Oil Consumption (FB25D Engine)
medium- Typically appears
- 40–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $500
2019 Subaru
ForesterSUV
SUV
The 2019 Subaru Forester is the fifth-generation model, a complete redesign over the 2018. Subaru dropped the turbocharged XT trim and standardized a naturally aspirated 2.5L direct-injected flat-four across the lineup, pairing it with a CVT and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. The result is a compact SUV that prioritizes practicality, all-weather capability, and safety over outright performance. Cargo room improved significantly over the previous generation, and EyeSight driver-assist tech is standard on most trims. For Lake Geneva-area drivers, the 2019 Forester is a legitimate year-round tool. The AWD system handles Wisconsin winters confidently without needing snow tires to feel planted, though a dedicated winter tire set still makes a meaningful difference. The 8.7-inch ground clearance handles unplowed parking lots and country roads comfortably. The 2019 is a solid used-market buy with one footnote: oil consumption. Subaru acknowledged higher-than-expected consumption on the FB25D direct-injection engine and issued a TSB. Check oil level at every fill-up, and get a used example's oil consumption history before buying.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Forester AWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
26 city / 33 hwy / 29 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Length
182.1 inches
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2019 Subaru Forester is the fifth-generation model, a complete redesign over the 2018. Subaru dropped the turbocharged XT trim and standardized a naturally aspirated 2.5L direct-injected flat-four across the lineup, pairing it with a CVT and Subaru's symmetrical AWD. The result is a compact SUV that prioritizes practicality, all-weather capability, and safety over outright performance. Cargo room improved significantly over the previous generation, and EyeSight driver-assist tech is standard on most trims. For Lake Geneva-area drivers, the 2019 Forester is a legitimate year-round tool. The AWD system handles Wisconsin winters confidently without needing snow tires to feel planted, though a dedicated winter tire set still makes a meaningful difference. The 8.7-inch ground clearance handles unplowed parking lots and country roads comfortably. The 2019 is a solid used-market buy with one footnote: oil consumption. Subaru acknowledged higher-than-expected consumption on the FB25D direct-injection engine and issued a TSB. Check oil level at every fill-up, and get a used example's oil consumption history before buying.
Known for
- Symmetrical AWD standard on every trim
- Best-in-class ground clearance for the compact SUV segment (8.7 in)
- Strong IIHS safety ratings and standard EyeSight on most trims
- Spacious, practical interior with excellent visibility
- Long ownership loyalty — Subaru owners tend to keep their cars
Best for
- Wisconsin year-round commuters who want AWD without a truck
- Active outdoor families hauling gear on muddy back roads
- Safety-focused buyers wanting standard driver-assist tech
- Dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts needing easy cargo access
- Rural drivers navigating unplowed gravel roads in winter
Watch for
- Oil consumption on the FB25D engine — check the dipstick regularly
- Windshield cracking — a known design/material complaint for 2019
- CVT longevity is fluid-change dependent; don't skip the 30k service
- EyeSight camera can be obstructed by frost/fog — clean before driving
- Infotainment system can freeze or respond slowly, especially in cold
Common issues by mileage
6 knownWindshield Cracking
medium- Typically appears
- 0–50k mi
- Estimated repair
- $250 – $450
Camshaft Variable Valve Timing (AVCS) Issues — VVT Solenoid / Cam Timing Fault
low- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $800
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (P0420)
low- Typically appears
- 90–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,400
Infotainment System Freezing / Slow Response
medium- Typically appears
- 0–60k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $250
Battery Drain / Weak Battery in Cold Climates
medium- Typically appears
- 30–80k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $300
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 6,000 miles or 6 months — whichever comes first Engine Oil & Filter Change
0W-20 full synthetic is required. The FB25D direct-injection engine is prone to mild oil consumption; catching low levels early prevents serious wear. Don't stretch this interval.
- 2 Every 6,000 miles (with each oil change) Tire Rotation
Subaru's AWD system requires all four tires to stay within 2/32" of each other in tread depth. Mismatched wear can stress the center differential and AWD coupling. Rotate on schedule — no exceptions.
- 3 Every 30,000 miles using Subaru HS6 fluid only CVT Transmission Fluid Change
Subaru's CVT is reliable but fluid-sensitive. Using the wrong fluid or extending the interval beyond 30k miles significantly increases shudder and premature failure risk. This is a do-not-skip service.
- 4 Every 15,000 miles or 15 months Cabin Air Filter Replacement
Clogged cabin filters reduce defroster airflow — critical for windshield clearing in Wisconsin winters. Replace more frequently if driving on dusty gravel roads.
- 5 Every 30,000 miles Engine Air Filter Replacement
Direct-injection engines benefit from clean airflow. A dirty filter can affect fuel trims and contribute to carbon buildup on intake valves over time.
- 6 At every fuel fill-up or at minimum monthly Check Engine Oil Level
The FB25D can consume oil without triggering a warning light until dangerously low. Build the habit of checking the dipstick — it takes 30 seconds and can save an engine.
- 7 Every 30,000 miles or 3 years Brake Fluid Flush
DOT 3 fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point. In Wisconsin winters with aggressive braking on icy roads, degraded fluid is a safety concern.
- 8 Every 150,000 miles or 11 years (first interval); every 30,000 miles / 2 years after Coolant Service (Subaru Super Coolant)
Subaru Super Coolant has a long first-fill life, but using generic coolant as a top-off or substitute degrades corrosion protection and can damage the water pump seal. Always use the correct formula.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$500 – $900
Fuel
At 29 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,800/year at $3.00–$3.50/gallon. Predominantly city driving or winter warm-up idling will push toward the higher end.
Insurance
Typically $1,100–$1,500/year for full coverage in the Lake Geneva area for a driver with a clean record. EyeSight's safety record can earn discounts with some carriers — ask your agent.
The 2019 Forester is an economically sensible compact SUV to own. Routine annual maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations, filters) runs $500–$900 at an independent shop. The biggest budget wildcards are a CVT fluid change (~$200–$300 at a shop) every 30k miles, windshield replacement if cracking occurs ($250–$450 depending on EyeSight recalibration requirements), and oil top-offs if consumption is on the higher end. Avoid skipping CVT fluid and AWD differential services — those deferred costs can balloon into $3,000+ repairs.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Test the battery before November — the 2019 Forester's electronics place a meaningful draw on the battery, and a marginal battery that starts fine at 50°F will fail at -10°F. Replace anything testing below 450 CCA.
- Clean the EyeSight cameras (windshield-mounted stereo cameras behind the rearview mirror) before every drive in snow, frost, or heavy mist — the system will disable itself if obstructed, and you'll lose pre-collision braking and lane-keep assist.
- Switch to a winter-rated washer fluid rated to at least -20°F. The pump and lines run near the engine but the reservoir can still slush in extreme cold with summer fluid.
- Consider a dedicated set of winter tires on steel wheels. The AWD system is excellent but it cannot overcome physics on black ice — winter tires cut stopping distance by 25–40% over all-seasons.
- Rinse the undercarriage every 1–2 weeks during road-salt season. The Forester's subframe and brake lines are not immune to Wisconsin salt brine. Pay attention to the rear suspension mounting points.
- Keep the fuel tank at least half full in extreme cold — it reduces condensation in the tank and ensures the fuel pump pickup is always submerged.
Summer
- Check tire pressure after the first hot week of summer — pressure rises roughly 1 PSI per 10°F of ambient temperature gain. Overinflated tires reduce wet-road grip.
- Inspect and recharge the A/C system if cabin cooling is weak. The 2019 Forester's A/C is adequately sized but not powerful; a low-refrigerant system will struggle on humid 90°F days.
- Inspect wiper blades spring and fall — winter use degrades rubber quickly, and summer UV does the same. Don't wait until you need them in a downpour.
- Check coolant level and inspect hoses at the start of summer. The 8.5-quart cooling system handles heat well but a slow coolant leak found in June is much cheaper than a summer overheat.
- After a winter of road salt, inspect brake rotors for heavy surface rust and check brake pad thickness before summer road trips — rotors on AWD vehicles with frequent light braking can develop uneven wear.
Comparable vehicles
2019 Honda
CR-V
Direct rival in the compact SUV class. The CR-V offers a turbocharged 1.5L option with slightly better fuel economy and a roomier cargo area. AWD is optional, not standard. Some 2017–2019 CR-Vs had oil dilution issues with the 1.5T — worth knowing before cross-shopping.
2019 Toyota
RAV4
Also redesigned for 2019. Slightly larger, available AWD, and Toyota's legendary long-term reliability reputation. Less ground clearance than the Forester (8.4 in vs. 8.7 in) but stronger resale value. The Adventure trim appeals to the same outdoor-use buyer.
2019 Mazda
CX-5
Sportier driving feel and higher-end interior quality at a similar price point. AWD available. Less cargo room and slightly less ground clearance than the Forester, but better fuel economy and sharper handling. A strong pick if driving dynamics matter more than cargo space.
2019 Subaru
Outback
Same platform and drivetrain as the Forester but in wagon form with more cargo room and a lower load floor. Worth considering if you need more gear-hauling capacity or prefer the wagon silhouette. Nearly identical ownership costs.