The 2019 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor battery and windshield issues reported. At $21,275 to $28,325, it’s a good value for a dependable small SUV with an excellent all-wheel drive system.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Subaru Forester since it pairs reliability with standard all-wheel drive. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, advanced safety features, as well as the efficient engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are well-made, the seats are comfortable with plenty of cushioning, cargo space is also good for a compact SUV.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems with the 2018 Forester. Avoid models from 2014–2015 since they have engine problems while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the 4-cylinder engine which focuses more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2019 Subaru Forester is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, rearview camera, forward collision warning, along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights as well as driver attention monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 29 MPG, giving 481 miles of range from the 16.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $66 cheaper than average at $167 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2019 Subaru Forester is pricey, although it holds value well, making it a good long-term proposition.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Subaru Forester is an excellent small SUV with a roomy interior and high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Forester at 4/5, praising the great all-wheel drive system, but doesn’t like the weak engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Forester a 4.5/5, enjoying the excellent fuel efficiency, but owners don’t like the low 1,500 pound towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Subaru Forester Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Subaru Forester include excessive battery drain, Bluetooth connectivity issues, as well as windshields which chip easily. Overall, these issues are relatively minor compared to other small SUVs, leading to lower repair costs, too.
Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint from 2019 Subaru Forester owners at around 10,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in modern cars which sometimes drain the battery even when it’s off. Diagnosing the excessive battery drain costs around $150, while a new battery is about $250. Some owners also replace it with a larger battery, which costs around $440.
Bluetooth connectivity issues have also been reported by Forester owners in the first 5,000 miles. There is a software update for the stereo system which improves the reliability of the Bluetooth connection. Most dealers will install the update for free, while others charge around $50.
Windshields, which chip easily are another issue mentioned by owners at 6,000 miles. There are some batches of windshields which are weaker than others, leading to them chipping and cracking easily. Replacing the windshield costs around $650. We also recommend avoiding following too closely, especially on rocky roads, to prevent damage to the windshield.
There are 3 recalls on the 2019 Subaru Forester, which is similar to other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers the rear stabilizer bolts, which can detach and allow the suspension to come loose. Subaru will retorque and replace any bolts on affected models. Other recalls cover a broken PCV valve, as well as the electronic power steering assistance system. Subaru will replace and repair those parts for free as well.
How Long Will the 2019 Subaru Forester Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Subaru Forester can last around 250,000 miles, which is only about 50,000 less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $438 per year.
As a used 2019 Subaru Forester reaches 100,000 miles, owners should be prepared to replace the axle boots for $250, spark plugs costing $450, as well as the serpentine belt, which costs $185.
I feel that the forester is very reliable. I have not had any problems as of yet. I have not had to use any of the drive features.
The car does not have any problems. It runs well. Gas mileage is decent. I like the CarPlay feature.
No problems. 100% totally reliable. It has not had any mechanical or design problems. But I have to say I would expect that from any 2019 new car.
Yes, I haven't had any problems and know that this vehicle will last a long time because Subaru is known for being reliable.
The wipers are kind of iffy but that is an easy fix. I would say it is a very reliable car, Subarus overall are known to be very reliable. That is why so many people in Vermont for example have them.
None at all. I have almost 19,000 miles in a year. I have had to replace two windshields due to rocks hitting it on the interstate and the windshield cracking all the way across.
Yes it is. It has given me no good problem this time round or at any time in the process of driving this car.
It is very reliable and I really enjoy driving it I have only had a couple of problems with the radio.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s an optional larger 8-inch touchscreen system available as well.
Safety technology is fantastic for a compact SUV. Subaru’s Eyesight safety system is standard. It includes a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include automatic high-beam headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, as well as reverse automatic emergency braking.
Is the 2019 Subaru Forester a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Subaru Forester is a good value for great reliability paired with all of the safety technology. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $21,275 to $28,325, making it more than a Mazda CX-5 or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $24,295 to $34,295. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?
There are five models of the Subaru Forester offered in 2019, from the entry-level Base, all the way up to the well-equipped Touring. The Forester also comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is great in the snow and dirt.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Automatic LED Headlights
- Rearview Camera
- Push-Button Start
- Bluetooth
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- Four-Speaker Audio System
- Subaru Eyesight Safety System
Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Roof Rails
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Rear Spoiler
- Hill Descent Control
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Rear Air Vents
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Sport has additional features such as:
- 18-Inch Black Painted Wheels
- LED Foglights
- Keyless Entry
- Rear Roof Spoiler
- Orange Interior and Exterior Accents
- Steering Wheel-Mounted Paddle Shifters
Limited offers good upgrades like:
- Adaptive Headlights
- Leather Upholstery
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power Liftgate
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
Touring is the flagship model which has:
- LED Foglights
- Heated Steering Wheel
- DriverFocus System
- Heated Rear Seats
- Nine-Speaker Harmon Kardon Premium Audio System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?
The engine found in the 2018 Subaru Forester is a relatively weak 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 182 horsepower while getting up to 29 MPG. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Performance is slow, taking 8.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?
The 2019 Subaru Forester is a very comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Seating offers very comfortable padding with soft cloth or leather options which hold up well over time.
Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin with enough legroom for taller adults in the rear seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?
Cargo space is good for a compact SUV, although it’s not as large as some of the competition. There’s enough room for 6-8 suitcases behind the rear seat, and around 15 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Subaru Forester was launched in 2019.
2015: Rearview camera standard on all models, 18-inch wheels available.
2016: New stereo system with 6.2 or 7-inch touchscreens depending on the model.
2017: EyeSight safety system updated with lane departure intervention.
2018: Black edition launched with dark trim and wheels.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with more room, a stronger engine, as well as better safety technology.
2020: All-weather package added to Premium model, standard lane-centering assistance.
2021: Automatic high beams are standard on all models.
How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?
The Subaru Forester is a great compact SUV, offering excellent safety technology, good reliability scores, along with a strong all-wheel drive system.
The Subaru Outback is another SUV offered by Subaru which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Forester offers a more responsive driving experience. We recommend the Subaru Outback since the extra money is worth it for the added practicality.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact competitor which costs around $2,000 more. Performance is better in the Toyota RAV4 with its stronger engines, while the Subaru Forester’s standard all-wheel drive system is better in the snow. We recommend the Toyota RAV4, although both are very good compact SUVs worth taking a look at.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?
Yes. My Subaru drives well and has great safety features. I love how it handles in inclement weather.
Yes. It has a lot of features to increase safe driving. Handles well in rain and snow. Very spacious backseat. Trunk is also very spacious. I like the push to open/close trunk button.
Yes, love it a lot. Handles great in bad weather, and gravel road, rugged yet refined. Great interior features and infotainment system too.
Yes, it is great on gas and is big enough for a family of four. It has nice upgrades like adaptive cruise control and heated seats. It is a safe vehicle due to lane assist and eyesight.
Yes, absolutely love it. I feel safe driving it in all sorts of weather and it is the perfect size for traveling as the trunk provides a lot of space. I also just love the way it looks.
Yes! I love this vehicle-the gas mileage, the safety features, the comfort inside the vehicle plus we have hauled lots of stuff in this vehicle-it does it all.
Yes it is, it is very much a quality of something great. It has great drive and good features, as it has a four wheel drive.
It is an excellent vehicle. I love its handling ride acceleration quietness and versatility. It has a lot of storage to. It is the perfect car for young family.