One of Subaru’s most anticipated debuts for 2019, the fifth-generation Forester is finally here and the first video reviews are full of praise.
The 2019 Forester might look familiar from the outside, but it’s an all-new model. It’s underpinned by Subaru’s Global Modular Platform that is also used by the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Ascent.
Thanks to the new architecture and a host of other updates, the 2019 Forester is more refined than its predecessor. Most reviewers claim that everything from the ride, handling, and CVT transmission has been improved.
The CVT upgrades are immediately noticeable. It’s said to produce less noise and abrupt revving than in the previous-generation model, helping enhance refinement. The 2019 Forester also gets praises for the way it drives, thanks to the quicker steering and reduced roll in corners. Furthermore, the suspension absorbs bumps more comfortably than before.
Also read: 2019 Subaru CrossTrek Gets Minor Updates As Plug-In Variant Arrives Later This Year
The SUV remains as practical as ever, offering plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers. As for technology, reviewers liked the infotainment system’s big clear menus and real buttons assigned to the essential functions.
Another plus for the SUV is the EyeSight safety assist pack, offered as standard on the 2019 model. By now you’re probably wondering if reviewers found something wrong with the Forester. Well, some said they were not truly convinced by the styling, given how similar the 2019 model looks compared to the outgoing one.
Another criticism (and a big one at that) regards the lack of a turbo option for 2019. The only engine offered right now is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four making 182 hp at 5,800 rpm and only 176 lb-ft (238 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm. Some reviewers complained that the feeble torque makes it feel quite slow under acceleration. Check out the following playlist to find out what else they had to say about the new SUV.