2020 Subaru Forester Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
The 2020 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that makes few changes after a full redesign for the previous model year. Positioned as a practical and affordable four-season hauler, the Forester provides legitimate off-road capability thanks to its generous ground clearance, without compromising daily driving comfort. It also over delivers on safety, but its tepid straight-line performance is a downside.
The Forester can seat five passengers across two rows, and is offered with a single 2.5-liter four-cylinder option that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, and a continuously-variable automatic transmission is the only available gearbox. Towing capacity is a modest 1,500 pounds.
What's New
- Standard EyeSight driver assist system now offers lane centering
- Rear seat reminder also included across the board
- All-Weather Package added to Premium trim level
What We Think
In our first drive review of the (near) identical 2019 Forester, we found that the engine didn't have enough power for our liking, and that it takes an inexcusable amount of time to get to highway speeds. We also found the drivetrain to be louder than its competition. More impressive was best-in-class fuel economy, a large cargo opening at the back, and excellent safety equipment, although we did find the amount of beeping from various driver's aides to be confusing. A second review found that the Forester feels secure on the road even at high speeds, and that off-road, you can easily get the car through gravel, sand, and unpaved surfaces without much fuss. Overall, despite its power deficit, the Forester charms you with its practicality.
Performance and Fuel Economy
A single 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is available with the 2020 Forester. It generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, and power is routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission (that offers paddle shifters for accessing "virtual" gear ratios). All-wheel drive is included with every model, and fuel economy is listed at 26/33 mpg city/highway.
Safety
All versions of the 2020 Subaru Forester feature the Subaru EyeSight suite of active safety features. This has been updated to include a lane centering feature that acts as a milder application of its existing lane keeping system, and builds on lane departure warning, sway warning, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alert with emergency braking capability. The system also offers a camera that keeps an eye on driver fatigue. Optional safety equipment includes automatic braking while reversing and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assistance.
In crash testing, the NHTSA gave the 2020 Forester an overall rating of five stars. The IIHS awarded the nearly-identical 2019 model its highest Top Safety Pick+ status, with Good performance in all crash tests and a mix of Good and Acceptable headlight performance depending on trim level. Front crash prevention systems were rated Superior.
Utility
The 2030 Forester provides 43.3 inches of front legroom and 39.4 inches in the second row. Total cargo space for the base model is 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat (it is listed at 70.9 for all other trims), and 33.0 cubic feet when carrying a full load of passengers.
Technology
Base 2020 Forester models feature a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provides Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability to go with its Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. There are also a pair of USB ports to charge devices. It's possible to step up to an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, navigation, and a 576-watt Harman Kardon stereo system. Additional tech options include a second 6.3-inch LCD display top center on the dashboard, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2020 Subaru Forester sits below the three-row Subaru Ascent but above the Impreza-based Crosstrek in terms of size and price. It is available in five trim levels.
2020 Subaru Forester: The base SUV features 16-inch wheels, automatic engine start/stop, LED headlights, a 6.5-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, automatic engine start/stop, satellite radio, and the EyeSight safety suite.
2020 Subaru Forester Premium: Going Premium installs a rear spoiler, a panoramic moonroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power adjustments for the driver's seat, 17-inch wheels, reclining rear seats, the X-Mode off-road traction management feature, hill descent control, heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a windshield de-icing system.
2020 Subaru Forester Sport: The Sport trim provides unique exterior and interior design elements (18-inch wheels, roof rails, orange and black accents, gray upholstery, LED fog lights) as well as roof rails, LED fog lights, an LCD gauge cluster display with Sport gauges, a 6.3-inch LCD display mounted on top of the dash, USB charge ports for the rear, and keyless entry and ignition. It also includes a Sport Sharp drive mode and additional functionality for the X-Mode system.
2020 Subaru Forester Limited: The Limited dials back on the Sport's extroverted character and replaces it with leather upholstery and chrome exterior trim. It also features a power liftgate, dual automatic climate control, adaptive LED headlights, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system. Additional safety equipment (blind sport monitoring with lane change assistance and rear cross-traffic alert) is also included with the Limited.
2020 Subaru Forester Touring: Luxury-seeking Forester shoppers can avail themselves of the Touring's heated rear seats and heated steering wheel, power adjustments for the front passenger, reverse-tilt side mirrors, navigation system, and upgraded Harman Kardon audio. The Touring also offers bright, 18-inch wheels to go with its silver-and-chrome exterior trim, as well as a distracted/fatigued driver monitoring system and reverse automatic emergency braking.
Key Competitors:
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
- Ford Escape
- Mazda CX-5
