EXPERT RATING
8.2

Likes

AEB and active cruise now standard
No stone unturned on the features list
Fantastic list of safety features

Dislikes

No performance advantage over base model
Barely recognizable over previous model
Engine options scaled back from four to one
Photo of Malcolm Flynn
Malcolm Flynn

Editor

1 min read

The $41,490 2.5i-S is the new top-of-the-range option in this fifth-generation Subaru Forester line-up, sitting $3000 above the 2.5i-Premium and just $8000 above the 2.5i entry model.

All Foresters now come standard with AEB and active cruise control via the EyeSight active safety system, while convenience steps up to the current status quo with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus DAB digital radio.

The 2.5i-S adds even more exterior and interior garnishing, including leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio plus a subwoofer, and the X-Mode off-road drive program scores two modes to choose from, tailored for either snow/dirt or deep snow/mud.

Like all new Foresters, the 2.5i-S comes with a 90 per cent-new 2.5-litre boxer petrol engine, which produces 136kW and 239Nm. A CVT auto is the only transmission now offered, but all Foresters continue to send power to all four wheels via Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Also like all new Foresters, the 2.5i-S carries an official combined fuel consumption figure of 7.4L/100km.

Read the full 2019 Subaru Forester review

Subaru Forester 2019: 2.5I-S (Awd)

Engine Type Inline 4, 2.5L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 7.4L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $22,990 - $28,380
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$25,575
Based on 319 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$9,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$35,910
Back when all cars burned fuel and couldn't drive themselves, Mal was curing boredom by scanning every car his parents' VB Commodore drove past. His childhood appreciation for the car world exploded during a three-year stint in the US, and serious questions were asked when he spent a good chunk of his uni career perfecting lap times at Wakefield Park. Mal got his big break scooping the VE II Commodore, before a stint at Overlander magazine and kicking off his online career with The Motor Report in its heyday. These days he's exactly the same height as Michael Schumacher and uses his powers for good at the helm of CarsGuide's editorial team. Mal proudly shuns brand allegiance and counts three young kids, an EH Holden, NA MX-5, KE20 Corolla, W116 Mercedes-Benz and the world's most versatile Toyota Echo among his personal stable. He also craves a Subaru Vortex, so get in touch if you know where to find one.  
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$9,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2019 Subaru Forester
See Pricing & Specs

Have you considered?

Mahindra XUV3XO
Mahindra XUV3XO
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai Venue
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Ignis
MG ZS
MG ZS
Check out more SUVs

Comments