2019 Subaru Forester: Transmission & Axle Ratios

Transmission Gear Ratios

The 2019 Forester comes equipped with a single transmission option: the Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Unlike traditional automatic transmissions with a fixed number of gears, a CVT offers infinitely variable ratios between its highest and lowest points. For driver control and a more familiar feel, the Forester's CVT also features a 7-speed manual mode.

Lineartronic® CVT

Available Axle Ratios

Subaru simplifies things greatly when it comes to axle ratios. For the 2019 Forester, all trims and configurations use the same front and rear final drive ratios.

This single ratio is chosen by Subaru's engineers to provide the best balance of fuel economy and responsive acceleration for the Forester's standard 2.5L engine and CVT combination across all driving conditions.

How to Identify Your Axle Ratio

Identifying the axle ratio on a 2019 Subaru Forester is straightforward, primarily because there is only one available. Unlike domestic trucks from Ford, GM, or Ram, Subaru does not use axle tags or door-jamb RPO stickers to denote different ratios for this model year.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): While a VIN decoder can provide a wealth of information about your vehicle, it will simply confirm the standard 3.700 final drive ratio for any 2019 Forester.
• Owner's Manual: The specifications section of your owner's manual will list the final drive ratio.
• Dealer Inquiry: Any Subaru dealership can confirm the vehicle's specifications using your VIN.

There is no need to crawl under the vehicle or search for specific codes, as all 2019 Foresters share the same balanced setup from the factory.

Towing vs. MPG Impact

An axle ratio represents the number of times the driveshaft turns for every single rotation of the wheels. This gearing has a direct impact on a vehicle's performance characteristics.

• Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 4.10): These are often called "shorter" gears. They provide more torque to the wheels, which is excellent for towing, hauling heavy loads, and quicker initial acceleration. The trade-off is that the engine must run at a higher RPM on the highway, which increases fuel consumption.

• Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.55): These are "taller" gears. They require less engine RPM to maintain highway speeds, resulting in better fuel economy and a quieter ride. The compromise is reduced towing capacity and less responsive acceleration from a stop.

The 2019 Forester's 3.700 axle ratio, paired with the wide range of the Lineartronic® CVT, is engineered to be an ideal compromise. The CVT can keep the engine in its most efficient RPM range for cruising to maximize MPG, while still accessing the torque needed for the Forester's 1,500-pound towing capacity.

Common Issues

The 2019 Subaru Forester and its driveline components are generally considered reliable. While no vehicle is immune to problems, there are no widespread, commonly-reported issues directly related to the ring and pinion gears or differential bearings for this model year. Owners can maintain this reliability by ensuring the front and rear differential fluid is changed according to the intervals specified in the Subaru maintenance schedule.

Find a driveline shop on Repairius.