So after 13 months with the Forester, I'm happy with my decision.
Symmetrical AWD hasn't failed me in the recent snow storm we got in the GTA. I was out before it started and it came down hard. I was cruising at highway speeds on 404 north when I was going home.
Nothing was needed for the 20,000KM I have put on it other than two oil changes.
Likes:
- Eyesight is still very good. It helps tremendously with stop & go situations on both local roads and highway. It also works great without a lot of traffic.
- Forward collision prevention saved me a few times because the car in front of me came to a sudden stop at an intersection.
- The powertrain feels peppy enough for a DD.
- LED headlights light up the road ahead VERY well.
- The cargo area has been able to accommodate everything my family threw at it, except for our camping trips where we used a roof bag to put sleeping bags and other lighter things.
- Side step space in the second row makes securing the said roof bag easier.
Dislikes:
- The hatch gets dirty quickly relative to the rest of the car. The design of the rear must be creating a draft behind the car.
- CVT doesn't sound nice, more when it's cold.
- I think I should have went up a trim or two for a larger infotainment screen.
- Not the car's fault, but I will spring for premium winter tires next time. Hankook iPikes aren't as good as WS80s (of course).
All in all, I think I got off easy so far with it in terms of reliability with MY2019 being an all-new model.