DecodedCars2019 Subaru Forester
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 2.5i / Convenience / Touring 4dr SUV, Sport / Limited / Premier 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 182 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,459–3,549 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2019 small SUV (23.8 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,459 lb (2.5i / Convenience / Touring 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 22% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 23.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 834 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2019
- New body dimensions: 1.2 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Forester →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Forester configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5i / Convenience / Touring 4dr SUV | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 68.1 in | 105.1 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,459 lb | 58/42 |
| Sport / Limited / Premier 4dr SUV | 182.3 in | 71.7 in | 68.1 in | 105.1 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,549 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +22% | $2,300 | 310 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Forester (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (3)
Suspension › Rear · Apr 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V263000 · 408,271 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
- Risk
- Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Dec 2, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V856000 · 51,613 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Feb 6, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V065000 · 10,417 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Not every 2019 Subaru Forester is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Subaru Forester buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 370 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 132 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 106 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 7,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Forester. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Forester years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 32 |
| 2025 Forester | 35 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 99 |
| 2024 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2023 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 74 |
| 2022 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 100 |
| 2021 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 212 |
| 2020 Forester | 29 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 603 |
| 2018 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 498 |
| 2017 Forester | 28 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 592 |
| 2016 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 416 |
| 2015 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 608 |
| 2014 Forester | 27 | 181.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 364 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →