The 2019 Subaru Forester is a well thought-out crossover SUV with exceptional space, a great ride, and standard AWD without a fuel-economy penalty.
Pros Fantastic utility Comfortable ride Great safety tech Thrifty for a crossover Good value
Cons Sun Belters might want FWD Manual and turbo gone Sport trim about looks only Dowdy styling
Completely redesigned for 2019 More powerful 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine Subaru's EyeSight system is standard on all models Increased passenger and cargo space 2.0-liter turbocharged engine has been discontinued
Pros Standard all-wheel drive A full complement of driver assists is standard equipment Off-road ability with better-than-average ground clearance Generous cargo capacity
Cons Handling isn't as composed as it is in some competitors CVT automatic feels less responsive than a conventional automatic Modest tow rating limits overall utility Only available engine is underpowered
It looks visually similar to the last model, so has enough changed to entice buyers into the all-new Subaru Forester?
Pros Loaded with safety and convenience features Ultra-wide passenger door opening aperture Full-time all-wheel drive system Fuel efficient four-cylinder petrol engine
Cons Archaic three-year warranty 12,500km service intervals Higher starting price
Like its recently reborn Range Rover siblings, the Discovery switches to aluminium construction – 85% of the body-in-white is made of the stuff – which means big weight savings; the lightest Disco 5 is 480kg lighter than the lightest 4 and stiffer too, although it still pushes the scales to 2.1 tonnes. It's no flyweight.There’s magnesium in the nose, higher-strength aluminium in key safety zones and steel subframes; Land Rover says the latter mean more load space and a better centre of gravity. Rear end aside, arguably, it looks good on the road, the interior is comfortable and smart as well as life-swallowingly practical and the driving experience is fit to deal with almost anything you can throw at it. It’s far from being a cheap car, but it’s also ready to be your only car.
