2019 Forester Sport vs Premium: Choosing the Right Subaru for Your Drive

When Subaru released the 2019 Forester lineup, buyers were faced with a clear choice: stick with the sportier, more rugged Sport trim or upgrade to the plush, feature‑laden Premium. Both share the same 2.5‑liter four‑engine, all‑wheel‑drive foundation, but their differences in styling, technology, and price can make or break your buying decision. In this guide, we break down the key distinctions—performance tweaks, interior upgrades, safety goodies, and cost—to help you decide which 2019 Forester is right for you.

2019 Forester Sport vs Premium: What Sets the Trims Apart?

The core chassis, engine, and safety platform are identical, yet the trim level determines how much you’ll pay for comfort versus sportiness. Below, we compare the most noticeable changes side by side.

• Exterior Styling
  • Sport: 18‑inch alloy wheels, blacked‑out chrome accents, a roof‑rail kit, and a distinctive front bumper that gives the car a bolder stance.
  • Premium: 19‑inch alloy wheels, chrome trims, and a standard roof rack. The Premium’s front bumper has a more subtle, elegant look.
• Interior Comfort
  • Sport: Cloth upholstery, two‑tone seat color, standard 5‑inch infotainment screen.
  • Premium: Leather‑trimmed seats, dual‑zone climate control, and a larger 6.5‑inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Technology & Connectivity
  • Sport: 6‑speaker audio system, USB port, basic rear‑view camera.
  • Premium: Premium audio, navigation, a head‑up display, and a power‑folding third‑row seat (optional).
• Safety Features
  • Sport: Standard Subaru EyeSight driver‑assist package.
  • Premium: EyeSight plus additional blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert, and a pre‑collision braking system.
• Price
  • Sport: Starting around $25,000.
  • Premium: Adds roughly $3,000 to the base price, reflecting the upgraded features.

Performance & Handling: Sport Is the Natural Choice

The Sport trim’s key advantage is its visual and tactile sportiness. The blacked‑out chrome and larger wheels give it a more aggressive stance. However, both trims use the same engine, so horsepower and torque are identical. If you prioritize a “sporty feel,” the Sport’s more angular grille and lower suspension settings give it a slight edge in road presence.

Comfort & Convenience: Premium Leads the Pack

For families or daily commuters who value a quiet cabin and easy-to-use tech, the Premium trim shines. Leather seats and dual‑zone climate control reduce driver fatigue on long trips. The optional third‑row seat expands passenger capacity to nine, a rare feature in the compact SUV segment.

Safety: EyeSight Is Enough for Most Drivers

Subaru’s EyeSight package is available on both trims, offering adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping aid, and pre‑collision braking. The Premium adds extra sensors, but most drivers find the standard EyeSight sufficient for everyday driving. If you often drive in heavy traffic or have children in the back seat, the Premium’s blind‑spot monitor can be a decisive factor.

Cost‑Benefit Analysis

If you’re budget‑conscious, the Sport trim provides a lot of the Forester’s core strengths at a lower price point. You’ll get the same engine, safety suite, and all‑wheel drive. The only trade‑offs are fewer convenience features and a more utilitarian interior. Conversely, if you can stretch your budget, the Premium offers a higher level of luxury without sacrificing performance. Consider how often you’ll use the extra tech and comfort features; if you rarely need them, the Sport may be the smarter purchase.

Who Should Choose the Sport?

• Drivers who prioritize a bold, rugged look.
• Those who value a lower entry price for a capable all‑wheel‑drive SUV.
• Owners who don’t need the extra infotainment or climate controls.

Who Should Opt for the Premium?

• Families needing more interior space and convenience features.
• Drivers who appreciate leather seats, a larger touchscreen, and advanced safety extras.
• Owners willing to pay a bit more for a more refined cabin and optional third‑row seating.

Resale Value & Longevity

Subaru vehicles, in general, hold their value well due to their reputation for reliability and safety. The Premium trim may fetch a slightly higher resale price due to its added features, but the difference usually falls within a few hundred dollars over a few years. Maintenance costs remain comparable across trims because the mechanical components are identical.

Making the Decision: A Quick Checklist

Use this simple table to see which trim aligns with your priorities. Tick the boxes that matter most, and you’ll have a clear picture of the best fit.

• Budget Constraints: ✔ Sport | ✖ Premium
• Comfort & Luxury: ✖ Sport | ✔ Premium
• Safety Extras Beyond EyeSight: ✖ Sport | ✔ Premium
• Family Size & Passenger Needs: ✖ Sport | ✔ Premium (if 3rd‑row needed)
• Road Presence & Styling: ✔ Sport | ✖ Premium

Final Thoughts

The 2019 Forester Sport and Premium trim levels serve two distinct types of drivers, even though they share the same underlying platform. If you’re looking for a rugged, budget‑friendly SUV that still offers all‑wheel drive and safety tech, the Sport trim will satisfy. If you crave a more comfortable, feature‑rich interior and are willing to spend a little extra, the Premium trim delivers those benefits. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a reliable, safety‑oriented SUV that Subaru has built a reputation for