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2019 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Subaru Forester is fully redesigned as the first model of its fifth generation, led by a move to the new Subaru Global Platform. This is a big-change year, not a carryover.
About the 2019 Subaru Forester
5th generation (2019-2024), first year / full redesign
Subaru positions the Forester as a practical compact SUV for families and outdoor-minded drivers who want confidence in bad weather without moving to a larger vehicle. Its core appeal is standard AWD, generous visibility, easy cargo access, useful ground clearance, and a strong safety story. Compared with many rivals, the Forester leans more toward everyday versatility and light-trail confidence than toward sporty driving or luxury flash.
Even the base Forester has AWD, the EyeSight safety suite, LED headlights, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new Sport stands out with orange accents, gloss-black trim, and extra driving modes, but it uses the same engine as the rest of the range. Limited adds leather and a power rear gate, while Touring tops the lineup with driver monitoring, navigation, upgraded audio, and heated rear seats.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Forester moves to the Subaru Global Platform. The stiffer structure brings improved ride and handling, along with more passenger and cargo room.
Powertrain
Every trim gets a new 182-hp, direct-injection 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and AWD.
Safety
The EyeSight safety suite becomes standard on every trim. Touring also introduces DriverFocus, a system that monitors the driver for distraction.
Tech
LED headlights and a touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard throughout the lineup.
Styling
A new Sport trim joins the redesigned range with orange accents and gloss-black details. It has a sportier appearance, not a higher-output engine.
2019 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 76.1 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2019 Subaru Forester fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2019 Forester begins the model's fifth generation on the new Subaru Global Platform, with a stiffer structure and more passenger and cargo room.
What engine does the redesigned 2019 Subaru Forester use?
Every 2019 Forester uses a new 182-hp, direct-injection 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and AWD.
What safety features became standard on the 2019 Subaru Forester?
The EyeSight safety suite became standard on every 2019 Forester trim. Touring also introduced DriverFocus, which monitors the driver for signs of distraction.
What was new about the 2019 Subaru Forester Sport?
The Sport was a new trim for 2019 with orange-accented styling, gloss-black details, dual-function X-MODE, heated front seats, and keyless start. It was a more distinctive-looking Forester, not a more powerful one.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester a major upgrade over the 2018 model?
Yes. The 2019 model is a full redesign with a new platform, a new 182-hp engine, more interior room, standard EyeSight, standard LED headlights, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2019 Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Subaru Forester.
4.3
2019 Subaru Forester
(428 reviews)
“Our family has owned 9 Subaru vehicles. The oldest one being a 2002 Subaru Outback Limited.....still running just fine! We value safety and quality of these vehicles. Our son's life was saved by his WRX about 15 years ago. We have not bought any cars other than Subaru since.”
“It's a great vehicle. Plenty of room for weekend trips for 2 kids, two dogs, and two adults. I've driven it up a few snowy areas where people with chains were having trouble driving. I love it.”