Billy Covington Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a reliable SUV that can handle all your adventures? The Subaru Forester could be the perfect fit for you. This versatile vehicle is known for its ruggedness, safety features, and outstanding performance in any terrain. But with so many different model years to choose from, which one is the best?
In this article, we’ll compare the features, performance, and safety ratings of different Subaru Forester model years, and tell you which one is our top recommendation.
A Brief Overview of the Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has been in production since 1997. Throughout its history, the Forester has won numerous awards for safety and reliability. It’s known for its all-wheel drive system, spacious interior, and fuel efficiency.
Over the years, the Forester has undergone many changes and upgrades, increasing its popularity among car enthusiasts.
Comparison of Different Model Years
2014-2018 Subaru Forester
The 2014-2018 Forester was an excellent choice for those looking for a well-rounded vehicle for everyday use. It has a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and smooth ride. It comes standard with all-wheel-drive, and it can be equipped with a turbo 2.0-liter engine that offers more than enough power for most drivers.
However, it has some drawbacks. One of them is the lack of Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally, the infotainment system can be frustrating to use, and it can feel outdated compared to newer models.
2019-2020 Subaru Forester
The 2019-2020 Forester has some significant improvements over the previous models. One of the most significant changes is the new Subaru Global Platform. It offers a smoother ride, a more spacious interior, and better fuel efficiency. It also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure prevention.
The 2019-2020 Forester also comes with better infotainment. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and it has an intuitive interface that makes it easier to use.
2021 Subaru Forester
The 2021 Forester comes with some updates, but nothing too major. It offers a new lane-centering feature, which can be helpful for long drives. Additionally, it comes with automatic high beams, which makes driving at night easier and safer.
The 2021 Forester is a great choice overall, but there are some drawbacks. One of them is the lack of a turbocharged engine. Furthermore, some people may find that the exterior and interior styling are too conservative compared to other models.
Differences in Features, Performance, and Safety Ratings
Below, you’ll find a table that outlines the differences in features, performance, and safety ratings between the different Subaru Forester models we discussed:
| Model Year | Features | Performance | Safety Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2018 | Spacious interior, available turbo engine, standard all-wheel-drive | 170-250 hp, 22/28 MPG city/highway | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| 2019-2020 | New Subaru Global Platform, standard adaptive cruise control and lane departure prevention, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 182 hp, 26/33 MPG city/highway | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| 2021 | New lane-centering feature, automatic high beams, standard all-wheel-drive | 182 hp, 26/33 MPG city/highway | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
Pros and Cons of Each Model Year
2014-2018 Subaru Forester
Pros:
- Available Turbo engine
- Spacious interior
- Standard all-wheel-drive
Cons:
- Outdated infotainment system
- No Apple Carplay or Android Auto
2019-2020 Subaru Forester
Pros:
- Improved safety features
- Better infotainment system
- Spacious interior
Cons:
- No turbocharged engine
- Conservative exterior and interior styling
2021 Subaru Forester
Pros:
- Lane-centering feature
- Automatic high beams
- Standard all-wheel-drive
Cons:
- No turbocharged engine
- Conservative exterior and interior styling
Recommendations Based on Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
Our top recommendation for the best Subaru Forester year is the 2019-2020 model year. It strikes the best balance between features, performance, and safety ratings. Its new Subaru Global Platform offers a smooth ride, and its suite of advanced safety features makes driving safer and more comfortable. Additionally, its infotainment system is among the best in its class.
However, your decision will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you’re looking for more power and don’t mind a slightly outdated infotainment system, you might prefer the 2014-2018 model year. Similarly, if you’re looking for a more rugged and capable-looking vehicle, the 2021 Forester might appeal to you more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most important things to look for when buying a Subaru Forester?
A: Some of the most important things to consider when purchasing a Subaru Forester include its safety ratings, fuel efficiency, cargo space, and all-wheel-drive capabilities.
Q: Are there any common issues with Subaru Foresters?
A: Some common issues with Subaru Foresters include oil leaks, faulty airbags, and transmission problems. However, most of these issues can be avoided with regular maintenance and care.
Q: What is the price range for a Subaru Forester?
A: The price range for a new Subaru Forester ranges from $24,795 to $34,895. The price of a used Forester will depend on the model year, mileage, and condition of the vehicle.
Conclusion
The Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable vehicle that can handle any terrain. While there are many different model years to choose from, we recommend the 2019-2020 model year. However, your choice will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. We hope that this comprehensive comparison of different Subaru Forester year models will help you make an informed decision.
