Planet-exclusive 2019 Subaru Forester Gallery...click to enlarge




What's new? 

We expect to deliver the first, all-new 2019 Forester at Planet Subaru in late September of 2018. We have pricing from Subaru so you can order one now at Planet and be the first person in your neighborhood to own one!

Subaru introduces an all-new Forester every five years (with a "mid-cycle refresh" in the fourth year).  The generation on sale now was introduced for the 2014 model year, when it won the coveted Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year Award.  When we say "all new," Subaru will change  nearly everything on the vehicle, including most interior and exterior components. 

The all-new Forester will be available in standard, Premium, Limited, Touring and new Sport trim levels. All are powered by an enhanced direct-injection, increasing horsepower to 182 (from 170) and includes Auto Stop/Start and paired with a standard Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).  Also standard on all trim levels is Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Riding off into the sunset for 2019 are the manual transmission option (formerly available since 1998) and a turbocharged engine option (formerly available on the XT model since 2004).

For 2019, all Foresters come standard with the award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The top-of-line Touring debuts the segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology which offers yet another layer of safety and convenience for the driver. The system can alert the driver of fatigue or distraction while on the road as well as automatically adjust many driver settings at start-up.

Highlights:

  • Roomiest, most capable Forester to date
  • Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology on every model
  • Built on Subaru's new Global Platform for crashworthiness, quietness, and agility
  • Available new segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology
  • Updated 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine with 33mpg highway (estimated)
  • New Sport model with unique exterior and interior
  • Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive







Now to the details:






 






Bigger and better:
The wheelbase is increased to 105.1 in. from 103.9 in., with the gain benefiting rear seat legroom, which is now 39.4-in., a 1.4-in. increase.
 
Gains in headroom, hip and shoulder room further bolster passenger comfort and a feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. Wider rear door openings and a steep C-pillar angle make ingress/egress and installing a child seat easier.








 
 







Interior changes:
The material used for the cargo area floor, sides and rear gate interior trim offer a textured surface to resist dirt. Pockets on the front seatbacks are now divided to more easily organize items such as magazines and electronic devices.

The roomiest Forester cabin yet is also the quietest, thanks to the Subaru Global Platform's inherent resistance to noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Road noise is significantly reduced and Subaru has worked to tune out certain frequencies to make conversation or listening to music at highway speeds more comfortable.



 


 
More Comfortable:
Forester's interior has been designed for both greater passenger comfort and increased durability in everyday and recreational usage. New front seats, are constructed to enhance comfort on long drives. A new Electronic Parking Brake frees up console space by eliminating the traditional parking brake handle.

All Forester models now feature standard automatic climate control (dual-zone on Limited and Touring models), and the available heated front seats feature three-stage control versus two-stage before. The Touring trim adds new heated rear seats for 2019. Keyless Access with Push Button Start is standard on Sport, Limited and Touring trims and optional for Premium.






 





More room for stuff:
The 2019 Forester design increases cargo space to 76.1 cu. ft. with the 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered, a gain of 1.4 cu. ft. The load floor sits flatter, and the cargo area's squared-off shape has been further optimized for ease of carrying large objects.








 




Easier loading:
The rear gate opening maximum width is now 51.2-in. wide, a 5.3-in. increase over the previous model and up to 8-in. wider than on some competitive SUVs. For example, with the 2019 Forester, it will be possible to load a full-size golf bag sideways without tilting it. A power rear gate is standard on Limited and Touring trim levels and available as an option for Premium and Sport.







 






Sport model replaces former turbocharged XT model:
The 2019 Forester Sport joins the line with unique appearance elements and specially enhanced standard equipment. A Sport grille with black gloss finish frame, black-finish 18-in. wheels and rear roof spoiler give Forester Sport a rugged look, enhanced by orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts.












Sport features:
The Sport interior is a unique dark gray material with orange stitching and accents throughout that is exclusive to the Sport model.

The Forester Sport exclusively employs a version of Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes and the Lineartronic CVT features a seven-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shift control switches. Building on the standard equipment of the Forester Premium trim, the Sport also features 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).

A standard cargo area tray helps protect the interior. For added convenience when loading or unloading equipment at night, the Sport features a cargo area LED light with auto-off and a rear gate LED flood light that illuminates the area around the rear gate when it is opened.















Safety:
All versions of the 2019 Forester come standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology that 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.

Other available driver-assist technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing.

Forester Sport, Limited and Touring include High Beam Assist, and Limited and Touring also add Steering Responsive Headlights. New for the 2019 Forester, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now displays pressure for individual tires. New standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) utilizes yaw sensors to monitor trailer sway and then can brake individual wheels to stabilize the vehicle and trailer.

A power locking fuel door is integrated into the new automatic power door lock/unlock system as standard. The system locks all doors, the rear gate and fuel door once the vehicle is driven over 13 mph, and the owner can set locking/unlocking preferences.
















New powertrain:
All 2019 Forester models are powered by a new version of the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine, now with direct fuel injection and higher compression, along with active valve control system (AVCS) on the exhaust side. The new engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, versus 170 hp and 174 lb-ft in the previous Forester.

The 2019 Forester comes standard with Lineartronic CVT. The new powertrain not only yields quicker acceleration than the previous Forester, but also up to 33 mpg highway fuel economy (manufacturer's estimate, pending EPA certification).

Adding more flexibility for driving conditions, is a standard driver-selectable SI-DRIVE. SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's throttle characteristics by choosing between "Intelligent" and "Sport" modes (Sport Sharp on Forester Sport).























Off road capability:
Symmetrical All Wheel Drive continues to be standard on all models. Active Torque Vectoring, first introduced on the WRX and WRX STI performance models, is also standard on all 2019 Foresters. The Forester base model features standard 17-in. steel wheels, while the Premium gets standard 17-in. alloy wheels. Sport, Limited and Touring models ride on 18-in. wheels with each trim featuring its own wheel design.
Forester offers a generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than most competitors and allows for confident off-pavement driving. Yet, the 2019 Forester maintains an easy step-in height.
For handling difficult driving conditions such as snow or mud, Forester Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring come standard with driver-selectable X-Mode® with Hill Descent Control. When engaged, X-Mode optimizes control of the engine, transmission shift pattern, Active AWD front/rear clutch force, brakes and the Vehicle Dynamics Control system to optimize wheel control on slippery surfaces and steep inclines. New for 2019, the Sport, Limited and Touring models come standard with a dual-mode version of X-Mode that offers Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes for even more capability to go virtually wherever necessary.




















More goodies:
The 2019 Forester is the best-equipped ever, with the standard model adding features such as 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. A panoramic power moonroof is standard on Premium, Sport, Limited and Touring trims.

Each trim level adds more features and amenities, while maintaining all the vehicle's rugged capability. The 2019 Touring is the most luxurious Forester ever, with standard and exclusive features including 10-way power driver's seat, new 8-way power front passenger seat, new heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. Also new for 2019, the exterior mirrors have a two-position memory function synchronized to the driver's seat position memory and in addition tilt downward when reverse gear is engaged, to aid in parking maneuvers. A new power rear lock button is available on the rear liftgate that will close and lock the gate and all doors on the vehicle.
















Segment First DriverFocus Safety Technology
With DriverFocus, Subaru is taking on one of the biggest issues in the automotive industry; distracted driving. Each day in the United States, more than 1,000 people are injured in crashes reported to have involved a distracted driver. Subaru has developed DriverFocus to help address distracted driving.

DriverFocus is a driver monitoring system that uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. DriverFocus works with Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology to reduce the chance of an accident. And for added convenience, DriverFocus can also recognize up to five drivers and remember their presets for seat position, climate, multifunction display and more.

The all-new Forester is the first in its segment, and among the first vehicles in the industry to incorporate this technology The feature will be standard on Touring models. Learn more about DriverFocus.


Take a deep dive into the 2019 Forester, including pricing:


Named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick for twelve years running (2007-2018) and achieving the highest possible rating of "Superior" for front crash prevention from IIHS when equipped with EyeSight, the 2019 Forester builds upon its long history of award-winning safety with a stiffer and stronger chassis and adds Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and LED low and high beam headlights as standard equipment, making this the safest Forester to date. With all-new design and engineering, the 2019 Forester is designed around the Subaru Global Platform (SGP) and delivers major improvements in safety, ride, handling and occupant comfort. All Forester trim levels come standard with seven airbags including Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbags, front seat side pelvis/torso airbags, side curtain airbags and driver's knee airbag.

Standard on Touring trim is the segment-exclusive DriverFocus safety technology that uses facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction and provides an audio and visual warning to alert the driver. DriverFocus also works with EyeSight to reduce the chance of an accident.

Every Forester is equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring and is powered by a new version of the 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine. The revised engine produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque and is paired with standard Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission). The new powertrain not only yields quicker acceleration but also up to 33 mpg highway fuel economy. This powertrain allows up to 1,500-lb. towing capacity and standard Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) helps to maintain vehicle stability while towing. Also new for all trim levels is Auto Vehicle Hold and an Electronic Parking Brake.

Adding more flexibility for driving conditions is standard driver-selectable Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE). SI-DRIVE is a powertrain performance management system that allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's throttle characteristics by choosing between "Intelligent" and "Sport" modes (Sport Sharp on Forester Sport). "Intelligent" mode helps smooth out accelerator inputs for fuel saving, while "Sport" mode tunes the throttle response to emphasize performance.

Forester's new design brings added function. The wheelbase is increased to 105.1 inches from 103.9 inches, with the gain benefitting rear seat legroom, which is now 39.4 inches, a 1.4-inch increase. Gains in headroom, hip and shoulder room further bolster passenger comfort and a feeling of spaciousness in the cabin. Wider rear door openings and a steep C-pillar angle make ingress/egress and installing a child seat easier. All Forester models feature lower body side cladding, which helps protect against mud, rocks and other road debris.

The 2019 Forester design increases cargo space to 76.1 cu. ft. with the 60:40 split rear seatbacks lowered, a gain of 1.4 cu. ft. The load floor sits flatter, and the cargo area's squared-off shape has been further optimized for ease of carrying large objects. Notably, the maximum width for the rear gate opening is now 51.2 inches wide, a 5.3-inch increase over the previous model and up to 8-inch wider than on some competitive SUVs.

Forester is known for its legendary value, and this model is no exception with standard features including a STARLINK Multimedia system with high-resolution touchscreen, smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and STARLINK apps including the newly available EVEConnect; audio and Bluetooth® control switches on the steering wheel; dual USB ports in the front center console; power windows with auto-up/ auto-down on driver's window; power door locks that automatically lock when the vehicle is in motion; power side mirrors; multi-function display with digital clock, outside temperature and fuel economy information; remote keyless entry; security system with engine immobilizer; combination meter with LCD color display; tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire pressure display and more.

The entry level Forester also comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels with 225/60 R17 all-season tires and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS. The exterior has body-color door handles and front, rear and side underguards. For added convenience at night, welcome lighting activates when the driver approaches or exits the vehicle.

The Base trim offers an option package with 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels in silver finish and roof rails for an MSRP of only $600.

Premium trim level adds 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels in black with machine finish, roof rails, roof spoiler in matching body color, dark tint privacy glass and a panoramic power moonroof as standard. For improved off-road performance, the Premium trim offers as standard equipment X-MODE with Hill Descent Control. The Premium's interior is upgraded with leather-wrapped steering wheel with silver stitching; center dash panel trim in black with silver metallic finish; high grade combination meter with color LCD; high grade multi-function display; and chrome inner door handles. Additional interior features include a 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support; center console rear seat a/c outlets; cargo area cover; off-delay operation on all power windows; available WI-FI hotspot (service required); and the latest SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security services (with a complimentary 3-year subscription to the Safety Plus package). The Premium is priced from $26,695.

Stepping up to the Premium trim offers more optional equipment including the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield de-icer), dual USB ports in the rear center console; Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start. Also available is a power rear gate with automatic close & height memory.

The Sport trim joins the model line with unique appearance elements and enhanced standard equipment and priced at $28,795. Gloss black exterior accents on the fog light trim, rear gate and front grille along with black-finish 18-inch wheels and a rear roof spoiler give Forester Sport a rugged look. Orange accents on the black underguards and roof rail mounts and an orange SPORT badge add a modern, youthful touch. The exclusive interior is a unique dark gray material with orange stitching and accents throughout the cabin.

The Forester Sport exclusively employs a version of SI-DRIVE with Intelligent and Sport Sharp modes and the Lineartronic CVT features a 7-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle-shift control switches. The new trim also offers new Dual X-Mode for increased capability in a wider range of environmental conditions. Building on the standard equipment of the Forester Premium trim, the Sport also features a high-grade, sport design combination meter for the instrument panel; high-grade multi-function display; LED fog lights; High Beam Assist; exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and All-Weather Package. LED cargo area lighting and an additional LED light on the inside of the rear gate provides better illumination for loading and unloading cargo.

The Sport trim offers optional equipment including Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a power rear gate with automatic close & height memory. Also available is the 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus system and Harman Kardon® premium sound system with nine speakers and amplifier.

Limited trim is upgraded with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels in black with machine finish, exterior mirrors in matching body color with integrated turn signals, fog lights with chrome accent trim, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start and All-Weather Package. The Limited comes equipped with additional driver assist technology including Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and LED Steering Responsive Headlights. The interior is distinguished by perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, silver metallic with gloss black finish center dash panel trim and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift lever handle. The Limited comes with additional convenience features including Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control with voice activated controls and dual USB ports in the rear center console. A power rear gate with auto close and height memory is also standard. The 2019 Forester Limited models begin at $30,795.

The Limited offers optional equipment to further enhance safety, comfort and entertainment. Available Reverse Automatic Braking can apply the vehicle's brakes if an obstacle is detected while reversing. The available heated-steering wheel complements the standard All-Weather Package. Also available is the 8-inch Multimedia Navigation system and Harman Kardon premium sound system with nine speakers and amplifier.

Continuing as the top of the model line, the Touring offers additional features over Limited including CVT with 7-speed manual shift mode and paddle shift switches; Reverse Automatic Braking; and 8.0-inch Multimedia Navigation system with Harman Kardon premium sound system. The all-new DriverFocus safety system has an added convenience feature of recognizing up to five drivers and remembering their seat and exterior mirror positions as well as climate settings. The exterior of the Touring is immediately recognizable by the unique 18-inch alloy wheels in black with machine finish; chrome exterior door handles, satin chrome exterior folding mirrors with integrated turn signal and LED fog lights with chrome trim. The flagship trim level also has sliver metallic finish mounts on the roof rails and on the front, rear and side underguards as well as a chrome badges. The interior offers a choice of exclusive Black or Saddle Brown perforated leather trimmed upholstery, 10-way power driver's seat with 2-position memory (includes power lumbar support), 8-way power front passenger seat and heated rear seats. The 2019 Touring is priced from $34,295.

SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment through the vehicle's multimedia or navigation system. All STARLINK Multimedia systems for Forester offer a high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Aha™, Pandora®, and STARLINK apps; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; Rear Vision Camera, single-disc CD player; SiriusXM All Access Radio (4-month free subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link® (3-year free subscription) and HD Radio® as standard. The 6.5-inch Multimedia system is standard on Base, Premium and Sport trims. The 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus adds voice activated controls for phone and Near Field Communication to the list of features and is optional for Sport and standard for Limited. The top-of-the-line 8.0-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation powered by TomTom, voiced activated navigation, and over-the-air updates is an option for Limited and standard for Touring.

The Forester is the next model in the 2019 line-up to offer an in-vehicle WI-FI hotspot which will allow families to maximize the capabilities of the new STARLINK Entertainment Anywhere Kit that includes two 9.7-inch iPad® 32GB WI-FI models, Harman Kardon Bluetooth headphones and OtterBox® Defender Series iPad cases. iPad gives users the ability to be even more creative and productive, from sketching ideas, taking photos and creating movies to jotting down notes and staying connected with friends and family with FaceTime while in their Subaru or wherever their travels take them. The kit is available to all Subaru owners for purchase through a Subaru retail facility. With an MSRP of $970, the kit is a great value.

The SUBARU STARLINK app now offers EVEConnect, the most advanced connected home/connected car integration ecosystem available on the market today. EVEConnect allows drivers to access, control and automate all of their smart home devices, from the convenience of their vehicle dashboard. Users can control locks, garage doors, lights, thermostats and more, even when on the go. Ergonomically designed for safe and effective in-car usage, EVEConnect provides seamless connectivity, while reducing driver distraction.

For safety, security and convenience, SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology offers three connected services packages that are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package includes SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report and diagnostic alerts (3-year free subscription). For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus package adds remote engine start with climate control and heated seats, stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights; remote vehicle locator and parenting features including boundary, speed and curfew alerts. The STARLINK Concierge package adds the convenience of in-vehicle assistance with restaurant and hotel reservations, purchasing tickets for sporting/theater events and scheduling service appointments.

(1) Based on IHS Markit U.S. vehicles in operation vs. total new registrations in the Non-Luxury Compact CUV segment for MY2008-2017 ending in December 2017.
 

2019 Forester

Trim

Transmission

Applicable Options

MSRP

MSRP + Destination & Delivery

Base

CVT

01, 02

$24,295

$25,270

Premium

CVT

11, 13, 14, 15

$26,695

$27,670

Sport

CVT

21, 22, 24

$28,795

$29,770

Limited

CVT

31, 32

$30,795

$31,770

Touring

CVT

41

$34,295

$35,270
 

2019 FORESTER OPTION PACKAGES

Base

CODE 01: Standard Model

N/A

CODE 02: Alloy Wheel Package

$600

Premium

CODE 11: Standard Model

N/A

CODE 13: All-Weather Package

$500

CODE 14: All-Weather Package + BSD/RCTA + Keyless Access & Start

$1,295

CODE 15: All-Weather Package + BSD/RCTA + Keyless Access & Start + Power Rear Gate

$1,845

Sport

 

CODE 21: Standard Model

N/A

CODE 22: BSD/RCTA + RAB + Multimedia Plus

$795

CODE 24: BSD/RCTA + RAB + Multimedia Plus + Harman Kardon Amp & speakers + Power Rear Gate

$2,045

Limited

CODE 31: Standard Model

N/A

CODE 32: Multimedia w/ Nav + Harman Kardon Amp & speakers + RAB

$1,695

Touring

CODE 41: Standard Model

N/A





Forester Links:
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  • Visit our Forester Center with pics and links.


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Foresters through the generations:   

 
2014 through 2018


It is slightly larger inside and out than the generation it replaced.  Introducing a continuously variable transmission lifted fuel economy to 32 mpg from 27.  Other new features include the Eyesight driver assistance system, power tailgate, and X-Mode traction control.  It's our best-looking Forester to date, and outward visibility remains tops in the industry.  






2009 through 2013







Prior Foresters felt a little cramped, but sales took off with this larger Forester, bigger than its predecessor in every dimension.  Subaru poured on the technology, with standard Vehicle Dynamics Control and six airbags.  Optional equipment included touchscreen navigation and Bluetooth.



2003 through 2008








Size remained the same, but Subaru modernized everything.  Side air bags became standard on every model, the interior moved upscale, ride quality improved, and appearance moved from utilitarian to stylish. 



1998 through 2002



Subaru created the Forester on the Impreza platform, installing a square body and bigger engine.  Along with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V (both introduced in 1997), Subaru pioneered the "Small Crossover" segment.  It combined the  ride height, style, and versatility of a truck-based SUV without the poor fuel economy and sloppy handling.








    





 
 your undealership





For anyone in the Boston metro area, including the north shore, Planet is your source for info about revisions to the 2019 Forester, including sale and release dates, leasing info, and great deals.