This 2019 Subaru Forester Premium in Dark Gray Metallic with just 90k represents the fifth generation of the already acclaimed All-Wheel Drive Forester. Among the changes Subaru unveiled for this model were 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.

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.

BUT we've actually found that this Forester way outperforms its label: it has gotten _34.1_ mpg over the last 9700 miles of combined driving (see photo of trip computer).

Push-button start with keyless entry. Automatic (CVT) transmission. Active grille shutters for improved fuel economy, quicker cabin heating, and quieter performance. Its double wishbone rear suspension contributes to the smoother ride.

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."

Driver's seat height (adjustable) averages from 26" to 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. 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. Power rear hatch.

We put new brake pads and rotors all around on this car. The 17" designer machined alloy wheels have a set of 4 Goodyear Assurance all-season tires with 6-7/32" tread depth remaining, which is at least 50% (new tires are 10/32", and 2/32" means Replace Now.)

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.)

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

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.

Lots of amenities: Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift lever. 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 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. Retractable rear cargo cover.

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, it's a capacious 70.9.

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

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).

"The best infotainment system of its direct competitors," a Motortrend reviewer said. A 6.5" touchscreen display features 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. Another dual set of USB ports is available for back seat passengers in the rear console, along with climate vents for the back.

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

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 six airbags (including side-curtain ones) as well as Brake Assist.

Imperfections (see photos): Dent in back hatch.

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: JF2SKAGCXKH437888