The fifth generation of the best-selling SUV introduces the roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made and also features groundbreaking new safety technology and significant improvements over the previous generation model.
The 2019 Forester has been constructed on the Subaru Global Platform, aiming to provide elevated levels of driving pleasure, agility, crash protection, ride comfort, and quietness. Expected to arrive at Subaru retailers later this year, the all-new Forester will be offered in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring, and the new Sport trim levels. Powering all variants is an upgraded direct-injection, 182 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine, equipped with Auto Stop/Start and mated to a standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Additionally, Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a standard feature across all trim levels.
In the 2019 model, every Forester comes equipped with the acclaimed EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The top-of-the-line Touring model introduces the segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology, providing an additional layer of safety and convenience for the driver. This innovative system has the capability to alert the driver to signs of fatigue or distraction while on the road and can automatically adjust various driver settings upon start-up.
Segment First DriverFocus Safety Technology
Subaru is tackling one of the prominent challenges in the automotive industry with the introduction of DriverFocus – a response to the pervasive issue of distracted driving. In the United States alone, over 1,000 people are reported injured daily in crashes involving distracted drivers. As a frontrunner in safety initiatives, Subaru has innovated DriverFocus, a cutting-edge system designed to mitigate distracted driving risks for both novice and seasoned drivers.
DriverFocus operates as a driver monitoring system utilizing facial recognition software to detect signs of driver fatigue or distraction. Collaborating seamlessly with Subaru’s renowned EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, DriverFocus actively reduces the likelihood of accidents. Adding a layer of convenience, the system can identify up to five drivers and memorize their individual presets for seat position, climate settings, multifunction display, and more.
The all-new Forester stands out as a trailblazer in its segment, being one of the initial vehicles in the industry to incorporate technology specifically targeting the significant societal concern of distracted driving. This feature comes standard on Touring models, reinforcing Subaru’s commitment to advancing safety standards in the automotive landscape.
Added Power and Efficiency
All Forester models are now equipped with an updated version of the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, featuring direct fuel injection, increased compression, and an active valve control system (AVCS) on the exhaust side. This enhanced engine configuration delivers a robust performance, generating 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, a notable improvement from the previous Forester’s 170 hp and 174 lb-ft. This upgrade translates to heightened everyday performance and responsiveness.
The 2019 Forester comes standard with the Lineartronic CVT, offering not only swifter acceleration compared to its predecessor but also an impressive up to 33 mpg highway fuel economy (manufacturer’s estimate, subject to EPA certification). On Sport and Touring variants, the CVT introduces a manual mode that replicates a seven-speed manual transmission, facilitated by steering wheel paddle shift control switches.
Introducing further adaptability for varied driving conditions is the standard driver-selectable SI-DRIVE. SI-DRIVE stands as a powertrain performance management system, empowering the driver to customize the vehicle’s throttle characteristics by selecting between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes (Sport Sharp on Forester Sport). In “Intelligent” mode, accelerator inputs are smoothed out for fuel efficiency, while “Sport” mode adjusts the throttle response to prioritize performance.
Signature Subaru Design
The 2019 Forester introduces a more rugged aesthetic that showcases Subaru’s updated design language while maintaining a distinct family resemblance to the broader brand portfolio. The exterior features shoulder lines that extend around the pillars, emphasizing height and robustness. Prominent wheel arches underscore the functionality of the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Standard on all models are front, side, and rear underguards, with color finishes corresponding to trim lines. New LED headlights, standard across all models, complement the brand’s signature hexagonal grille. The premium appearance is highlighted by high-gloss black or silver trim, further enhanced by new colors like Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, and Crimson Red Pearl.
Beyond aesthetics, the Forester’s new design enhances functionality. The wheelbase is extended to 105.1 inches from 103.9 inches, benefiting rear seat legroom with a 1.4-inch increase to 39.4 inches. Improvements in headroom, hip, and shoulder room enhance passenger comfort and create a more spacious cabin feel. Wider rear door openings and a steep C-pillar angle contribute to easier ingress/egress and child seat installation. All Forester models feature lower body side cladding, providing protection against mud, rocks, and road debris.
The redesigned Forester maintains Subaru’s commitment to outstanding outward visibility, with strategically designed pillars and generous glass area ensuring an excellent all-around view. Standard on all models is a rear vision camera.
Cargo space is expanded to 76.1 cubic feet with the 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered, representing a gain of 1.4 cubic feet. The cargo area’s squared-off shape is optimized for easier transport of large objects, and the rear gate opening width is increased to 51.2 inches, a 5.3-inch improvement over the previous model and up to 8 inches wider than some competitive SUVs. For added convenience, a power rear gate is standard on Limited and Touring trim levels and available as an option for Premium and Sport.
Roof rails, standard on all but the base model, provide the flexibility to attach various Subaru Genuine Accessories, such as bike and kayak carriers. Sport and Touring trims feature integrated tie-down hooks on the rails for easier and more secure attachment of ropes.
New Forester Sport
Catering to the desires of outdoor enthusiasts, the 2019 Forester Sport makes its mark in the lineup with distinctive appearance elements and specially enhanced standard equipment. Sporting a Sport grille with a black gloss finish frame, sleek black-finish 18-inch wheels, and a rear roof spoiler, the Forester Sport exudes a rugged aesthetic. Modern, youthful touches are added with orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts. The interior of the Sport model boasts a unique dark gray material with exclusive orange stitching and accents throughout.
Setting itself apart, the Forester Sport exclusively incorporates a version of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes. The Lineartronic CVT features a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shift control switches, offering a dynamic driving experience. Building on the Forester Premium trim’s standard equipment, the Sport model includes a high-grade instrument panel combination meter and multi-function display, LED fog lights, High Beam Assist, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and PIN Code Access, and the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer).
Enhancing practicality, a standard cargo area tray helps protect the interior. For added convenience during nighttime loading or unloading of equipment, the Sport features a cargo area LED light with auto-off and a rear gate LED flood light that illuminates the surrounding area when the rear gate is opened. The 2019 Forester Sport caters to those who seek both style and functionality in their outdoor adventures.
Family comfort and quiet space
The 2019 Forester boasts its most spacious cabin to date, and it’s also the quietest, thanks to the inherent resistance to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) provided by the Subaru Global Platform. Road noise has been significantly reduced, and Subaru has meticulously tuned out specific frequencies to enhance comfort for conversations or music enjoyment at highway speeds.
Designed with a focus on passenger comfort and durability in everyday and recreational use, the Forester’s interior features new front seats crafted for enhanced comfort during long drives. The introduction of a new Electronic Parking Brake not only contributes to a cleaner console design but also frees up space by eliminating the traditional parking brake handle.
Automatic climate control is now a standard feature across all Forester models (dual-zone on Limited and Touring trims). The available heated front seats now offer three-stage control, an upgrade from the previous two-stage setup. The 2019 Touring trim introduces new heated rear seats. Keyless Access with Push Button Start is standard on Sport, Limited, and Touring trims and optional for Premium. This feature, coupled with SUBARU STARLINK® Connected Services, now includes Remote Engine Start via the MySubaru smartphone app. Climate controls can be set on the app when Remote Engine Start is activated. The 2019 Forester also offers various connected services such as Wi-Fi and concierge services.
Several thoughtful details throughout the Forester showcase Subaru’s careful consideration of real-world customer usage. The cargo area floor, sides, and rear gate interior trim feature a textured surface that resists dirt and scuffing, making it ideal for carrying camping equipment or outdoor gear, and easy to clean. The PVC material used on the bottoms of the front seat backs is also resistant to scuffing and easily cleaned. Pockets on the front seatbacks are now divided, providing better organization for items like magazines and electronic devices. These details collectively contribute to a more comfortable, durable, and user-friendly interior experience in the 2019 Forester.
Legendary Subaru Value Gets Even Better
The 2019 Forester stands out as the most well-equipped iteration to date, with even the standard model boasting a comprehensive set of features. Noteworthy additions include EyeSight, LED headlights, Auto Start/Stop, SI-DRIVE Engine Performance management, Active Torque Vectoring, Automatic Climate Control, Electronic Parking Brake, Trailer Stability Assist, and Welcome Lighting. Furthermore, the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims come standard with a panoramic power moonroof.
As you progress through the trim levels, each one builds on the Forester’s rugged capability while introducing additional features and amenities. The 2019 Touring, in particular, represents the pinnacle of luxury within the Forester lineup. It comes equipped with standard and exclusive features such as a 10-way power driver’s seat, a new 8-way power front passenger seat, newly added heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. Also introduced for 2019, the exterior mirrors boast a two-position memory function synchronized with the driver’s seat position memory. Additionally, they tilt downward when the reverse gear is engaged, aiding in parking maneuvers.
For added convenience, a new power rear lock button is now available on the rear liftgate. This feature allows for the closing and locking of the gate and all doors on the vehicle. The 2019 Forester excels not only in rugged capability but also in offering a heightened level of comfort, luxury, and advanced features across its trim lineup.
Adventurous Spirit and Function
The 2019 Forester upholds the model’s legacy by delivering an ideal fusion of SUV capability and a car-like ride and handling, all enhanced by the renowned Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This crucial technology ensures stable and secure driving for young families and versatile capability for outdoor enthusiasts. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system actively monitors various factors, including acceleration, deceleration, cornering, and traction, intelligently transferring power to the wheels with the best grip.
Adding to Forester’s dynamic performance, Active Torque Vectoring, initially featured on Subaru’s high-performance WRX® and WRX STI® models, is standard on all 2019 Forester trims. The base model comes with standard 17-inch steel wheels, while the Premium trim is equipped with standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Sport, Limited, and Touring models ride on 18-inch wheels, each featuring its own distinctive design.
With an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance—surpassing many competitors—the 2019 Forester instills confidence in off-pavement driving. Despite this capability, the Forester maintains an accessible step-in height.
To tackle challenging driving conditions like snow or mud, Forester Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring models come standard with the driver-selectable X-Mode® featuring Hill Descent Control. When activated, X-Mode optimizes control over the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes, and the Vehicle Dynamics Control system, enhancing wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. A new addition for 2019, the Sport, Limited, and Touring models feature a dual-mode version of X-Mode, offering Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, further amplifying the Forester’s capability to navigate various terrains with ease.
Subaru Safety Throughout
The Forester’s new platform incorporates the latest iteration of Subaru’s ring-shaped reinforcement frame design, a proven technology with nearly two decades of providing excellent occupant collision protection. Every 2019 Forester model is equipped with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
Additional available driver-assist technologies encompass Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking can engage the vehicle’s brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.
The Forester Sport, Limited, and Touring trims feature High Beam Assist, with the Limited and Touring models adding Steering Responsive Headlights. An enhancement for the 2019 Forester is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), now capable of displaying pressure for individual tires. The newly introduced standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) utilizes yaw sensors to monitor trailer sway and can selectively apply the brakes to stabilize both the vehicle and the trailer.
For added security, a power-locking fuel door is integrated into the automatic power door lock/unlock system, which standardly locks all doors, the rear gate, and the fuel door once the vehicle exceeds 13 mph. Owners can customize locking/unlocking preferences to suit their needs.
Internally, the Forester enhances its safety features with the inclusion of Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, standard front side pelvis/torso airbags, and side curtain airbags providing coverage for both front and rear outboard seats. The 2019 Forester prioritizes safety across its design to offer a comprehensive suite of features for driver and passenger protection.
SUBARU STARLINK™ In-Vehicle Technology
The 2019 Forester is equipped with the latest touchscreen SUBARU STARLINK multimedia systems, offering standard features like Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto, and SiriusXM® services (subscription required). It also includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming. Users can enjoy music, news, podcasts, and more with standard Aha™, Pandora®, and STARLINK app integration. For those who prefer built-in navigation, a voice-activated system powered by TomTom with an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen is also available. The base Forester features the 6.5-inch Multimedia system, while higher trim levels are equipped with the 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus and 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation systems.
SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services now offers a range of features, including remote engine start (available on models with Keyless Access and Push-Button Start), concierge service, anti-theft vehicle immobilizer with flashing security lights, young driver safety functions such as geofencing, speed alert, and curfew, as well as over-the-air firmware updates.
For additional safety and security, the Safety Plus package provides SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health reports, and diagnostic alerts. The Safety Plus & Security Plus upgrade package goes further by adding stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, and remote vehicle locator. The 2019 Forester ensures a connected and secure driving experience with its advanced multimedia and connectivity features.
Overall, the 2017 Subaru Forester is one of the best midsize SUVs in Kenya that offers a spacious cabin, impressive off-road capabilities, and advanced safety features. Its fuel-efficient powertrains, solid performance, and comfortable ride make it a great choice for daily driving and outdoor adventures. At Ineax Motors Limited we offer a handpicked selection of high-quality cars all inspection-certified, professionally presented and competitively priced. Please browse through our inventory for a great selection of high-quality cars.