This 2019 Subaru Forester Premium in Crystal White Pearl with just 100k represents the fifth generation of the already acclaimed All-Wheel Drive Forester. Among the changes Subaru unveiled for this model were more roominess and legroom, a smoother and quieter drive train, better mpg, and more power, with 182hp compared to the previous generation's 170.

"Incredibly smooth," wrote a reviewer on TFLcar.com. "Relaxed, surefooted and extremely smooth even on the nastiest roads."

--> After giving this one our signature 300+ mile test, we agree.

Gave it new rear brake pads. Front pads have 6-7mm thickness remaining (10mm is new for front pads). Also replaced a tire pressure monitor so the TPMS light will work properly for you.

17" alloy wheels with a set of 4 Yokohama Avid Ascend LX all-season tires (known for exceptional tread life) have 6-7/32" tread depth in front and 5-6/32" in back. (10/32" is new, and 2/32" means Replace Now.) Its double wishbone rear suspension makes for a smoother ride.

Automatic (CVT) transmission. The driver can choose from two powertrain modes: Intelligent (smooth and normal driving) or Sport (which has a crisper, sharper throttle response).

Parking as well as driving should be a breeze, given the superior visibility and generous headroom that Foresters have always been known for. According to a Motortrend reviewer, the 2019 has "the best visibility I've experienced in any mainstream compact crossover." Backup camera too (see photo).

Driver's seat height (adjustable) averages 26"-28" off the ground. Its ground clearance of 8.7 inches makes it not only easy to get in and out of, but along with the all-wheel drive, makes it a great vehicle for all seasons, including Midwest winters.

There's roominess in other dimensions too: the 2019 gains 1.4 inches in rear legroom and 1.2 inches of width for the front seats. A 6-foot tall back seat passenger can be comfortable behind a 6-foot tall driver. Doors open close to 90 degrees. The rear cargo opening (amazingly, 51.3" wide) is 5.3" wider than previous years and 6" wider than the closest competitor. Subaru managed to find us another cubic foot and a half of cargo volume for the 2019 Forester: with the rear seats up, there's 33.0 cf of space; with the rear seats folded, there's a capacious 70.9. Rear seat protectors in the cargo area (see photos).

Powered Sunroof with generous dimensions: 28" x 31.5". Rear roof spoiler.

A bundle of safety features now standard on 2019 Foresters is the Eyesight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure & sway warnings, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency pre-collision braking. These are made possible by a pair of forward-facing cameras on either side of the rearview mirror (see photos). Also has automatic engine stop-start (can be disabled), blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.

All-Weather Package includes heated front seats, plus defrosting outside mirrors & windshield wiper de-icers which turn on when rear defrost button is pushed. A backup camera washer handily removes mud or snow from that lens. Automatic climate control. 10-way power driver seat including power lumbar support. Tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. Tilt- as well as height-adjustable headrests. Flip-down rear armrest and beverage holder. 8 cupholders in all: 4 in front, 4 in back. Rear seats recline as well as fold down for more cargo space. Rear climate vents for back seat passengers.

"The best infotainment system of its direct competitors," a Motortrend reviewer said. A 6.5" touchscreen display features, in addition to the backup camera, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and Bluetooth connectivity. 6-speaker stereo system. Audio, Bluetooth, phone, and cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. Front console has dual USB ports + an 1/8" audio jack.

There are 3 12v power outlets: in the front console, center console, and rear cargo area.

Has a hitch! Equipped with Trailer-Stability Assist, which utilizes yaw sensors to detect possible trailer sway and fishtailing, and applies individual brakes to stabilize the situation.

LED headlights. Exterior entry welcome lights (LEDs in both outside mirrors that illuminate the door and handle when you push the unlock button on the fob).

You can tackle nasty roads with this Forester's "X-Mode" feature, which improves AWD in snow or mud, and when driving on steep inclines, either up or down. It uses lower gear ratios and makes the traction control system more sensitive. This mode also activates a system called Hill Descent Control, which gives the car a constant speed going downhill (<15 mph) so no braking is needed.

(X-Mode uses more gas, so it's recommended to turn it back off when driving conditions return to normal.)

The 2019 Forester's boost in both horsepower and fuel economy is due to its direct injection system yielding a higher compression ratio (12:1, as opposed to 10:1 for previous years).

The EPA mpg rating is 33 hwy/26 city/29 combined, about one mpg more than before. The 2019 Forester also edges out other SUVs in fuel efficiency: the Toyota RAV4 gets 28 mpg combined, the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue get 27, and the Mazda CX-5 gets 26.

Active grille shutters (which automatically open and close in lower front grille) for quicker cabin heating; improved fuel economy, aerodynamics, and engine cooling; and quieter performance.

Its Automatic Vehicle Hold, or "brake hold" feature, enables you to press a button and keep the brakes engaged without putting the vehicle into Park. Back to normal when you step on the gas. Useful for stopping for undetermined amounts of time, such as in a drive-thru or urban rush hour situations.

For stability and safety, Subaru's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system monitors the direction of the car compared to the intended steering direction. It compensates by braking individual wheels and/or altering fuel flow to the engine. Also, the Traction Control System (TCS) senses if any wheels are skidding and redirects power only to those wheels having the best traction.

This model was a Top Safety Pick for 2019 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It comes with seven airbags (including side-curtain ones and a driver's knee airbag) as well as Brake Assist and Pre-Collision Braking.

Imperfections: driver's seat upholstery, wrinkled center armrest (see photos).

But of course this Forester has Subaru's signature All-Wheel Drive transmission!

No hidden fees. Find us at Strictly Subie, 303 E. Bradford, West Union, Iowa 52175, right on Hwy 18. Contact Aaron at 563-380-4739 to try this out, or to find out what else is available or up and coming. For more info, see our website strictlysubie.com or our Facebook page "Strictly Subie LLC" and look under Photos/Albums. Thank you!

VIN: JF2SKAEC7KH547848