2019 Subaru Forester Technology & Safety Review

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.

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.

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.