The fifth generation Subaru Forester was launched in 2019 and enjoyed healthy sales averaging over 11,000 units a year. This member of Subaru’s all-wheel drive family dropped its plain Jane styling a few generations back and the fifth edition continued its evolution with a more muscular exterior appearance and a roomier interior with plenty of in-demand features. Here’s what to look for when buying a used Subaru Forester.
Used Subaru Forester 2019-2024 engine options and trims
The 2019-2024 Forester came in no fewer than 7 different trim levels starting at the entry 2.5i then moving up the price and features scale through Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and topping out with the Premier. All levels come with Subaru’s famed Symmetrical full-time all-wheel drive and power came from a 2.5 L boxer 4-cylinder engine putting out 182 hp.
Boxer engines see the cylinders lying flat across from each other in pairs, with the crankshaft in the middle; a traditional layout for Subaru that permits lower hood lines and centre of gravity. Power was delivered to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Subaru’s famous EyeSight Driver Assist feature was only available on higher level trims in 2019 but as of 2022 became standard equipment across all Foresters.
Used Subaru Forester 2019-2024 price range
Asking prices range from $16,000 to $46,000 depending on the model year, trim and mileage the SUV has covered.
Subaru Forester 2019-2024 interior and practicality
The Forester has a roomy interior including rear seat and cargo space. Its taller doors with plenty of glass deliver great visibility and easy access. Infotainment systems are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive requires no driver input and due to the symmetrical layout of the drive-train, torque steer (the force that pulls the steering to one direction on hard acceleration) is nonexistent.
An 8.2L/100km combined fuel rating and a 63L capacity tank will bring ranges in the 800 km neighbourhood. The ride is better than average for an all-wheel drive with less of the chop and harshness experienced on other models in this class.
Problems in Used 2019-2024 Subaru Forester
Without a turbo-charged engine, the 2.5L power-plant has been described as ho-hum in terms of performance. It has a little more engine noise in the passenger cabin than might be expected at higher rpms, but when cruising at highway speeds, the CVT transmission keeps engine speeds low and noise levels are acceptable to most drivers. While earlier generations had their share of complaints about head gasket and transmission failures, the fifth gen (2019-24) only seems to collect a few concerns about windshield chips and cracks.
Subaru Forester reliability
This generation of Foresters has no noticeable reliability issues, and common repair and maintenance parts are readily available from a wide variety of suppliers including original equipment dealerships. However, certain independent shops have limited experience with engine and transmission systems on Subarus, so seeking out an experienced repair centre as well as a convenient factory dealership can make for a much easier ownership experience.
2019 models were recalled for suspension, engine and steering related issues, while 2022 models were recalled for an inoperative inhibitor switch. Both the 2023 and 2024 models were recalled for a broken driveshaft.
Which used Subaru Forester should you buy?
The best used Subaru Forester to buy would be the most recent model that fits your budget. But there are more things to consider. For example, if you plan on towing anything, the Wilderness version of the Forester has double the towing capacity at 3000 lbs of all other trim levels. Few other manufacturers can match this feature in this class of SUV/Crossover. The Wilderness also boasts a slightly higher ground clearance for deep rutted cottage roads. The remaining differences between the trims are mostly cosmetic or involve better infotainment systems and navigation.
As previously noted only the early years of the fifth generation didn’t offer Subaru’s collision mitigation Eyesight Driver Assist system as standard equipment on the lower trimmed 2.5i, and it’s worth having. And having full-time all wheel drive in Canada, without breaking the bank or straining your muscles getting in and out is a major plus.
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