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Here’s Why You Should Wait For The New-Generation 2019 Subaru Forester

The next-generation 2019 Subaru Forester has been spied recently. Why will it be worth waiting for?
2019 Subaru Forester, 2018 Subaru Forester

If you are thinking about buying a new Subaru Forester, you might want to wait a year. The fourth-generation Subaru Forester, introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model, is showing its age and it’s ready for a complete remodel. True to Subaru's life-cycle of five years, the Japanese automaker is working on the new fifth-generation 2019 Forester SUV now and it’s due out next year. It’s coming with plenty of changes for SUV buyers and it’s worth waiting for. What can consumers expect when it arrives?

The new Global Platform that underpins the Impreza compact and new 2018 Crosstrek is Subaru’s biggest advancement in their automobiles since they developed the driver-assist EyeSight safety system. It’s coming on the new-generation 2019 Subaru Forester. Here’s what consumers can expect.

The 2019 Forester gets improved driving dynamics

Consumers will see noticeable changes in the new-generation Forester’s driving dynamics because it will ride on the new Subaru Global Platform. In a nutshell, the new underpinnings will reduce vibrations and produce a smoother ride quality. The body and chassis will be 70-100 percent more rigid which will translate to improved steering response, and the increased rigidity of the suspension mounting will reduce body roll by 50 percent compared to current models like we see in the new Impreza and 2018 Crosstrek.

SUVs sit up high and don’t perform well when taking curves at higher speeds or when changing directions quickly. The 2019 Forester will be designed with a lower center of gravity improving driving dynamics in the corners producing a more dynamic ride. Forester will also grow slightly in size, have a roomier cabin, and enjoy better fuel economy with a direct-injection engine. It will also come with several new Eyesight drivers assist upgrades.

Improved safety

Subaru’s new-generation all-wheel-drive 2019 Forester will be the safest SUV they’ve ever built. The new architecture underpinning the fifth-generation Forester will improve crash energy absorption by 40 percent over present models keeping occupants safer in the event of a crash. Impreza and Crosstrek which already have it, can survive an impact by a heavier SUV weighting 2.5 tons at 66 mph. After an impact, the two vehicle’s A and B-pillars will retain their integrity protecting the occupants.

2019
Photo credit: KGP Photography

A camouflaged fifth-generation Forester was spied recently and it could get styling cues borrowed from Subaru’s upcoming 3-Row Ascent SUV, as well as a character lines similar to the new Crosstrek. Forester is the next vehicle in Subaru’s lineup to get a complete makeover with the new Global Platform, and it will also get a complete drivetrain remodel. If you are thinking about buying a new Subaru Forester, you might want to wait a year. Look for the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester to arrive late next year. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Subaru Global

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Comments

Arthor Wright (not verified)    August 6, 2017 - 6:51PM

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I hope it does not have the problem during the small offset crash test when the a-pillar fascia detaches. On many Subaru models for the past few years, the detached fascia nearly or potentially impales the drive-dummy's left eye or that area. For tall drivers like me, it could be a serious problem. I am still waiting for Subaru to fix this before I buy another one.

Edward Brinson, Jr. (not verified)    August 7, 2017 - 11:52AM

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Hmmm, the spy shot doesn't look too promising. I was hoping for a bolder design with the new global platform. In addition, I hope they have an STI version to really separate the 2.0 XT from the pack.

Antonio (not verified)    August 9, 2017 - 2:57AM

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What has happened with Viziv? Why always prototype looks perfect and production version looks horrible? Levorq, Impreza and seems that new Forester as well. Only Legacy was more or less similar to concept. Who approves final version of the car? Maybe time for retirement?

Edward Brinson (not verified)    August 9, 2017 - 9:30AM

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True. The Impreza is nice and you can see that car is totally different than the one it replaced. The spy shot of the new Forester concerns me. As you noted is doesn't resemble the Viziv concept at all. It looks more like a refresh (character lines and slightly larger). The Forester needs a total makeover. I like my 2017 XT but I expect more with their new platform.

Michael Green (not verified)    September 25, 2017 - 1:46PM

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Some rumors out there that Subaru will go to smaller, turbo engines like many of their competitors are. Any news on that? Also, any word on whether the new platform will reduce the overall weight of the Forester?

Ed (not verified)    September 25, 2017 - 3:23PM

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From what I can glean from internet sources, the plan is to stick with the CVTs. I'm hoping the XT version gets a more powerful turbo since the Forester on the new platform will be slightly longer and wider. Still hoping for a STI option. I believe you the weight will be slightly lower as well.

John Trevor (not verified)    November 15, 2017 - 6:51PM

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Really insightful article! I leased 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i with CVT for 3 years and I'm very happy with my car. I'm 6"4 and this car is most bang for the buck FOR a tall driver. Price range of under 30k, I could not find a bigger headroom/legroom car that offers 26/32mpg. It was selected best 10 cars for tall drivers in consumer reports. Unfortunately, in 2018 model, the headroom decreased due to mandatory panoramic moonroof. I hope Subaru makes this feature optional not standard as they did in 2017 models.
I'm really looking forward to the next gen. Forester to have a powerful direct injection engine with turbo that can offer similar 26/32mpg with a bit of more torque. CVT is great with gas mileage but it lacks torque when I need to pass a slow car. The AWD handling is great even in sunny California. I hope the new Subaru Global Platform offers as good handling as the current version.
Again, great info and look forward to more 2019 Forester updates!

Tony (not verified)    January 17, 2018 - 1:15PM

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I have a 2014 Forester Limited, noisy suspension but still a great car, they should have a 5yr b to b & 10yr/pwrtrn 100,000 warranty.

mlp (not verified)    March 6, 2018 - 11:48AM

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I'm driving my 2nd Forester, that will be 12 in August. I recently had a loaner from my dealership and drove the 2018, which I loved. I'm not ready for a trade in yet, so was glad the 2018 was the same boring generic design as recent years. I'm hoping that the Forester will be squared off more in the coming years to have that original Forester appeal. Right now it looks like everything else on the road. The new one seems to have that same generic look. SHAME. Hopefully it will be a little quieter. I don't want them to smooth out the ride too much so it drives like an Outback. Thanks for your update.

Samus (not verified)    March 22, 2018 - 3:39PM

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I've never owned a Forester before, but I've read that the 2.5i is a little lackluster.
I'm hoping Subaru will beef up the base engine to make it more appealing, since I'm not ready to fork out the big bucks for the XT version.

Larry Bowin (not verified)    March 23, 2018 - 12:26PM

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Was planning to trade for a 2018, but will wait to see how the newer designed 2019 will look and drive. I don't need a bigger car any longer -- the current Forester size works best for my wife and me. Can't wait to see the next version.

Leisure Suit Larry (not verified)    April 3, 2018 - 2:09PM

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I really hope they have improved their engine design:

I keep hearing reports of 2017/2018 Subaru models having excessive oil consumption issues with the 2.5i manual or cvt.

There's no way I want to take a risk with a company that suffered a lawsuit but only extended the warranty to 8 years/100k miles. What are you supposed to do with your oil burning vehicle after 100k miles? Toss it away?

I understand many haven't had issues, but it remains true that the issue is still unresolved considering the reports floating around.

I'd love a Forester or Outback but that really seems like a risky move and I don't have the stomach to fight a dealership over oil consumption testing.

This is 2018 - not 1970. I really shouldn't have to add a 2-3 quarts of oil between oil changes.

Ferdilverdil (not verified)    August 4, 2018 - 9:46AM

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I'm with you, LSL. After just having to battle Kia and wait 4 months for my "Goodwill" reimbursement checks to arrive, I'm not willing to jump into a new vehicle from another company with known engine issues who puts it on the customer to fight to make them do the right thing. I had to lay out $1,400 to diagnose and replace a faulty timing chain at 89k miles that should have been covered under their 100k mile power train warranty on my 2013 Kia Sportage, only to get $1150 back after MUCH effort on my part and a long wait. #kiasucks #subarudoesntseemanybetter

maizenbluedoc (not verified)    August 4, 2018 - 8:48AM

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I doubt many consumers care whether the Forester has a new look every year. Most, including myself, look at the Subaru Forester as an affordable, reliable, and a vehicle that 'gets the job done'.How many years did the VW beetle look the same, yet its sales didn't decline that much.

Lena (not verified)    August 18, 2018 - 9:55AM

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Any clues whether the 2019 will offer power passenger seat. Would love to own one but back issues require me to adjust seat every so often, even while driving or being a passenger.

Brian D Hedges (not verified)    October 27, 2018 - 4:58PM

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Yes, the Touring version offers an 8 way power passenger seat. One of the reasons I'm very interested in buying a Forester, probably a 2020 so that other customers can test drive the new model and help get any bugs out. Also, I want at least a light gray interior and preferably silver metallic exterior. I'm hoping for better color choices on the Touring version in 2020!