With a solid Subaru lineup, you may wonder whether the 2019 Subaru Forester Sport stands out. But if you’re looking for a small SUV that’s a great commuter car, the Sport trim might be your choice.
What does the 2019 Subaru Forester Sport have to offer?
A closer look at the 2019 Subaru Forester Sport shows there isn’t a great deal that sets the Sport trim apart from the rest of the lineup. But there are a few differences that could just win you over. For example, you’ll still get the 182-hp 2.5-liter H-4 engine with 7-speed CVT engine with overdrive, but the Sport trim adds a twist with its sport mode.
We’ll tell you what to expect from this trim and why you might want to choose it over the others. But first, we’ll start with a quick look at this SUV overall.
Overview of the 2019 Subaru Forester
One thing you can say about Subaru—it tries its hardest to give its SUV lineup names that make it sound as though the owners are out camping on the side of a mountain, when in reality they’re more likely to be hauling the kids to a soccer game.
But that’s OK with Subaru fans—they’re happy knowing they could be on the side of that mountain, or at least a really challenging hill, if they wanted to be.
The 2019 Subaru Forester represents a new generation, though, and it seems Subaru is content to admit this little SUV it really just a happy commuter vehicle.
While the automaker claims there are few things beyond the nuts and bolts that aren’t brand new for 2019, that may not always be evident to the casual observer.
You will find a stiffer platform and new K-braces for front end suspension stability across all models.
The 2.5-liter flat-four engine found in every Forester is now direct injected. Gone is the turbocharged engine option, which may make the 2019 model less appealing to some Forester fans.
Sport Trim
You’ll find the 2019 Forester available in five trim levels, counting the base, with the Sport trim smack dab in the middle. The lower trims are the Base and Premium while above the Sport, you’ll find the Limited and Touring models.
You can expect the 2019 Subaru Forester Sport to give you the best of the Base and Premium trims, with features like automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, touchscreen display, Bluetooth, two front-area USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rear backup camera, and Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite.
From the Premium trim, the Sport adds its alloy wheels, panoramic moonroof, reclining rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10-way adjustable driver’s seat, six-speaker stereo, X-Mode with hill descent control, and Wi-Fi hotspot.
But what is specifically added for the Sport Trim?
For some would-be owners, the Sport’s $2,100 higher MSRP compared to the Premium seems difficult to justify. For others, the Sport’s continuously variable transmission with seven-speed manual mode for that engaging, “sports car” drive may be satisfying enough to justify the higher price tag.
When all is said and done, the Sport has 18-inch wheels, some sporty details inside and out, and the aforementioned Sport mode to set it apart from other trims as well as justify its higher price, all features that can’t be added to the lower Premium trim.
The Sport trim level also offers upgrades to the infotainment package that don’t come standard with the Premium trim level, though they are available.
If you decide to opt for the Sport, you can expect to find fog lights and heated front seats. You’ll also gain the convenience of a proximity key and push-button start. Subaru also added two rear-seat USB ports in addition to the two existing ones.
But in the end, it could be the best features of the Forester Sport are actually the aforementioned features that are already found throughout the trim range—roominess, a stiffer chassis, improved suspension, and on higher trims, the 18-in. wheels, and bigger touchscreen.
Get the Right Vehicle for You
If you’re considering a 2019 Subaru Forester, you might want to take a look at the Sport trim. But, the only real way to know which trim is for you is to check out the Vehicle History. You’ll learn about all the specs, so, you know just what you’re getting.
