All-New 2019 Subaru Forester; The Good, Bad and Ugly [Full Gallery]

The "bean counters" won and the enthusiasts lost. I get it, XT only accounted for roughly 5% of total Forester sales. However, while economy of scale makes sense, putting the same engine throughout the line is unfortunate. I have a 2017 XT and I don't think I'll trade the power (+68 more horsepower) for the new model. So, I guess the other 5% won't care because they actually gain +8 in horsepower. Subaru could have been a bit bolder in exterior design as well - they played it too safe in my opinion. I will test drive the new Forester, but the consistent move to reduce horsepower on several models is a concern - The Outback is next. They could have simply put the new Ascent turbo in an STI version of Forester. I have no option if I chose to stay in the Subaru family - the Ascent doesn't fit my lifestyle. The new 2019 Toyota RAV4 my be viable for me and they have a hybrid option. This new Forester is truly for the masses and the uniqueness is gone from the line. "Another pleasant valley Sunday here in status symbol land" - to quote the Monkey's song. (yeah, I'm dating myself LOL).

Great overview. Denis, any idea what percentage of Foresters were sold as XTs and what percent overall had stick shifts? I can't find that data. As an owner of the Forester (2016) I can see that many of these changes were targeted at me and the bulk of the market. There is no top-selling compact crossover in America from any brand with a stick shift, or an up-powered engine. Unless you count the Escape as a top-seller. Which it really isn't.

Good and bad :/
Didn't like so much the front design, it's has most thing from the previous generation, didn't like drop the turbo, compare Forester 182hp between Rav4 203 hp will go to Rav4 if you care about performance and didn't find Forester turbo, i read in Chinese resource that Subaru are working for down sized turbo engines! To replace 1.6L turbo and 2L turbo for 1.5L turbo and 1.8L turbo, I wish if Subaru drop the 2L turbo cause waiting for the new 1.8L turbo be better fuel economy and less emissions and but it again for the Forester, the new turbo engines maybe will be available in 2020 or 2021

Like and dislike
like most new things in new Forester like new engine 2.5L and X-Mode came with multi terrain select for sand/rock/dirt/snow and so on (which surprised me so much that it is similar to the Rav4 has! like Subaru and Toyota maybe did cooperate in the design or the specifications of the two cars) but didn't like the front of the Forester, it's has most the look of the previous generation almost 90% from the front style and i don't like that but not surprised me cause Subaru always do boring style/design, the big thing i didn't like of the Forester that Subaru drop the tubro! not fair, i was waiting that long for the new Forester and know very well that the base engine is not that enough power compared to competitors and the solution is to choose a turbo engine for people like me care about performance :\

But i did read from Chinese cars news resources that Subaru is already working for new engines to down sized turbo engines! to replace 1.6L turbo and 2L turbo to 1.5L turbo and 1.8L turbo to become better fuel economy and less emissions, which is probably the new engines for the new generation Subaru Levorg or WRX/STI hatchback, and those engines will be come out in 2020 at least, so if Subaru drop the Turbo engine for the Forester cause it's the old engine 2.0L tubro for the new 1.8L turbo that is fine to me but if there are no more turbo for the Forester! that too stupid from Subaru and probably i will move to the new Rav4

The biggest advantage of Forester that it's have turbo engine compare to Rav4, CX-5, CR-V, Rough as Japanese competitors but now new Forester don't have something very special to think to own it

Very sad that Subaru didn't care at all for Subaru fans requests and most Subaru fans they scream to Subaru face to tell them their cars are underpower and didn't do something about it

Denis, the more days go by the more disappointed I am with the new Forester. Beyond the new Driverfocus safety feature this is a refresh externally. Kudos on on the interior changes but that's about as far as I go with positives.The turbo Forester and combination of safety features made the XT unique in the small SUV class. Now it's a just a "me too" offering in a sea of small SUVs fighting for market share. I wrote a letter to Infante and Doll, I'm sure it will be largely ignored, but I simply had to express my displeasure with the new offering. I really wanted to stay in the Subie family, but as an enthusiast the direction of the company (away from performance options) is concerning...

Hands down the latest Crosstrek is Subaru's best looking model. This new Forester still has a very boring body design. It's not even close to being modern looking like the CR-V, RAV4, Rogue, or CX-5.

The current generation of forester does not have as good towing capacity (1500 lbs.) as the previous generation (2400 lbs.). Might they be able to go back to the greater towing capacity with the 2019?

I have a 2014 Forester and the 2019 sounds awesome. I can't want to trade my 2014 for a 2019 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Any ideal on pricing on new Subaru Forester and when it is coming in fall?

Just switched from a Subaru Outback to a Forester prem. So far the only problem I have are the seats they are like rocks.