Performance

With its slew of changes, Subaru has opted to retain the Forester 2.5-liter flat-four cylinder with its continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. However, the engine has been refined this year, so now it offers 180 horsepower and 178 lbs.-ft of torque. For comparison, the Forester's output was 182 horsepower and 176 lbs.-torque last year.

Design

With its redesigned body, drivers can expect several differences compared to previous models. For starters, the Touring trim has a new 19-inch alloy wheels, which is a first for the model. There's also an increase in ground clearance to 8.7 inches. Combined with the model's symmetrical all-wheel drive, these new features give the Forester better control in inclement weather or on rougher terrain.

The cabin has also been updated and now offers a leather-wrapped gear selector and heated-and-ventilated front seats in its mid-tier trims. There's also a new panoramic moonroof, which adds more light to the cabin. The cargo area has been expanded to offer 74.4 cubic feet of space when the seats are folded flat.

Technology

Not only has the cabin's design changed, but so has the technology offered. The Base model will now have an updated STARLINK Multimedia system that runs on a dual seven-inch display. Although, a new 11.6-inch touchscreen is offered in higher trims. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both monitors, only the 11.6-inch screen has wireless functionality. Additional features include an integrated navigation system and a wireless charging pad.

Safety

Safety is important to Subaru, and it's why the Forester is equipped with the brand's suite of camera-based features called EyeSight. This bundle features adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. In models like the Sport or Touring, more advanced features are offered, like blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, evasive steering assistance, and a driver monitoring system.