2019 Subaru Forester Sport Review 

On 12/11/22 I bought a 19 Forrester Touring in Sephia Bronze with saddle brown leather interior. It had only 4,700 miles on it. I had to go over 2 Mtn snow covered passes to get home from Seattle. The previous owner put Michelin Cross Climate tires on. They’re awesome in the snow, ice, mud, wet and dry roads. So far I’m really enjoying my Subie. I’m in my late 50s and only drive about 6K miles a year so perhaps I’ll be driving my Forester until I die

Your Forester reviews helped my wife and I feel confident buying her 2020 Forester Sport in white. Incredible vehicle! We bought it and immediately took it on our trip to the Smoky Mountains. Between highway driving and up and down the mountain a million times to hike, we saw a combined 30.6mpg, and that is one of the reasons we bought it. My wife does a lot of driving for work; so, we didn't need anything with more power, just needed good mpg and cargo space. Plus our local Subaru dealership gives you the 7 year/100,000 mile warranty for free :)

Funny how everyone is bitching about no turbo's. The reason they dropped them is because they weren't selling. Go figure.

Just picked up a Forester Sport for my wife. Since we live in the mountains, we certainly take advantage of the AWD and Manual mode to have fun in the twisties and to pass those slower cars. A turbo version with 6-speed transmission would’ve been perfect for this car. I enjoy the confidence charging into mountain corners at 60+ where I would be more cautious of my G37 Sport sliding out on me. At the end of the day, my wife loves her new car.. so I’m happy lol

I own this exact car now and just wanted to come back here to say that I LOVE it. Thanks for the review that helped sell me on it originally.

great review. Your review hits this vehicle spot on. I bought one for the same reasons. The vehicle may be slow on paper, and I was afraid of the boredom of a CVT, but the sound of the engine which you capture in the video along with Subaru's artificial shifts gives the sensation of speed and makes accelerating entertaining enough.

Outdoor and active lifestyles, Subaru is the perfect vehicle because it’s relatively inexpensive, good reliability and not too flashy, however, the most important thing about Subaru is its unparalleled Symmetrical AWD that outperforms competitors.

I got the sport identical to this one, just took it on a 3000 mile trip and loved the way it drove. Great fuel economy and very user friendly.

Great review! You point out a lot of the "intangibles" that I look for in a car review (tilt/telescoping steering wheel, etc) and oddities (like the privacy screen is stored in the wheel well and the tent capabilities).

We got our Forester Sport 2019 yesterday... After taking a test drive of CR-V, Rav-4, Rough, Escape, and Tiguan- Forester is the best! Thank you for the review 👍🏻

I really liked your review on this car. Your comments about the way that it drove were very comprehensive in a way that I could envision actually being in the car.

Good review. I look forward to seeing you run this through a proper off-road course.

This model just became my 3rd Forester in 14 years and the 7th Subaru in our family since 2000. Needless to say, we are a Subaru family. Living in Upstate NY, I wouldn't own anything else.

Perhaps the best review of the new 2019 Forester that I’ve seen on RU-vid. Excellent work, keep it up. Subscribed! You hit he nail on the head, the off road portion was too easy and subdued. I loved that you discussed torque vectoring, the chassis, the handling, the ground clearance, and the performance. I also loved that you picked the best package option to review, the new Sport edition. Why? Because in my opinion the Sport is likely to be their best seller as it offers the best value! The Touring is nice but too expensive in my opinion. I’ve been looking at getting a small crossover for me and my wife to replace our 2013 Corolla, which has a scrapped up front bumper due to it low ground clearance. I also love that Subaru has decided to make their eyesight safety system standard! I have had a few close calls during my commute before where the driver in front wasn’t paying attention and slammed on his/her brakes causing me to do the same. I’ve owned a 2001 Forester in the past and it was truly an Amazing vehicle. One thing I am left wondering is if the Sport model comes with memory seating. I know the Touring comes with the fancy face detecting memory option but I am curious if the good old button memory seating is included on the Sport. That would make life 10 times easier as I am very tall and my wife is very short.

Subaru have done an awesome job with this model upgrade. IMO, the best upgrade since the 2007 model.

Sport trim looks fantastic! I have a 2017 Legacy Sport and just got the 2019 Impreza hatch sport and to me they are by far the best looking trims.

Will look forward to a proper review........ hope Subaru gets a car to you soon.

nice detail looking review!

After 2 years, our OZ market finally gets Forester Sport and that's why I am watching this review lol

I wish they would have given my 2018 Crosstrek more power as well........it does everything else fantastic!

Great video and hello from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

I’m in the process of purchasing a FORESTER Touring. Can’t wait!

Great review!!!

Just watched this video as I'm getting close to making my purchasing decision and I'm surprised at the number of things I missed. Awesome the 2nd time around! Thank you!

Everyone is saying how "We want the turbo!", but how many people would actually pay for it? I've seen tons of Forester's on the road all the time but only like 5 - 10% of them are actually XT's. The majority are the non-turbos. Although it would be cool for them to have it, economically speaking, they need to cater to the market that makes them the most money. The market that makes the most money is that which wants better MPG, better range, and a better all-rounder over a powerhouse of a crossover. I had a 2004 Forester (non-turbo) once, and although it died (so sad), it kicked ass in mud, snow, and offroad. Trust me, you don't really need the turbo.

Thank for taking the time to do this review....I have looked at other similar video reviews and some have mentioned the warranty, service and parts are expensive for such vehicle of it's range ... I'm interested to know your perspectiven on this topic as you seen like a well informed reviewer.

I Love my 19 Forester Touring. It’s Bronze with saddle Brown leather interior.

I love that black color! Looks so good!!

Excellent, detailed review. Thanks!

Great value for the money, I love my Forester sport.

So cool to see Subaru doing this event where I live.

Great review - thanks for sharing :)

I have this same exact 1. The orange is more like burnt orange in the middle of red and orange can barely tell the difference. The power is like whatever but you feel a lil kick but comfort and the safety, all the room you have and the handling I cant complain...

I have the forester sport 2021 it's amazing, I'm living in up state NY. This car is very good and helpful here in the winter time.

Subbed! What a fun review!

I have a 2003 Forrester and I have never felt a need for a turbo (I live at sea level). Merging onto a highway was never an issue, however. If I lived in the mountains (Colorado?) I would probably have a different opinion about having a Turbo. My priority is good handling first and foremost. And with a vehicle like the Forrester I do not expect race car or even a sport sedan level of handling. My 2003 Forrester is a blast to drive on country roads and some of the light off-roading I do with it. The newer Forrester with their added height and all felt more tippy which was a deal killer for me. I hope the new 2019 Forrester is close to the Crosstrek as far as good handling goes. NOTE: My 17 Year old Grandson now has my 2003 Forrester. I have the 2018 Crosstrek and a 2014 Outback.

I ordered one 2 months ago and it finally came a few days ago, I love it! Mine is the dark blue just like in the video.

Excellent and interesting review! DIdn't realize the 2019 Foresters are "Roof Tent Rated"...how many other SUV's in this class can say that?

I just got my first subaru and I picked up a 2018 Forester XT Touring model come check it out! She is a beauty!

when will you guys review the new 2019 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid? Great review video. Test drove one myself and what you say lines up well with my thoughts.

I *really* hope Subaru has a turbocharged version in the pipeline for this. The 2019 Forester Touring with significantly more power and torque is my idea of a perfect compact suv.

Excellent review!

The 2008 FXT is my favorite Forester ever but this one looks really sharp. I really dig the interior. Just think how awesome it would be if it had the same engine as the new Ascent.

Good review. I own an '18 Forester and since it's almost 2021I'm thinking of trading for another one, possibly the Sport trim. In one year the Forester changed and evolved quite a bit ('18 through '19). Mine has been flawless so far after a little over three years with me. Gas mileage is really good and on a 50 mile drive I've gotten 42 mpg, no joke. Recently I got to test drive a '21 Forester on an extended drive in a rainy and stormy day. It handled great and it felt right at home in fown weather. It large and it felt so. Airy, comfy with the typical Forester outward visibility and no blind spots. It got taller and wider but not by much, a little over an inch, but it it looks wider than that. I don't think the Forester changed since the '19 model to present. Good value, but I'd stay away from the pricey Touring version.

Most people buy Subarus for their all weather capabilities and reliability,why the focus on Turbo lack? I just test drove the new Forester. I'm getting one.

Hey great review, really covered it all

GREAT video info. Thanks

Good review, thanks!

2019 Forester looks so much better in person (especially the Sports Trim).This review solidified our decision to pick one up and loving it!

Loving my 0-60 in 6.5 XT 2017. Will eventually be moving to VW again after hearing the XT has been dropped.

Thanks for the video Ryan! Long live Subiesport! :) The thing that kills me about this, and the previous gen FXT is that god awful CVT transmission. Never would I have thought that I'd prefer the 4EAT/5EAT over something but geesh.

Amazing how the ascents make the car look so much better

The 2020 and newer Forester are #1 in Reliability according to Consumer Reports. The 2019 was good but again the 20 & newer are far superior

Oh boy looks like another car I will fall asleep binge watching vids on. Like I don’t binge enough

I am so wanting for one of you reviewer folks to do a show on what Subaru should be doing to deliver a manual WRX twin scroll turbo wagon and Forrester. I'm in the market but Subaru isn't making what I want to replace my current 2010 WRX wagon which I LOVE!!!

Nice, fair review. Seriously considering 2020 black sport like this one but used and with little mileage to bring price down. Maybe by summer

Good info about Subaru well done guys

Apart from no xt ,it's seems really good,also good review

You can make a video of the forester sport testing the collision system

Hi thank you for all your videos for subaru

I test drove the 2020 Forester Touring trim this past Saturday. Although it is lacking power/torque, it is a great ride for its intended purpose which is to be used as a daily driver. I am definitely considering it.

I love the big hood and car like look. Big win for me.

Owning a 2015, the 2018 non turbos are quick to 45 mph. adding the sports mode is perfect. The XT has a garage trans and turbo lag is so bad. The non turbo is so more responsive and direct. No need for a turbo.

would you choose that over crv for everyday driving to work and back and for some additional road trips to FL from Chicago ?

Looks so good!

Just got this one one I love it .

I’ve been looking for a Forester Touring ( for the Brown leather interior), with low mileage. I found one today in the Seattle area. Yes it’ll be 4 years old next month but it only has 4,700 miles on it. The previous owner had the oil changed every 1K miles . It’s a Certified Subaru and the price is right. If Snowqualmie pass is open we’ll go over and get it on Saturday. We love our Outback so that’s why I started looking for a Forester to replace my 2011 Rav 4WD Limited.

*Whistles* I did not know about the tent thing. At first you had my curiosity...you know how the rest goes. That's not a small number up there either, I really am impressed. Been looking at SUVs and trucks for awhile now and not looking forward to the roof rack pricing, but if those bars can truly handle the weight, that's a couple hundred bucks one doesn't have to spend and can actually put towards a tent or other outdoor items.

Considering that they made the new Outback an ST with the boxer turbo-4, the new Legacy, and have had the engine in the Subaru Ascent since it debuted, there is absolutely no excuse for not putting in the turbo-4 for the Forrester now.

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I love my Subbie Fozzie, even though its a 2012, every Subbie I have had i never want to give up.. My Son drives drives the 94 Subbie Liberty, Legacy for you guys, and its a blast to drive. The wagon is so versatile and seems to be more responsive and faster than my current model. I love them all. But a turbo would be nice on the current series of Fozzies

So glad you acknowledged the lack of an XT 2.5 turbo trim... Subaru needs to take a look at Mitsubishi for what happens to a "Fun" "Sporty" car company when they strip out the "Fun" and "Sporty". Bring back a crazy, way too fast version of the forester Subaru, or your going to loose the people that have been telling all those soccer mom's to buy your cars... and fyi, soccer mom's aren't loyal.

Great ! Thanks. I loved that moment of silence ...

Try to test european version, with 2.0L engine. You will know what "slow" is. Nice test, btw.

That's why this is gonna be my next car period love it

Australian viewer here. Is the DMS annoying or do people routinely switch it off? Is the sport still good value versus the base model? I am considering the base model to avoid the DMS and to avoid the sunroof. Will hail shatter the sunroof? Sport does look pleasing enough.

Magnific ! Wonderful... When my 2011 sti will be out of order. (ie never lol ). i ll buy a forester...

You just sold me a Forester not one like it but that exact same one remember I said that about my 17 impreza I bought the exact one you reviewed it has less than 20,000 first 24 grand takes it eyesight and all!

I like its because the window is very wide and big.

Subaru stopped making 6 speed manual now only computer shifts with boring CVT. On freeway on ramps when you need power it underperforms shifting for best gas milage. Even with the low horsepower 2,5L boxer engine the 6 speed manual gives you power when you need it merging into traffic. It is also way more fun to drive. On road & off road.

I was looking to upgrade from my 04 XT to a new one. Might have to search for a used 2018.

I'm driving a Forester XT now and am disappointed that Subaru has taken the XT out of their line. If, when I replace my current Forester XT, Subaru hasn't returned the XT to The Forester, I'll swap manufacturers to Honda or Toyota. I have been so impressed with my Forester XT, I'm retired and put 20K + miles per year on it. North, south, east and west coasts, we've been everywhere in the contiguous 48 states with it. I've driven a 2019 Forester and it just doesn't compare to my XT. I live in Minnesota and would be lost without the control I get with the Forester XT in these wonderful winters. Mid-April and we're getting dumped on again with three days of snow. Without an XT I'd probably jump up to a BMW. But I'm giving Subaru an opportunity to adjust their marketing focus and return the Forester XT. Subaru, your move.

I'm looking for a new car but not sure if I should be eyeballing the forester or the crosstrek.

CarPlay still has bugs like crazy. In my cross trek I’m running the version for the launch forester touring and sometimes it doesn’t detect the phone. Other times it’s super staticky even though it’s plugged in. The static can only be solved by a data reset of the star link system.

Hola from Autlán Mexico, what would you choose forester 2018 or 2019?

Does the Sport mode really make any difference conparing to other Forester? Thank you JS

Love that new interior. Can i put it in my 2004 Forester XT, 5spd? :D

Very happy with my 2018 Forester XT with a Turbo.....😎

Great review!!😃 I’m thinking of purchasing one this year if I can. Getting rid of my 2014 Camry which is an impossible car to get out of a parking spot on the side of the Chicago streets in the winter with all the snow. I know what you mean about the “Camrys ground clearance., ripped off the plastic engine splash guards twice this year !!! Had enough getting a Subaru Forester

I will be purchasing a new vehicle before the end of 2020. After all the research in this very loaded SUV market, I've narrowed it down to the Subaru Forester Touring/Outback Touring XT, Honda passport, Acura RDX. All that's left is to test drive. The off-road capability of the Subaru is giving it an edge currently.

Just got this car yesterday

Had one of these for the day when my Outback was in for a routine service. I thought there was a lot of pitching fore/aft at times. The ride though was generally smooth, unlike the engine which was smoooooth! Thought my Outback was quiet, and better-riding, but punting the Forester through a few bends was a very pleasant surprise.

@drivingsports Ryan- looking to get a Forester Sport.. not tied to a brand new one, don't need the Wilderness trim (as cool as it is!).. any reason to pay the extra for the 2022 refresh over a 2019-2021? Thanks!!

God I knew this was North Carolina! I grew up near Boone... Bearings country

Good video

I just picked up a Forester Sport and I already have. Tepui Rooftop Tent. I was able to mount the tent on my GFs 4Runner on the stock rails but I doubt I can do that on the Forester. Does anyone have any recommendations on what kind of rails to get to support the weight of a 130lbs rooftop tent? I’m worried about the dynamic weight limit as I do intend to do some mild to moderate off-roading with the tent on top.

Thks.

Looking for nice car Its between 2019 Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport AWD or Toyota RAV4 TRD Off Road 2020 I'm liking the Subaru??

Any chance of this coming to the UK? 🙏

I want see off road test! I love subie!!!