BUYER'S GUIDE: 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester still carries its tradition of emphasizing practicality and laid-back elegance BOTH in its design and features. Of course, its newest version has ventured farther into the wild by introducing a bolder design, bolder than its predecessor. But still, we still think it's far "too safe" compared to others--and the Forester doesn't apologize for that.

That's what we love about this dependable crossover: it oozes self-assurance. It knows what it is--and knows what it isn't. It doesn't try to jump into the "auto bandwagon," because it's not even there to join the festivities. You'll probably see it after those festivities are through--and long after that, when the bandwagons have faded and dusted off towards the sunset.

Exterior

It seems the newest Forester decided to hit the gym and bulk up a bit. Now more toned and muscular, its hefty size extends to its structure: it's now 15-mm longer in body compared to its previous generation.

Don't be fooled by the slightly rugged and aggressive stance, though. The Forester is still as strong and capable in performance and features, so you won't feel like you've been deprived.

Interior

Get inside the Forester, and you'll find that the interior space is laid-back but classy. Even the fabric seats look elegant. One notable thing we'd like to mention is its spaciousness. Everything is designed for efficient use of space--even the front and rear seats are modified to make them wider. There's also space above and below even for the taller ones to move about--unless you're a semi-giant (to full-blown giant), of course.

Comfort and Convenience

Subaru Forester's strengths are its features, which are mostly designed for comfort. The one-touch folding switches allow the cargo area to fold automatically, expanding the luggage space to fold without breaking a sweat. Aside from the standard instrument cluster, touchscreen control, voice recognition, it also has High-Grade Multifunction Display, Premium Audio System with Harman / Kardon Speakers, and Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls.

The Keyless Access and Push-button Start allows easy access inside, and even without your key fob, you can simply input your 5-digit PIN code to unlock your car doors.

Safety

Safety features are quite impressive. Aside from the usual (height-adjustable) seatbelts, ABS-EBD protection, SRS airbags, it also offers a Cabin-Protecting Layout (to protect the engine from getting inside the interior in case of a collision), Pedestrian Protection, Brake Assist, Brake Override, Auto Vehicle Hold (to prevent rollback when on a slope). What's more, it offers a Vehicle Dynamics Control System to monitor and analyze a driver's intended course through sensors.

Engine Specifications

The Subaru Forester comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, 16-valve Boxer engine.  It can juice out 156 hp and crank out 196 Nm of torque. 

The Subaru Boxer engine gives the engine a lower center of gravity, giving it a better sense of balance, stability and less vibrations compared to the V-type or in-line engines in the same class.

Our Verdict

The Subaru Forester doesn't need a lengthy description to prove its reliability on the road. It has already proven itself time and time again, and continues to perform way even better than expected. While it may not be that heart-stopping vehicle designed to tickle your aesthetic fetishes to oblivion, it will continue to be that tough, old dependable SUV you can rely on through thick and thin.  Indeed, no other SUV epitomizes function over form better than a Subaru Forester.