2018 New York Auto Show: All-New Subaru Forester

This week at the 2018 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), Subaru revealed a newly-redesigned Subaru Forester to usher in the SUV's fifth generation. Subaru calls the latest iteration of its bestselling SUV as "the roomiest, most capable and most versatile Forester ever made and also features groundbreaking new safety technology."

Visually, the upright, two-box exterior remains intact, so it's still the roomy and rugged Forester you've come to know. The 2019 model is built on the Japanese car brand's Subaru Global Platform, resulting in a cabin that's longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor. The new platform adds other perks as well, such as better agility, crash protection, quietness, ride comfort, and driving pleasure. The 2019 Subaru Forester will come in five distinct trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Sport, a new addition to the lineup that replaces the turbocharged Forester XT.

Every 2019 Forester will be equipped with the brand's latest engine, a 2.5-liter direct-injection boxer that delivers 182 hp and 239 Nm of torque. In comparison, the outgoing Forester only had 170 hp and 236 Nm torque capabilities. The new engine comes with an Auto Stop/Start feature and mated to a standard Lineartronic CVT. For those looking for a manual mode, the Sport and Touring models have the feature connected to steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All trim levels will possess Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Subaru tackles the issue of distracted driving with its very own DriverFocus technology, which uses facial recognition software to detect signs of fatigue and distraction. DriverFocus works in unison with Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more--to prevent accidents. EyeSight can recognize up to five drivers and remember their personal preferences regarding cabin climate, seat position, and multifunction infotainment display, among others.

Touching on the subject of infotainment, most of the trims will receive an eight-inch touchscreen with Multimedia Plus and Multimedia Navigation systems. The lone base trim however, gets a smaller 6.5-inch screen. The system comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, so your mobile will work regardless of your preferred OS.

The 2019 Forester will hit Subaru showrooms around the globe sometime in the end of 2018.