What Was the Best Year for the Subaru Forester?

For quite a long time now, the Subaru Forester has been a popular vehicle in the SUV market, featuring a middle ground between car and SUV attributes.

This article focuses on the following: What was the best year for the Subaru Forester? What are the most striking novelties, and which is the model year of the Subaru Forester that improved this vehicle in every way?

Read the article to know the best years for Subaru Forester that have greatly improved this model.

Evolution of the Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester has seen a lot of change since its launch in the late 1990s, from the born fourth generation crossover SUV to the enjoyable family car that’s about to roll off the factory line three decades later.

On the chart shown below, we can see that, since its beginning, the Forester was an innovation of a car and an SUV kind combined.

But by the fourth and sixth generations, it has developed into a perfect crossover SUV with excellent off-road ability and on-road comfort.

Since Subaru has constantly been making the Forester better, the car has developed to meet people’s needs.

As with any car on the market, each newer generation of the Subaru Forester offered notable improvements in terms of design and trim, and the car became a favorite, eventually, of many fans worldwide.

From the Subaru Forester’s legacy as the first car on the market to offer properly functioning all wheel drive to a high tech driver assist system, the Forester has time and again expanded its reach to draw in drivers who want the all-terrain versatility and on-road feel from one car.

Factors To Consider

I would say that the best year for the Subaru Forester is dependent upon a myriad of things. This SUV remains reliable year after year, but every new model has its status.

Simple in concept, it’s just how good that vehicle does in the areas of performance, reliability, equipment, and features, and then (after comparing these to what competitors offer in the same price class and what buyers want in a car) gauging the price of the vehicle in terms of those considerations.

One might appreciate a different model year than another but to one owner is a good year for the Subaru Forester might be to another year to stay away from.

Perhaps it really is the best year to buy a Subaru Forester. It just has better power, better gas mileage, better safety features, and better passenger comfort than an SUV made a decade ago. 

Maintenance costs will factor in, as will Forester’s resale value and overall experience of taking care of the car.

Exploring the Best Years for the Subaru Forester

Within all these incarnations of model years, however, the best three years for the Subaru Forester are the 2009, 2014, and 2019 models.

All three years above are the highlights of the Forrester, namely the maximum features in the engine, the renewal of its look, the performance of the car, and most of all, the reliability in driving.

All of these features have been a huge success among Subaru lovers, and they have helped to overcome the limitations or constraints of most cars.

1. 2009 Subaru Forester

I would say that the best year for the Subaru Forester vehicle is 2009. This year, the third generation of this model was created. It offers good driving, excellent space for passengers, and drives forever.

For any driver looking for a compact or small SUV that provides economy, drivability, and performance, the 2009 Forester offers a unique mix of benefits. It’s off-road, it is good. On-road, it’s good. I can’t ask for better.

2. 2014 Subaru Forester

A redesigned 2014 Subaru Forester with a slightly more fuel efficient engine, a modernized interior, and a front seat side airbag update to protect riders’ necks from collisions was another reason why the top picks were Subaru standouts. 

Enjoy comfort and peace of mind with the 2014 Forester, featuring a smoother ride and higher safety ratings than last year.

Oh, and all the good 2014 stuff, the techy-ness that shows how thorough we are. It’s among the best years of one of the best small crossovers ever made, the Subaru Forester.

3. 2019 Subaru Forester

The 2019 Subaru Forester model is also the best year to own a Subaru Forester because it is capable. It has driver assistance features, more cargo space, and improved off-road capabilities.

This SUV is for the driver whose ride philosophy is a combination of modern technology with off-road performance.

Accustomed to being known for its dependability, road safety features, and roomy interior, the 2019 Forester provides everything car enthusiasts could want and does so in a way that is wholly logical and coherent.

A report summarises that this is a superb year for the Subaru Forester, standing out and attracting fans and owners alike.

Beyond the Best Year: Customization and Upgrades

And while it is fun to debate which year of WRX or Impreza is the best, owners can modify, tweak, and upgrade every single model year to be the best for them.

Relatively easy aftermarket modifications and upgrades let Forester fans tailor their car to their needs, whether those needs are more speed, more style, or more convenience. 

Customizing filters Subaru ForesterThe growing array of aftermarket mods, from suspension upgrades to putting a car on the asphalt through engine tuning to adding boost or nitrous oxide to custom paint and body kits, offer the avid Subaru Forester enthusiast a line of possibilities for bringing their vehicles into their unique aesthetic.

What is the Weakness of a Subaru Forester? 

For all the commendable praise it receives for its reliability, versatility, and safety, the Subaru Forester has its share of weaknesses, with one of the most commonly repeated being the underperformance of its engine.

Especially in the non turbocharged models, which are perceived as lagging at times of acceleration, particularly when loaded up, and a sense of learning that the interior materials being used in some of the trims don’t quite project the necessary premium feeling compared with competitors in the class.

Its other drawbacks include a continuously variable transmission (CVT, an automatic transmission without fixed gear ratios) that is deemed by some to be less responsive and less engaging than a conventional automatic, noise levels inside the cabin that can be a little higher at high speeds, a higher ear piercing whine typical of CVTs, and slightly lower fuel economy for its class, thanks in part to Subaru’s all wheel drive system.

Unveiling Timeless Excellence: The Best Year of the Subaru Forester

Whether 2016 was the best year for the Subaru Forester depends on how one defines best and who is doing the judging, taking into account a variety of factors, from technical attributes such as handling and features to other drivers’ perspectives and preferences. Versatility is the hallmark of the Subaru Forester.

Whether it’s the practical character of its earlier runs or the cutting edge of its current models, the Subaru Forester still provides that perfect balance of usability and excitement, which is still shared by a devoted fan base across the globe.

Keep in mind that the best year for you is the one that hits all the right notes for your own personal tastes, needs, and driving desires. 

Is Subaru Forester Easy To Maintain?

Absolutely yes. Because the Subaru Forester has a reputation for reliability, this model vehicle is seen by many owners and prospective owners as an economical vehicle to maintain.

This model is a Subaru, and it is designed to be run under the most rigorous conditions on the planet. Routine maintenance, like oil changes, plug and filter changes, and servicing of the brakes keeps the vehicle’s components healthy for years of service.

Parts are readily available, and that means that most routine maintenance work is relatively simple for the mechanic, which in turn keeps the costs reasonable.

Next come some rather prosaic considerations, but ones that rank highly. Subaru’s symmetrical all wheel drive system is more robust and less demanding of special maintenance than most other all wheel drive systems and Forester’s resale value is especially strong, which makes the Forester a particularly good long term bet.

Like many mid priced vehicles, simple and timely tending of small matters can help avert more expensive ones later, ensuring a good Forester stays that way. 

FAQs on Best Year for the Subaru Forester

Conclusion

In conclusion, amidst the plethora of compact SUVs, the Subaru Forester stands out as the epitome of comfort. For those of us who value a reliable, versatile, comfortable, and safe driving experience, the Subaru Forester is the SUV of choice, ensuring a relaxing journey every time.

It is a car where performance, comfort, and low cost come together to create a solid product for a driver who needs a family size SUV.

These seeming detriments don’t detract from the car’s appeal because further improvements in its technology, fuel efficiency, performance, and now off-road ratings are improving its value at a razor sharp price.