2019 Subaru Forester vs 2019 BMW X5
Overview | |
MSRP$24,295 | MSRP$60,700 |
Listings185 | Listings276 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| |
2019 Subaru Forester Reviews SummaryConsumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms. But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades. In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze. The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment? | |
2019 BMW X5 Reviews SummaryThe BMW X5 redefined SUVs 20 years ago, leaning into the idea that you could have truck form and car function all in one package. In fact, BMW branded the original X5 as an SAV—a Sport Activity Vehicle—to help emphasize the fact that it drove as well as the company's famous sport sedans. And while that claim was a bit of an overreach, the original X5 did outperform its SUV competitors on the road. Now in its fourth generation, BMW’s midsize crossover continues to deliver on that two-decade-old promise: The X5 delivers car-like handling in an SUV form. And while the 2019 X5 stretches 1 inch longer, 3 inches wider, and 1 inch taller than last year's model, you’d have to look closely to notice the differences. Most obvious is a new and bigger kidney grille with active shutters. It has already received flak for being “comically large,” though in my opinion, it seems proportional to the rest of the vehicle—enough to make me wonder if the grilles on previous iterations of the X5 were too small. Inside, you’ll find a redesigned interior with an updated version of the iDrive system, and a suite of Level 2 autonomous technology that unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from BMW’s revolutionary recreational vehicle, because there’s still a lot to love. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway26 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 182 hp H4 | Engine Name3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | Torque330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower182 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway26 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space35.4 cu ft | Cargo Space33.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3449 lbs | Curb Weight4813 lbs |
Height67.5 in | Height69.0 in |
Length182.1 in | Length194.3 in |
Width80.9 in | Width87.3 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase117.1 in |
Maximum Payload1442 lbs | Maximum Payload849 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity7209 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity6603 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,295 | $60,700 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | Consumers are hungry for all-weather capability, plenty of space for passengers, and plenty of space for the gear that comes with those passengers. Crossovers can offer all of this, while also providing solid fuel economy. So, it makes sense that crossovers of different sizes and price ranges are dominating the new car market. Nearly every automaker out there today offers at least one, if not multiple crossovers, in their showrooms. But while this is a new trend for some brands, Subaru has been offering multiple vehicles that fit the crossover formula for decades. In particular, the Subaru Forester has been around since 1997. When it arrived, the Forester provided standard all-wheel drive, reasonable fuel economy, plenty of cargo space, and an affordable base price. It was not the first vehicle to come standard with all-wheel drive—that would be the AMC Eagle of the 1970s. But the AMC brand is no more, and the '97 Forester offered all these attributes while also being incredibly reliable, and thus set the blueprint for the modern crossover craze. The modern compact SUV market includes popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Volkswagen Tiguan, and more. With all these rivals, can the all-new 2019 Subaru Forester once again set the curve in this segment? | The BMW X5 redefined SUVs 20 years ago, leaning into the idea that you could have truck form and car function all in one package. In fact, BMW branded the original X5 as an SAV—a Sport Activity Vehicle—to help emphasize the fact that it drove as well as the company's famous sport sedans. And while that claim was a bit of an overreach, the original X5 did outperform its SUV competitors on the road. Now in its fourth generation, BMW’s midsize crossover continues to deliver on that two-decade-old promise: The X5 delivers car-like handling in an SUV form. And while the 2019 X5 stretches 1 inch longer, 3 inches wider, and 1 inch taller than last year's model, you’d have to look closely to notice the differences. Most obvious is a new and bigger kidney grille with active shutters. It has already received flak for being “comically large,” though in my opinion, it seems proportional to the rest of the vehicle—enough to make me wonder if the grilles on previous iterations of the X5 were too small. Inside, you’ll find a redesigned interior with an updated version of the iDrive system, and a suite of Level 2 autonomous technology that unfortunately leaves a lot to be desired. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from BMW’s revolutionary recreational vehicle, because there’s still a lot to love. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Drive Train | AWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 26 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 182 hp H4 | 3.0L 335 hp I6 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm | 330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 26 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 35.4 cu ft | 33.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3449 lbs | 4813 lbs |
Height | 67.5 in | 69.0 in |
Length | 182.1 in | 194.3 in |
Width | 80.9 in | 87.3 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 117.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1442 lbs | 849 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | 7209 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 6603 lbs | |
CarGurus highlights
The 2019 Subaru Forester emerges as the more well-rounded choice, excelling in safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness. It offers a spacious and functional interior, advanced safety features, and competitive pricing, making it an ideal option for those prioritizing utility and value.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:
- You prioritize advanced safety features and excellent visibility.
- You seek a spacious and functional interior with ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a cost-effective option with competitive pricing and a range of trims to choose from.
Choose the 2019 BMW X5 if:
- You desire a premium driving experience with a powerful engine and transmission combination.
- You value a sleek and luxurious interior with advanced infotainment features.
- You are willing to invest in additional options and upgrades for a more personalized driving experience.
CarGurus highlights
The 2019 Subaru Forester emerges as the more well-rounded choice, excelling in safety, technology, and cost-effectiveness. It offers a spacious and functional interior, advanced safety features, and competitive pricing, making it an ideal option for those prioritizing utility and value.
Choose the 2019 Subaru Forester if:
Shop Now- You prioritize advanced safety features and excellent visibility.
- You seek a spacious and functional interior with ample cargo space.
- You are looking for a cost-effective option with competitive pricing and a range of trims to choose from.
Choose the 2019 BMW X5 if:
Shop Now- You desire a premium driving experience with a powerful engine and transmission combination.
- You value a sleek and luxurious interior with advanced infotainment features.
- You are willing to invest in additional options and upgrades for a more personalized driving experience.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.
