Subaru has announced the 2019 Forester will be priced from US$ 24,295. Costing US$ 500 more than its predecessor, the redesigned crossover is
larger and more luxurious than before. The model also features an evolutionary
design and an assortment of new driver assistance features.
Starting with the base model, the 2019 Forester has
LED headlights and an active shutter grille to improve fuel-efficiency. 17-inch
steel wheels are standard, but 17-inch alloy wheels are only a US$ 600 option.
The interior is bit basic, but it comes equipped
with an automatic climate control system and a 6.5-inch infotainment system
featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Buyers will also find
power windows / locks, a four-speaker audio system and a rearview camera. Other
highlights include a tilt / telescoping steering wheel and a keyless entry
system. On the safety front, the crossover comes equipped with an EyeSight
driver assistance system which provides adaptive cruise control, pre-collision
braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist.
The Forester Premium starts at US$ 26,695 and it
features a more upscale design with rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy
wheels. The model also comes equipped with a panoramic glass moonroof, a
body-color rear spoiler and black roof rails.
Inside, there’s a handful of additional equipment
including a 10-way power driver’s seat and an upgraded instrument cluster with
a color LCD display. Other nice touches include a leather-wrapped steering
wheel, a six-speaker audio system and a rear seat with a reclining backrest. The Forester Sport sits in the
middle of the lineup and it starts at US$ 28,795. As the name suggests, the model
has a sportier appearance as it features a unique grille and a stainless steel
exhaust tip. The crossover also has orange accents and 18-inch wheels with a
black finish.
The sporty styling continues in the cabin as drivers
will find unique trim, orange contrast stitching and special seats. Other
changes include a “sport design” instrument cluster and a steering wheel with
paddle shifters.
The model has also been equipped with a keyless access
system and a push button ignition. Last but not least, it has the All-Weather
Package which includes heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a
windshield wiper de-icer.
One step up the trim ladder is the Forester Limited
which begins at US$ 30,795. This model focuses on luxury and it includes
perforated leather seats, an 8-inch infotainment system and 18-inch wheels with
a two-tone finish. There’s also a dual-zone automatic climate control which
responds to voice commands. Rounding out the highlights are blind spot
detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.
The range-topping Forester Limited Touring starts at
$34,295 and it features satin chrome mirror caps and chrome door handles. Bigger changes occur in the cabin
as the buyers will find an 8-way power front passenger seat, a heated steering
wheel and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Subaru also installs heated
rear seats and an 8-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.
Regardless of which trim level is selected, all
Foresters are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 238 Nm of torque. It is connected to a
continuously variable transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This
enables the crossover to return an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 26 mpg
city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined.
