2020 Subaru Forester

Introduction

The 2020 Subaru Forester embodies a unique blend of ruggedness and refinement, appealing to drivers who seek adventure without sacrificing comfort. Its bold design features a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches, enhancing its off-road capabilities while providing a commanding presence on the road.

The clean lines, functional roof rails, and available LED fog lights not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also ensure practicality in various driving conditions. Inside, the Forester offers a spacious and thoughtfully designed cabin, where tall doors and SUV-style ride height make entry and exit effortless.

 Durable yet comfortable materials line the interior, with higher trims featuring luxurious leather upholstery. The available panoramic sunroof adds an airy feel, making every journey enjoyable. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring the great outdoors, the 2020 Subaru Forester is designed to meet the demands of modern drivers.

CategoryDetails
Engine2.5L 4-Cylinder BOXER® Engine (182 HP, 176 lb-ft torque)
TransmissionContinuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
DrivetrainSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Fuel Efficiency26 MPG (City) / 33 MPG (Highway) / 29 MPG (Combined)
Ground Clearance8.7 inches
Safety FeaturesEyeSight® Driver Assist, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Infotainment System6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Cargo Space76.1 cubic feet (rear seats folded)
Trim LevelsBase, Premium, Sport, Limited, Touring
Base PriceStarts at $24,495
Top Trim PriceTouring – $34,595
Key ProsStandard AWD, Spacious Interior, High Safety Ratings
Key ConsOnly one engine option, No turbocharged variant

Design and Build: Rugged Yet Refined

The 2020 Subaru Forester sports a bold yet practical design that reflects its adventurous spirit. Its high ground clearance of 8.7 inches not only enhances off-road capability but also gives it a commanding road presence. The exterior is characterized by clean lines, functional roof rails, and optional LED fog lights that enhance visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed. Tall doors and SUV-style ride height make entry and exit effortless. The interior materials are durable yet comfortable, with higher trims offering leather upholstery for an upscale feel. The panoramic sunroof available on select trims adds an airy ambiance to the cabin.

Performance: Reliable and Versatile

The heart of the 2020 Forester is its 2.5-liter BOXER® engine, which delivers 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission), the powertrain ensures smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency—up to 33 MPG on highways.

While its acceleration may not be thrilling compared to some competitors, the Forester excels in other areas of performance.

  • All-Wheel Drive Capability: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard across all trims, providing excellent traction on various terrains.
  • X-Mode: This feature optimizes torque distribution for challenging conditions like snow or mud, making the Forester a capable off-road companion.
  • Hill Descent Control: Ensures stability on steep declines by maintaining consistent speed.

The suspension system has been improved for better body control and stability, resulting in a smooth ride even on rough roads. While it’s not a sports car in terms of handling, the Forester performs admirably on twisty roads with adequate steering feedback.

Safety Of 2020 Subaru Forester

Safety is where the 2020 Subaru Forester truly shines. It earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key safety features include:

  • EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology: Standard across all trims, this suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.
  • DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System: Available on higher trims, this innovative feature uses facial recognition to detect driver fatigue or distraction.
  • Reverse Automatic Braking: Helps prevent collisions while reversing by automatically applying the brakes if an obstacle is detected.

These advanced systems make the Forester one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Comfort and Convenience: Designed for Everyday Life

The Forester’s interior prioritizes comfort and convenience without compromising practicality. It offers seating for five adults with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The driver’s seat is highly adjustable, ensuring comfort for long drives.

Key comfort features include:

  1. Dual-zone automatic climate control (available on higher trims).
  2. Heated front and rear seats.
  3. A heated steering wheel on top-tier models.

For tech-savvy users, Subaru’s STARLINK™ Multimedia system comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen (upgradable to an 8-inch screen). It supports Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® connectivity. Higher trims also offer premium audio systems from Harman Kardon® for an enhanced listening experience.

Cargo Space: Practicality at Its Best

The 2020 Forester offers impressive cargo space for its class:

  • Standard Cargo Capacity: 35.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
  • Maximum Cargo Capacity: Expands to 76.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

This versatility makes it ideal for everything from grocery runs to weekend camping trips. Additionally, features like a power liftgate (available on higher trims) add convenience when loading heavy items.

Fuel Efficiency: Economical Yet Capable

One of the standout attributes of the Subaru Forester is its impressive fuel efficiency, boasting an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on highways. With a fuel tank capacity of 16.6 gallons, this compact SUV offers an exceptional range, making it ideal for long road trips or daily commutes without the need for frequent refueling stops.

Trim Levels: Tailored to Your Needs

The 2020 Subaru Forester is available in five trims: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. Each trim offers unique features to cater to different preferences:

  1. Base Trim: Includes essentials like EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, STARLINK™ Multimedia system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, and all-wheel drive.
  2. Premium Trim: Adds amenities like a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and X-Mode traction control.
  3. Sport Trim: Features sporty accents such as orange interior highlights, black wheels, and additional driving modes.
  4. Limited Trim: Offers leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and adaptive headlights.
  5. Touring Trim: The top-tier model includes premium leather seats, DriverFocus technology, and heated rear seats.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Outstanding safety features.
  • Spacious interior with excellent visibility.
  • Standard all-wheel drive across all trims.
  • Impressive fuel efficiency for an SUV.
  • Versatile cargo space.

Cons:

  • Acceleration can feel underwhelming.
  • Limited towing capacity (1,500 lbs).
  • Some interior materials could be more refined in lower trims.

Conclusion

The 2020 Subaru Forester strikes an excellent balance between comfort, safety, and performance. While it may not be the most powerful or luxurious option in its class, it excels in practicality and reliability—qualities that matter most to many buyers.

Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, the Forester proves itself as a dependable companion ready for any adventure.

For those seeking an affordable compact SUV with top-notch safety features and versatile capabilities, the 2020 Subaru Forester remains one of the best choices in its segment.

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FAQs

What engine does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?

The 2020 Subaru Forester is equipped with a 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER® engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.

Does the 2020 Subaru Forester come with an all-wheel drive (AWD)?

Yes, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) comes standard on all trim levels.

What is the fuel efficiency of the 2020 Subaru Forester?

The Forester delivers 26 MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, and 29 MPG combined, making it fuel-efficient for an AWD SUV.

How much cargo space does the 2020 Subaru Forester offer?

With the rear seats folded, the Forester provides 76.1 cubic feet of cargo space.