HIGHS
Good at most everything that matters to crossover buyers, spacious cabin, relaxed ride and handling.
LOWS
Lethargic acceleration, uninspired design, few luxuries come standard.
VERDICT
In its quest for automotive domination, Subaru engineered all the fun out of the Forester.
Overview
Subaru’s adventurous brand image and practical nature converge perfectly with the 2020 Forester SUV. It’s similar in size to the Outback station wagon but offers a little extra ground clearance for when hauling your kayak by hand down to the shoreline is too much trouble. Cargo space is excellent and the simplistic interior design will speak to the sensible car buyers looking for something that’s well-made but not particularly flashy. There’s a reason Subaru sells so many of these compact SUVs—they’re easy to love and hard to fault. We’d like a bit more oomph from the powertrain and more engagement behind the wheel, but for the majority of buyers, the Forester’s four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and standard all-wheel drive will be perfectly adequate.
What’s New for 2020?
The Forester was all new for 2019, so Subaru hasn’t made many changes for 2020; however, there are a few new features that buyers might find interesting. The standard adaptive cruise control system gains a lane-centering feature, the tire-pressure monitor now displays the pressure in each tire, an LED lamp illuminates the license plate on all models, and a rear-seat reminder alerts the driver to check the back seat upon exiting the vehicle if the rear doors were opened prior to the start of the trip. Premium models now come standard with the contents of last year’s All-Weather package—heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and a windshield wiper de-icer—and touring models get LED cargo-area dome lights.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
– Base: $25,505
– Premium: $28,405
– Sport: $30,005
– Limited: $32,105
– Touring: $35,605
While the Limited and Touring trims are much fancier, we think the Premium model offers the best mix of value and features. The exterior upgrades—17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and body-color sideview mirrors—make it look less like a rental car and the interior includes luxuries such as a panoramic sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, reclining rear seatbacks, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and a six-speaker sound system. Subaru hasn’t yet released pricing for the 2020 Forester, so we’ve estimated pricing for now.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Forester models are powered by the same 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 182 horsepower and can tow 1500 pounds. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) routes the engine’s power to Subaru’s trademark all-wheel-drive system. At our test track, our 2019 Forester Touring test vehicle required 8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph—not exactly thrilling performance, but it’ll meet the needs of most buyers. Those looking for more oomph should check out the Honda CR-V or the turbocharged versions of the Mazda CX-5 and the Kia Sportage. For an SUV without any sporting intentions, the Forester’s handling is competent. The ride is compliant and refined, the steering is accurate, and the brakes are adequately strong for emergency stops.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
With EPA fuel-economy ratings that match much of the compact-crossover segment, the Forester will likely satisfy buyers seeking efficiency. In our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test, our Forester Touring test vehicle missed its highway-fuel-economy rating by 1 mpg, returning 32 mpg. However, that figure matches the result that the CR-V Touring and the Toyota RAV4 Adventure delivered.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Forester’s cabin is a straight-forward, frill-free affair with a good driving position and great outward visibility. Our Touring model’s interior was nicely finished with caramel-colored leather on the seats, door panels, and dash; textured plastic trim layered on the rest of the cabin looked and felt of high quality, too, while glossy-black plastic on the center stack and the chromed and matte-metallic plastic trims spruced things up quite well. The back seat is plenty spacious (there is no third-row option), and even adults should find the bench seat a comfortable perch for road trips. We fit 11 of our carry-on suitcases behind the back seat and a whopping 23 with the back seats folded. That’s more than either the CX-5 or the RAV4 could muster, but the CR-V maxed out at 25 carry-ons with its rear seats stowed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All Forester models come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system using Subaru’s latest Starlink interface. Base, Premium, and Sport models come standard with a 6.5-inch display, but a larger 8.0-inch unit is optional on the Sport and standard on the Limited and Touring models. Two USB ports are provided for front-seat passengers; two more are optional and reside on the back of the center console, giving rear-seat passengers a way to juice their smartphones. Navigation is available only on the Limited and Touring, but for those who decide to stick with a lower model, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are both standard and can provide turn-by-turn directions broadcast from the user’s device. Onboard Wi-Fi via a 4G LTE data connection is standard on all but the base Forester.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Forester earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2019. All models come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of camera-based driver-assistance features. Key safety features include:
– Standard automated emergency braking
– Standard adaptive cruise control
– Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Forester’s warranty is basic, and buyers will be paying out of pocket for maintenance visits. Rivals such as the Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson—both of which offer a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—and the RAV4—which offers two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance—provide more value here than the Subaru.
– Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
– Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
– No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Vehicle
EPA Classification
Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD
Drivetrain
All Wheel
Engine
Engine Order Code
NA
Engine Type and Required Fuel
Regular Unleaded H-4
Displacement (liters/cubic inches)
2.5 L/152
Fuel System
Gasoline Direct Injection
Maximum Horsepower @ RPM
182 @ 5800
Maximum Torque @ RPM
176 @ 4400
Cooling System Capacity (quarts)
NA
Transmission
Transmission Order Code
NA
Transmission Description
CVT w/OD
Number of Transmission Speeds
7
First Gear Ratio (:1)
3.60 – 0.75
Second Gear Ratio (:1)
NA
Third Gear Ratio (:1)
NA
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1)
NA
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1)
NA
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1)
NA
Seventh Gear Ratio (:1)
0.56
Reverse Ratio (:1)
3.69
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1)
3.70
Transfer Case Gear Ratio, high (:1)
NA
Transfer Case Gear Ratio, low (:1)
NA
Clutch Size
NA
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score
NA
CO2 Emissions, 15K mi/year (tons)
6.1
Range, city/highway (miles)
431.60 / 547.80
EPA Fuel Economy, combined/city/highway (mpg)
29 / 26 / 33
EPA Fuel Economy Equivalent (for hybrid and electric vehicles), combined/city/highway (MPGe)
N/A / N/A / N/A
Fuel Tank
Fuel Capacity / Gas Tank Size
16.6
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)
NA
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (inches)
105.1
Length (inches)
182.1
Width, without mirrors (inches)
71.5
Height (inches)
68.1
Front Track Width (inches)
61.6
Rear Track Width (inches)
61.8
Minimum Ground Clearance (inches)
8.7
Rear Door Opening Height (inches)
NA
Rear Door Opening Width (inches)
NA
Liftover Height (inches)
28.4
Interior Dimensions
Passenger / Seating Capacity
5
Total Passenger Volume (cubic feet)
107.8
Front Head Room (inches)
40.2
Front Leg Room (inches)
43.3
Front Shoulder Room (inches)
58.2
Front Hip Room (inches)
54.1
Second Row Head Room (inches)
37.7
Second Row Leg Room (inches)
39.4
Second Row Shoulder Room (inches)
57.2
Second Row Hip Room (inches)
53.6
Cargo Area Dimensions
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind First Row (inches)
73.1
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind Second Row (inches)
35.7
Cargo Space/Area Length Behind Third Row (inches)
NA
Cargo Space/Area Width at Beltline (inches)
51.2
Cargo Bed Width Between Wheelhousings (inches)
43.3
Cargo Bed Height (inches)
32.4
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet)
70.9
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet)
28.9
Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row (cubic feet)
28.9
Steering
Steering Type
Rack-Pinion
Steering Ratio (:1)
NA
Turns, lock to lock
NA
Turning Diameter / Radius, curb to curb (feet)
35.4
Turning Diameter / Radius, wall to wall (feet)
NA
Suspension
Front Suspension Type
Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Double Wishbone
Front Shock Absorber Diameter (mm)
NA
Rear Shock Absorber Diameter (mm)
NA
Front Anti-Roll Bar Diameter (inches)
NA
Rear Anti-Roll Bar Diameter (inches)
NA
Brakes
Brake Type
4-Wheel Disc
Anti-Lock-Braking System
4-Wheel
Front Brake Rotors, diameter x thickness (inches)
11.6
Rear Brake Rotors, diameter x thickness (inches)
11.2
Rear Drums, diameter x width (inches)
NA
Wheels and Tires
Front Wheel Size (inches)
18 X 7
Front Wheel Material
Aluminum
Front Tire Size
P225/55HR18
Rear Wheel Size (inches)
18 X 7
Rear Wheel Material
Aluminum
Rear Tire Size
P225/55HR18
Spare Wheel Size (inches)
Compact
Spare Wheel Material
Steel
Spare Tire Size
Compact
Towing
Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds)
1500
Maximum Trailer Weight, dead weight hitch (pounds)
1500
Maximum Tongue Weight, dead weight hitch (pounds)
150
Maximum Trailer Weight, weight distributing hitch (pounds)
1500
Maximum Tongue Weight, weight distributing hitch (pounds)
150
Weight Information
Base Curb Weight (pounds)
3531
Total Option Weight (pounds)
0.00
Maximum Payload Capacity (pounds)
NA
Curb Weight
NA
Electrical
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F
NA
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
NA
Mechanical
Engine: 2.5L 4 Cyl DOHC 16V w/VVT -inc: Dual Active Valve Control System (DAVCS) variable valve
timing
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT -inc: 7-speed manual shift mode, hill descent control (HDC) and
X-MODE: dual mode system
3.70 Axle Ratio
GVWR: 4,891 lbs
Engine Auto Stop-Start Feature
Transmission w/Driver Selectable Mode
Paddle-Shift Control Switches
Full-Time All-Wheel
Battery w/Run Down Protection
Towing Equipment -inc: Trailer Sway Control
Gas-Pressurized Shock Absorbers
Front And Rear Anti-Roll Bars
Electric Power-Assist Speed-Sensing Steering
16.6 Gal. Fuel Tank
Single Stainless Steel Exhaust w/Polished Tailpipe Finisher
Permanent Locking Hubs
Strut Front Suspension w/Coil Springs
Double Wishbone Rear Suspension w/Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes w/4-Wheel ABS, Front And Rear Vented Discs, Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control
and Electric Parking Brake
Brake Actuated Limited Slip Differential
Exterior
Wheels: 18″ x 7.0J Black Finish Aluminum Alloy
Tires: 225/55R18 98H All-Season
Steel Spare Wheel
Compact Spare Tire Mounted Inside Under Cargo
Clearcoat Paint
Express Open/Close Sliding Glass Panoramic 1st And 2nd Row Sunroof w/Power Sunshade
Body-Colored Front Bumper
Body-Colored Rear Bumper w/Black Rub Strip/Fascia Accent
Black Bodyside Cladding and Black Wheel Well Trim
Black Side Windows Trim and Black Front Windshield Trim
Body-Colored Door Handles
Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/Manual Folding and Turn Signal Indicator
Fixed Rear Window w/Variable Intermittent Wiper and Defroster
Deep Tinted Glass
Variable Intermittent Wipers w/Heated Wiper Park
Galvanized Steel/Aluminum Panels
Lip Spoiler
Black Grille
Liftgate Rear Cargo Access
Tailgate/Rear Door Lock Included w/Power Door Locks
Roof Rack Rails Only
Perimeter/Approach Lights
LED Brakelights
Fully Automatic Projector Beam Led Low/High Beam Daytime Running Auto-Leveling Auto High-
Beam Headlamps
Front Fog Lamps
Entertainment
Radio: Subaru Starlink 6.5″ Multimedia Plus System -inc: AM/FM stereo HD Radio w/single-disc
CD player w/MP3/WMA/CRR/RW file capability, multi-touch gesture high resolution display, 6.5″
LCD screen, voice activated controls, Bluetooth audio streaming connectivity, hands-free phone
connectivity and hands-free SMS text messaging connectivity, iPod control capability, rear-vision
camera display, SiriusXM All Access radio and Travel Link (subscription required), smartphone
integration: AHA, Android Auto, CarPlay and Pandora, Starlink cloud applications: refer to
subaru.com for app availability, dual USB input ports, 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, 6 speakers and
body color roof mounted antenna
Radio w/Seek-Scan, Clock, Speed Compensated Volume Control, Steering Wheel Controls and
Radio Data System
2 LCD Monitors In The Front
Interior
Heated Front Bucket Seats -inc: 10-way power driver’s seat w/2-way power lumbar support and 4-
way manual front passenger seat adjuster, height and tilt adjustable front head restraints and driver and passenger front seat back pocket
8-Way Driver Seat
Passenger Seat
60-40 Folding Bench Front Facing Manual Reclining Fold Forward Seatback Rear Seat
Manual Tilt/Telescoping Steering Column
Gauges -inc: Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Trip Odometer and Trip Computer
Power Rear Windows
Mobile Hotspot Internet Access
Leather/Metal-Look Steering Wheel
Front Cupholder
Rear Cupholder
Valet Function
Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter, 2 Door Curb/Courtesy, Illuminated Entry,
Illuminated Ignition Switch and Panic Button
Proximity Key For Doors And Push Button Start
Remote Releases -Inc: Power Cargo Access and Mechanical Fuel
Cruise Control w/Steering Wheel Controls
Distance Pacing w/Traffic Stop-Go
Automatic Air Conditioning
HVAC -inc: Underseat Ducts and Console Ducts
Locking Glove Box
Driver Foot Rest
Full Cloth Headliner
Cloth Door Trim Insert
Interior Trim -inc: Metal-Look Instrument Panel Insert, Metal-Look Console Insert and
Chrome/Metal-Look Interior Accents
Leather/Metal-Look Gear Shifter Material
Sport Cloth Upholstery -inc: orange stitching
Day-Night Rearview Mirror
Driver And Passenger Visor Vanity Mirrors w/Driver And Passenger Illumination, Driver And
Passenger Auxiliary Mirror
Full Floor Console w/Covered Storage, Mini Overhead Console w/Storage and 3 12V DC Power
Outlets
Front Map Lights
Fade-To-Off Interior Lighting
Full Carpet Floor Covering -inc: Carpet Front And Rear Floor Mats
Carpet Floor Trim and Vinyl/Rubber Mat
Cargo Area Concealed Storage
Roll-Up Cargo Cover
Cargo Features -inc: Cargo Tray/Organizer
Cargo Space Lights
FOB Controls -inc: Cargo Access
STARLINK Safety and Security (Subscription Required) Tracker System
Smart Device Remote Engine Start
Instrument Panel Bin, Driver / Passenger And Rear Door Bins
Power Door Locks w/Autolock Feature
Power 1st Row Windows w/Driver And Passenger 1-Touch Up/Down
Systems Monitor
Trip Computer
Outside Temp Gauge
Digital/Analog Display
Seats w/Cloth Back Material
Manual Adjustable Rear Head Restraints
Front Center Armrest and Rear Center Armrest
Perimeter Alarm
Engine Immobilizer
3 12V DC Power Outlets
Air Filtration
Safety
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
EyeSight Pre-Collision Braking
EyeSight Lane Keep Assist Lane Keeping Assist
EyeSight Lane Keep Assist Lane Departure Warning
Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Driver Knee Airbag
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and
Pretensioners
Warranty
3 Basic Years / 36,000 Basic Miles
5 Drivetrain Years / 60,000 Drivetrain Miles
5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
3 Roadside Assistance Years / 36,000 Roadside Assistance Miles
Crash Test Results
Overall Rating
5/5
Overall Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
5/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Driver
5/5
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating Passenger
5/5
Overall Side Crash Rating
5/5
Side Barrier Rating
5/5
Side Barrier Rating Driver
5/5
Side Barrier Rating Passenger Rear Seat
5/5
Side Pole Rating Driver Front Seat
5/5
Combined Side Rating Front Seat
5/5
Combined Side Rating Rear Seat
5/5
Rollover Rating
4/5