The 2019 Subaru Forester doesn’t come with a turbo variant – that should be known by now and we should all move on from that loss. However, the departure from a sporty crossover and to the now more family-oriented vehicle comes with a rather welcome combination: heavy tech features at a relatively affordable price point.
Here’s a closer look at the Forester’s tech and safety features, along with the things that could have been better.
Related: 2019 Subaru Forester Review
Technology: Fully-loaded but with two misses
What’s included: Motorized seat adjustment with memory function, auto-up and down for the front windows, auto-headlights with manual levelizer, power-folding and power-adjustable side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, electronic parking brake, brake hold, automatic dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, push start ignition, EyeSight tech (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation), power tailgate, 8-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and six speakers.
The list above is quite a handful, right? That’s what you’ll get in spending P1,698,000 in a roomy, 5-seater compact crossover. All of these features work like a charm, except maybe for the brake hold which can be improved by softening its launch from a standstill. Other than that, you’re pretty much covered, which brings us to the next part.
What you won’t like: No speed-sensing door locks, no Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Yes, the Subaru Forester doesn’t have speed-sensing door locks for its mid-2.0i-L variant, not even in its top-level premium trim. Considering how important we see this tech in modern cars, it’s quite surprising for a fully-loaded vehicle to not have this feature.
Another thing I wish the Forester has for its price is Apple Carplay or Android Auto. This day and age, these connectivity apps make for an easy smartphone connection – something younger car owners would really appreciate.
Safety: Filling out the spec sheet
What’s included: EyeSight tech (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision mitigation), seven airbags, five 3-point seatbelts, front seatbelt reminder, ABS with EBD, brake assist system, brake override system, and ISOFIX child seat tethers.
The EyeSight technology may be classified as a convenient thing to have but it’s also a safety system for obvious reasons. Aside from that, the multitude of safety features pretty much fills out the rest of the Forester’s spec sheet, plus it also has Subaru’s famed all-wheel-drive system that improves traction, especially during the rainy days. There’s no blind-spot monitor, however, but the Forester’s huge greenhouse and generous visibility don’t really warrant for one.
Specifications
Engine
2.0 LFuel Type
GasolinePerformance
154 hp @ 6,000 rpmTransmission
CVT-
Summary
-
Name Subaru Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight CVT Body Type Crossover Price ₱1,938,000 Transmission Category CVT -
Engine
-
Engine Size 2.0 L Displacement 1,995 cc Number of Cylinders 4 Number of Valves 16 Transmission Type Lineartronic CVT -
Performance
-
Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Max Output (HP) 154 hp @ 6,000 rpm Max Torque (nm) 196 Nm @ 4,000 rpm *Acceleration Rate (0-100 km/h) 10.3s Top Speed 193 km/h *estimated -
Economy & Environment
-
Fuel Type Gasoline CO2 Emission 168.0 g/km Fuel Capacity 63 L *Fuel Consumption 7.4 L/100 km *Range n/a *estimated -
Dimensions
-
Length 4,625 mm Width 1,815 mm Height 1,730 mm Wheelbase 2,670 mm Turning Circle 10.8 m Ground Clearance 220 mm Wading Depth n/a Trunk Capacity 505 L Max Cargo 1,775 L Number of Doors 5 Number of Seats 5 -
Safety & Security
-
Driver's Airbag Front Passenger's Airbag Side Airbags Curtain Airbags Knee Airbag Auto Brake System Electronic Brake Distribution Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Immobilizer Security Alarm Stability Control Electronic Door Locks Speed Sensing Door Locks ISOFIX Lane Departure Warning System Blind-Spot Detection System -
Features
-
Cruise Control Front Parking Sensors Rear Parking Sensors Leather Upholstery Push Start Button Wheel Size 17 in Wheels Metal Type Alloy Airconditioning System Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control Entertainment System 8-inch Audio and Multi-Information Touchscreen Display Connectivity Aux, Bluetooth, and USB Navigation Ready Warranty 3 Years (100,000 km) Keyless Entry Roof Rack Sunroof Electric Adjustable Seats Power Steering Power Windows Power Outlet Steering Wheel Audio Control -
Technology
-
Active Park Assist Hill Start Assist AWD Modes Active Torque Split S-AWD Tire Pressure Monitoring Heads-up Display Power Liftgate Start-stop System
Latest Review
-
2024 Toyota Wigo G CVT Review / Review
The 2024 Toyota Wigo G CVT is proof that you can still get more for less even in this day and age.
4.0 / 5 -
2024 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door GLX Review / Review
The five-door Jimny will allow you to bring more people to join in the fun but is it worth the steep price?
4.0 / 5 -
2023 GAC Empow GE Review / Review
Can the GAC Empow GE have what it takes to keep up with more established names in the segment? Let’s find out.
4.2 / 5
Popular Articles
-
Cheapest cars under P700,000 in the Philippines
Aug 25, 2023
-
First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
Jun 18, 2021
-
Car Maintenance checklist and guide – here’s everything you need to know
Earl Lee · Jan 12, 2021
-
Most fuel efficient family cars in the Philippines
Bryan Aaron Rivera · Nov 27, 2020
-
2021 Geely Okavango — Everything you need to know
Joey Deriquito · Nov 19, 2020
-
Family cars in the Philippines with the biggest trunks
Sep 20, 2023
-
Head to head: Toyota Rush vs. Suzuki XL7
Joey Deriquito · Oct 28, 2020
-
Why oil changes are important for your car
Earl Lee · Nov 10, 2020
-
2021 Kia Stonic — What you need to know about it
Joey Deriquito · Oct 16, 2020
-
Top 7 tips for buying a used car in the Philippines
Joey Deriquito · Nov 26, 2020