Flash Drive

2019 Subaru Sport

December 11, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
By

Model Tested: 2019 Subaru Forester Sport

The Subaru Forester is all-new for 2019. It’s built on the company’s new global platform.

Engine:2.5-liter flat-4, 182-horsepower, 176 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatictransmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 26-mpg city, 33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined

Base Price: $28,795

As Tested: $31,815

Performance:

Respectable acceleration

Paddle shifters

Normal, Snow/Dirt, and Deep Snow mode

The compact SUV has great rear seat access due to very wide opening doors.

8.7-inch ground clearance

Pleasant highway ride

Good fuel economy—our best was 31.1 highway

1500 pound towing capacity

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom—we had to move seat up to reach pedals

Excellent rear seat leg, shoe and knee room

Low floor hump

Front row legroom is overly generous and very adjustable. The steering wheel has excellent auxiliary controls.

An adult can fit in center position

Comfy rear seat with soft center armrest

Driver power lumbar support

Heated front seats

Medium thick, moderately contoured leather steering wheel

Lots of good auxiliary controls

Good range tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Large panoramic moonroof greatly brightens interior

Nice sound system with lots of station presets

The split, folding rear seats have a slight upward slope. Rear passenger legroom is very good.

Ample headroom

Big sun visors with large center extensions

Sport model has bold red upholstery stitching

Adjustable height front should harnesses

Rear doors open almost 90-degrees

Utility:

Ample cargo space behind seats

Flat cargo area

Grocery bag hooks

No lip on cargo deck

Power tailgate with height memory

Very bright LED interior lights

The rear hatch is wide with good clearance. A lot of cargo or activity gear can easily be accommodated.

Large infotainment screen

Medium size front door bins

Smaller rear door bins with bottle notches

Large, locking glovebox

Deep console bin

Double layer seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Spacious interior front and back

Great size: big inside, compact outside

Nimble, sure-footed in challenging conditions

Oversize blind spot warning lights on side mirrors

Auto dim headlights

The 2019 Subaru Forester Sport is nimble and a great all weather vehicle, but the previous turbocharger option was dropped for 2019.

Attractively priced

Excellent safety features

Whines:

No turbocharger option like 2018 Forester

Slightly annoying auto Start-Stop

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Subaru Forester is an all-new model built on Subaru’s Global Platform that ads new technologies to a longtime segment all star. The Forester excels in all areas: space, comfort, performance, safety, and value.