye” to our 2016 Outback, and drove home in our new Forester.
In this video, our editor highlights the driving dynamics and some of the key features in our new Forester Touring, including the improved powertrain and interior.
The fifth-generation Forester is all-new for 2019. It rides on the Subaru Global Platform, gains a longer wheelbase and is treated to more dynamic styling. Yet this crossover remains instantly recognizable as a Forester.
With its tall roof and squared-off profile, Forester delivers more room for cargo and rear-seat passengers. We like the new rear styling with crescent-shaped taillights, wider tailgate opening, and sporty spoiler. We also like the generous glass area that makes it easy to see out.
All 2019 Foresters are powered by an updated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. With improvements including direct-injection, output has increased to 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque (previously 170 hp and 174 lb-ft). New Auto Stop-Start automatically shuts the engine off while idling at a traffic light to help save fuel. (There’s a switch to deactivate the system on the dash.)
By pressing buttons on the steering wheel, we can select two different drive modes. The “SI-DRIVE” system includes “Intelligent” mode for regular driving, and “Sport” mode for more sporty response.
The standard Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) includes paddle “shifters” on the steering wheel that simulate 7-speeds. Also standard is Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Active Torque Vectoring, plus driver-selectable X-Mode® settings for Snow/Dirt, Snow/Mud, and Normal.
Our Forester rides on good-looking 18-inch alloy wheels with Falken 225/55R18 M+S rated tires. The four-wheel independent suspension delivers a well-controlled ride along with an amazing 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
The redesigned dash contributes to the Touring’s high-tech look. There’s a combination meter display in the instrument cluster, a multi-function display on the top of the dash, and an 8-inch multimedia system with navigation in the center.
By pressing buttons on the steering wheel, we can monitor information on the multi-function display (above) including dual-zone automatic climate control, weather, traffic and navigation, the audio system, fuel consumption, and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology.
We can access a wide variety of functions on the 8-inch multimedia system screen by touch or using the voice control button on the steering wheel (see our video). This improved multimedia system is one of our favorite Forester Touring features.
We used voice control to “find restaurant,” and the system displayed a list of those nearby. After we made our selection, the navigation system provided turn-by-turn directions. We also used it to “find golf course,” and “find gas station.”
We also like the comfortable bucket seats in the Touring. Trimmed with Saddle Brown leather, the driver’s seat has 10-way power controls plus memory settings for two drivers, while the passenger’s seat is 8-way power including height adjustment.
The 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat can be folded down remotely using levers in the cargo compartment. Comfort and convenience features include air vents on the center floor console, heated outboard rear seats, and dual USB charge ports.
The power tailgate allows easy access to the cargo compartment. As we demonstrate in our video, it can be opened and closed remotely using buttons on the keyfob. With the rear seats folded down, the Forester offers 76.1 cubic feet of storage space.
Our dogs really like riding in our new Forester and have plenty of space to stretch out for naps. We added an aftermarket bed so they can relax on longer trips.
This Walkaround video offers a closer look at some additional features in our new 2019 Forester Touring.
Subaru EyeSight® safety features on our Touring include Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking.
The MSRP for our 2019 Forester Touring starts at $34,295. Adding the Popular Package, roof rack crossbars, front side sill plates, a sunshade, and destination brought the bottom line to $36,621. We made a small down payment, and our monthly lease payments are about $400 for 36 months.
We’re happy to welcome the new Subaru Forester into our family and look forward to the next three years of driving.
Visit the following links for our Forester long-term review updates:
The 2019 Forester test car in this story is privately leased by the editor of CarNichiWa.com
Story, photos and video © 2019 CarNichiWa.com