Meet the familiar, functional 2019 Subaru Forester
Cars
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The broad strokes are about the same, this 2019 Subaru Force they maintained the boxy functional aesthetic of the previous generation.
If you like you SUV to look like a box of granola You're gonna like this new model however there are changes on the inside including a new simplified power train strategy, a much nicer interior and some really interesting safety features.
So grab shot gun with me in this 2019 touring model and I'll show you what's new.
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Of course, it looks wider than before, but a lot of that is an optical illusion due to certain cues in the exterior design.
One thing that I really like about Forester models is this really tall, vertical The cool greenhouse.
There's a lot of glass and that gives this car a really spacious feel and that's probably contributing to that aired out feeling that I'm getting.
Now for 2019 the Forester is now based on Subaru's global platform that also under To the Impreza and the Crosstrek.
That means that it shares those vehicles' 2.5 liter boxer 4 cylinder engine.
That makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound feet of torque.
That's gonna send that power through a single option continuously variable transmission.
On its weight to Subaru's symmetrical all wheel drive system.
Now of course it's the only power train available for this generation which means that the 40XT model with its turbo charged engine and manual transmission are gone for this generation.
That's a shame.
However Subaru thinks most of its drivers are going to really prefer more of this laid back driving style and The CVT and 2.5 liter combo is a very capable and very confident feeling powertrain, and it's really smooth and quiet.
I like that.
Now you can trick it into behaving like a 7-speed automatic transmission with these paddle shifters, but you're probably better off just leaving it in its automatic mode where it just sort of smooths everything out.
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Most of the new features are in the technology and safety department including the new standard Subaru i link driver aid Sweet.
That means that even the base model with no options checked, gets these stereoscopic cameras that enable adaptive cruise control that works at stop and go traffic, pedestrian detection, automatic braking, and more.
We talk a lot about this in a separate video, including the new driver focus system.
A camera system that watches my face to make sure I am paying attention to the road, so check out that video for more details.
Now elsewhere on the dashboard, we've got the newest version of Subaru Starlink infotainment system that features a decent navigation system and standard Android and Apple Car Play to sort of fill in any gap from the tech that it might have.
I really like what we have going on here, but it's strongest feature is going to be the fact that it's just kind of As simple and stated out of the way.
ANd for 2019 the Forester gets a little bit more capable with a standard 1500 pound towing capability.
Some new towing safety features in the electronics and the new X mode all wheel drive software and that's gonna allow you to get some, the spoke off road programs for things like mud, dirt and snow.
And Subaru took an if it aint broke don't fix it approach to the 2019 Forester.
But that doesn't mean that it didn't fix anything.
In fact the new driver aid and tech features make this a much more safe, comfortable and easy to live with vehicle over all.
The Subie is still a solid choice for SUV buyers looking for a blend of safety and practicality in a functional but maybe not too flashy package.
But it is a little more expensive to buy this year.
The 2019 Subaru Forester starts at around $25000, including destination for the base model.
But this top of the line touring model rolls out at around 35K.
Now that's a price hike of anywhere between $500 ans $1200 over last year.
But given the extra equipment I think it's a price worth paying.
Unless of course you were a fan of that T with the turbo manual.
Rest in peace buddy, rest in peace.
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