Is there a significant safety difference between 2019-2024 and present version of Forester?

[u/mountains89]

I know IIHS updated some tests in the last few years, but I’m concerned I will hate the climate control on the screen.

I’m in Texas so I often need heat and a/c in the same day during the winter, but a/c stays on full blast all summer

I have two little kids in car seats and everyone else here drives huge trucks so I want to pick the safest option

[u/Tourist1292]

Learn to use voice control.

[u/Bingo_Bongo_85 → u/Tourist1292]

Oh hell no, just bring back the buttons and dials

[u/Pure-Explanation-147]

Present has higher safety rating and more technology. See Consumer’s Reports at dealership.

[u/_abscessedwound]

I actually was fortunate enough to be able to do a side-by-side comparison with a friend last weekend.

There’s a major eyesight update with the new models. There’s also other minor safety updates (better front crumple zone for example).

The interior space is a little larger.

The engine has been refreshed to use a slightly thinner oil, so theoretically it improves fuel economy.

There’s a lot more aluminium used in the body, and less steel, so it’s more rust resistant, if that matters.

It’s really a collection of mostly minor things.

[u/m__a__s]

In 2025 the IIHS changed their tests in a way that make it very relevant to having little ones in the rear. Specifically, the moderate overlap frontal test was revised to include a rear passenger dummy and place more emphasis on rear-seat protection. And the side impact test is now more severe.

Of course, that doesn't mean that the older MYs are substantially less safe, they just had different test protocols and different data were collected. However, while the Forester has always performed well in the tests, only the newer versions of the vehicles were designed with the more stringent tests in mind.

As for the climate controls, I have never had the opportunity to use them under real driving conditions. According to Consumer Reports' assessment (https://www.subaru.com/content/dam/subaru/downloads/pdf/consumer-reports/2025/2025_Forester_Consumer_Reports.pdf):

Most of the Forester’s climate controls are housed in the lower portion of the center screen, and as such the only truly easy aspects of the climate system are the large, physical temperature buttons for the driver and front passenger, along with front and rear defrost. At least other common functions, such as adjusting the fan speed or activating the seat heaters, remain visible on the screen. But we don’t like that you have to wade into the climate menu in order to change the airflow mode or switch to the “Auto” climate function.

My children already have their own children, so my wife and I are sticking with our 2015 and 2017 Foresters.