A Half-Decade of the Forester

Subarus are known for their durability, efficiency, and athleticism. They’re also affordable. They are excellent vehicles that don’t need to show off. One of the true stars of the Subaru lineup is the Forester, and if you are looking for a fantastic vehicle for an equally fantastic deal, then a certified pre-owned Subaru Forester may be the way to go. The Forester was given a significant upgrade for the 2017 model year, which means we’ve had 5 years of the Forester at its best yet. That’s a lot of time for growth, though, so let’s look at the Foresters of the last five years to see how they have progressed.

2017 Subaru Forester

The 2017 Forester was not just upgraded in one or two areas; with increased style, technology, and efficiency, the Forester went through a major overhaul for the 2017 model year. Beginning with the exterior, the 2017 Forester was given a makeover by way of a hexagon-shaped grille and a redesigned front bumper cover. The addition of aluminum alloy wheels is just as exciting now as they were back in 2017, giving the Forester a strong foundation to set out for an adventure. Redesigned lighting with the classic Subaru C-shape made the 2017 Forester even more appealing, as it feels even more like a Subaru.

With increased styling within the 2017 Forester’s interior, drivers will enjoy a more refined in-vehicle experience than drivers of previous model years. But the really exciting updates come with the driving technology. The 2017 model year saw the addition of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature on all Forester models. This signature traction capability is highly sought after, and you’ll be able to find it on your certified pre-owned Forester. With a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, drivers of this fun stick-shift SUV will be able to cruise at 170 horsepower. Part of the 2017 makeover also includes increased fuel efficiency, giving your pre-owned 2017 Forester an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon in the city, 32 miles per gallon on the highway, and 28 miles-per-gallon combined. Subarus are known for their efficiency, and the 2017 Forester doesn’t back down. 2017 was only the first year of this made-over Forester. Let’s see how it has continued to progress.

2018 Subaru Forester

The big news of the 2018 model year was the newly-introduced Forester Black Edition. Offering a slightly different set of sharp color schemes in sleek dark complexions and refined lighter complexions, this is a Forester with a classy take. This dark complexion continues on the interior, with a black color scheme (including a center panel finished with black gloss) complemented by silver stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Black Edition does not only add class to the Forester’s design scheme, but also its capability. This edition adds Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission with a 6-speed transmission. With an increase (and standardization) of Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, drivers will have an easy ride with Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist, and Reverse Automatic Braking features.

If you’re not looking for a classy design but rather for higher performance specs, then the 2018 model year is a fantastic year to look for your certified pre-owned Forester because of the 2.0XT. What is the 2.0XT, you ask? It is a very special sporty 2018 Forester available in Premium and Touring trims, equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine. Despite being a half-liter below the 2017 model, this engine uses an impressive combination of technologies to achieve 250 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 pounds-feet of torque when cruising between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. That is a hefty performance increase.

2019 Subaru Forester

2019 was another year of significant upgrading for the Subaru Forester, so much so that the 2019 Forester was released as “all-new.” The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine was such a hit in the 2018 2.0XT that they decided to make it standard for the 2019 model year. The 2019 Forester comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist, but this model takes it a step further. With the introduction of DriverFocus, the Forester combats driver distraction by using facial recognition software to identify tiredness or distraction in the driver. It can do this for up to five drivers and can even remember favored seating, mirror, and climate settings to ensure that each driver is set and ready to go when they enter the vehicle!

In addition to this innovative technology, the 2019 Forester was the most spacious Forester up to date. With an increased cargo space totaling 76.1 cubic feet and a storage gate that was increased to a width of 51.3 inches, loading and unloading is far easier than in previous model years. The 2019 Forester makes it far easier to take on road-tripping, camping, and any other adventures that may come your way.

Depending on the adventure, the 2019 Forester Sport, which was a new edition for the 2019 model year, may be of interest to you. This model is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit and a love for the great outdoors. Each model year, the Forester just keeps getting better and better, appealing to a wider range of drivers.

2020 Subaru Forester

The 2020 Forester was built upon the strong foundation laid out by the all-new 2019 Forester. With a performance increase allowing the 2020 model to tow up to 1,500 pounds, and the addition of standard Trailer Stability Assist, this was the strongest Forester yet. Whether towing or not, standard SI-Drive allows drivers to customize their driving experience to the circumstances, and standard Subaru Starlink technology allows for premium connectivity while behind the wheel.

The biggest technological increase of the 2020 model year was the rear seat reminder. If you’re driving with little ones, your 2020 Forester will make sure you never forget about those who might be napping in the backseat. If you’re looking for the All-New 2019 Subaru with some extra upgrades, then 2020 is the year to look at.

2021 Subaru Forester

The Forester continues to get better every year. The 2021 model built upon the vehicle’s history by increasing steering responsiveness and making LED headlights and High Beam Assist standard on all trims. A leading technology update for the 2021 model year is the standardization of the rear seat belt reminder. The previous entry made sure you don’t forget to grab passengers out of the backseat, while this model makes sure you don’t forget to buckle them up.

Even when updates seem small, they significantly increase the quality of the driving experience, so the more recent you buy, the better your experience will be. But, as you can see, you can’t go wrong with any of these Foresters from the past five years.

A History of Value

The Forester is the most popular Subaru model and it’s well deserved. But, it’s not only the quality of the vehicle—it’s the value. The Forester is very well-priced for its outstanding quality. Low prices are only so good if your driving experience is compromised. The Forester, however, offers you a leading vehicle for a lower price, made lower by purchasing certified pre-owned. No matter which model year you choose, you’re in for a great deal with a certified pre-owned Subaru Forester!

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