Subaru Forester SK Off Road Build With LP Aventure Lift

In 2018, when Subaru introduced the fifth-generation Forester for the 2019 model year, it created a small storm in the compact crossover SUV segment. The vehicle was transferred to the Subaru Global Platform addressing some issues previous models had, namely noise, handling, and safety.
It was completely redesigned and received a revised 2.5-liter boxer engine that produces more horses even without a turbocharger. Besides the fact that the new chassis can handle collisions a lot better, the Subaru’s advanced EyeSight safety system became standard on all trim levels.

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As for the comfort, the new architecture offers a better roll control when cornering even with the best-in-class ground clearance of 8.7”. Danny, the owner of this lifted 2019 Subaru Forester SK lives in Minnesota where winters are usually very snowy, and even the inner-city streets may turn into something that looks like a challenging off-road course. It’s not a problem for the new Forester Sport that has advanced off-road capabilities and a special drive mode for deep snow and mud. Add a set of off-road tires, and you will be able to handle anything that nature throws at you.

“Even the inner-city streets may turn into something that looks like a challenging off-road course”

We decided to ask Danny a few questions about the mods and upgrades installed on this awesome-looking 2019 Forester to show other owners where to start with their own projects.
What’s under the hood of your Forester?
– Just the stock 2.5 L FB25 DI. (How I wish they still made the XT) I won’t touch this engine since I’ve got my WRX to mess around with, and since this is my daily I’d like to limit any possible warranty rejections or problems.

What about the suspension and the wheels?
– It has a 2″ lift via the LP Aventure lift kit. Wheels are 17X7.5 Motegi Racing MR139s with 245/65R-17 BFG All-Terrain T/A KO2’s. I saw a lot of people making 225/45 work but the proportions just don’t look right to me; I figured I already put enough time and money into lifting the thing, may as well send it and go as big as I can. They rub a teeny tiny bit, but totally worth it.

What are the exterior mods?
– SSD light bar with hella driving lamps for when I’m in the middle of nowhere with the license plate relocate that was included with it. I really like where the plate sits now because of it. Tinted the driver/passenger windows to match the back, and light smoke on the taillights. The stock tails just didn’t look right to me. De-badged as well, I swear Subaru loves to throw every badge they can think of on their cars! I also put a Gyeon ceramic coating on it which has been amazing for the winter here.

“I swear Subaru loves to throw every badge they can think of on their cars”

– Yakima offgrid with an extension (medium), nameless 5″ muffler (which honestly I’m not a huge fan of, but too lazy to change back), Curt hitch, with 1upusa super duty single rack. I’m a big biker, using the Forester to get me to trails either here or out of state and the 1up rack is incredible. I really can’t say enough good things about it. Made right next door in Wisconsin as well.

How did you become interested in off-roading?

– My brother got into Jeeps a while back and I just remember how fun that thing was and just going over everything. Every time I go out west I see so many cool builds that I eventually convinced myself I needed something like that too.

Why did you choose this particular model for your project?
– I’ve always been a big Subaru fanboy, and really fell in love with this body style as soon as it came out. Around where I live I see more lowered Subarus than lifted, so I just always loved the idea of a big ol Forester getting groceries and whatnot.
What inspired you to choose this modification style?
– Instagram, lots, and lots of Instagram posts.

What challenges did you face while putting it together?

I guess I’d say I was an early adopter of this platform, owning it a few months after release. So there really wasn’t a ton of information on fitment, options for mods, etc. The community is really great though and the answers are there if you just ask. The biggest challenge by far was drilling the bumper beam for the light bar though. A good step bit goes a long long way.

“The community is really great though and the answers are there if you just ask”

What do you love about your vehicle?
A few things. As much hate there is online for EyeSight, I love it to death. It makes city driving and long road trips much more tolerable. The ground clearance is awesome, and the traction I get with the K02s is super. This is the first vehicle I’ve owned in Minnesota that during snowstorms I feel 0 anxiety about getting home. This thing has been a monster so far in the snow.

“This is the first vehicle I’ve owned in Minnesota that during snowstorms I feel 0 anxiety about getting home.”

The number one thing though is the community and people I encounter in this. I’m still getting used to people honking at me because they like my car, or asking me questions when I’m stopped. Once I was selling something on craigslist, told the person I’ll be in a Forester and the first thing they said was “That’s a Forester? No way, this thing’s sick!” and I’ve been riding that high ever since.

Is it your daily or a weekend ride?
– Daily, weekend if I’m going riding or on a road trip otherwise the WRX is my zoom zoom weekend car.

Do you take it off road? If so, where and how often?

– Not as often as I’d like, usually up north along the north-shore here once a month or so, or out west in Colorado. I drive out west way too much for my own good.

What are your future plans for this vehicle?
I’m really happy with where it is now, I would like to vinyl wrap the interior trim soon as the piano black collects way too much dust and fingerprints. Besides that, it’s just more adventures!

Anything else you would like to share about your vehicle or the off-roading in general?
I’d just say that this is my first car that I’ve really played around with, and it’s been really rewarding and fun. The community has been way more inclusive and great than I could have ever imagined.

Watch the progress and find out more about this lifted 2019 Subaru Forester project by visiting the Instagram profile of the owner: @mnforester!

Related Parts & Mods

– Inspired by this Subaru Forester build and looking to prepare your own SK for off-road adventures? Our team has put together a list of products and accessories available online that may help you to achieve similar results:

Wheels

• 17×7.5 Motegi Racing MR139 Rims in Black Finish – Available in Various Sizes
• BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 245/65R17 – Requires a Lift

Lights

• SSD Performance Rally Light Bar (Powder Coated Steel) – For LED Light Bars or Round Lights
• HELLA 500FF Series Driving Lamp Kit, Multi, 6″ – White Covers are Optional

Roof Rack

• YAKIMA OffGrid Roof Cargo Basket – Available in Two Sizes

Hitch

• CURT 13409 Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2-Inch Receiver – 2019-2023 Forester

*Before ordering any part or accessory, it is recommended that you verify its fitment with a qualified professional and/or seller. We are not responsible for fitment or other issues that may arise from using the products featured on our website.

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