The Redesigned 2019 Subaru Forester Starts At $24,295

Following its debut at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Subaru has announced the 2019 Forester will be priced from $24,295.

Costing $500 more than its predecessor, the redesigned crossover is larger and more luxurious than before. The model also features an evolutionary design and an assortment of new driver assistance features.

Starting with the base model, the 2019 Forester has LED headlights and an active shutter grille to improve fuel-efficiency. 17-inch steel wheels are standard, but 17-inch alloy wheels are only a $600 option.

The interior is bit basic, but it comes equipped with an automatic climate control system and a 6.5-inch infotainment system featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Buyers will also find power windows / locks, a four-speaker audio system and a rearview camera. Other highlights include a tilt / telescoping steering wheel and a keyless entry system.

On the safety front, the crossover comes equipped with an EyeSight driver assistance system which provides adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist.

The Forester Premium starts at $26,695 and it features a more upscale design with rear privacy glass and 17-inch alloy wheels. The model also comes equipped with a panoramic glass moonroof, a body-color rear spoiler and black roof rails.

Inside, there’s a handful of additional equipment including a 10-way power driver’s seat and an upgraded instrument cluster with a color LCD display. Other nice touches include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system and a rear seat with a reclining backrest.

The Forester Sport sits in the middle of the lineup and it starts at $28,795. As the name suggests, the model has a sportier appearance as it features a unique grille and a stainless steel exhaust tip. The crossover also has orange accents and 18-inch wheels with a black finish.

The sporty styling continues in the cabin as drivers will find unique trim, orange contrast stitching and special seats. Other changes include a “sport design” instrument cluster and a steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The model has also been equipped with a keyless access system and a push button ignition. Last but not least, it has the All-Weather Package which includes heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.

One step up the trim ladder is the Forester Limited which begins at $30,795. This model focuses on luxury and it includes perforated leather seats, an 8-inch infotainment system and 18-inch wheels with a two-tone finish. There’s also a dual-zone automatic climate control which responds to voice commands. Rounding out the highlights are blind spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert.

The range-topping Forester Limited Touring starts at $34,295 and it features satin chrome mirror caps and chrome door handles.

Bigger changes occur in the cabin as the buyers will find an 8-way power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. Subaru also installs heated rear seats and an 8-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.

Regardless of which trim level is selected, all Foresters are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 176 lb-ft (238 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This enables the crossover to return an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined.