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2020 Subaru Forester Review
Price Range: $14,788 - $29,998
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Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Aside from lackluster acceleration, there isn't much to dislike about the 2020 Subaru Forester. This crossover SUV delivers the feel and rugged attitude that buyers want, along with a comfortable cabin and plenty of features for the price.
2020 Subaru Forester Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- New lane centering function added to list of standard driving aids
- All-Weather package now standard on Premium models
- Part of the fifth Forester generation introduced for 2019
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.75 per gallon for regular unleaded in Louisiana.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Louisiana
$118/mo for Forester Base
Forester Base
vs
$158/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Forester from 2008-2022.$525/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.07x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).15%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Subaru Forester Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(77%)
4(12%)
3(5%)
2(3%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
A First Class SUV
5 out of 5 starsC. L. Maley, 03/17/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I bought my 1st Subaru Forester Limited 19 years ago. In late January I purchased a Forester Premium with two upgrade packages. I went with the Premium because I didn't want leather seats in the hot mid-west. At first glance the interior cabin resembled a mini cockpit! The 2020 Forester has a CD player and plenty of USB ports! Love the keyless entry as well.
What attracted me to … the vehicle was its safety rating. The driver's seat has front, side and knee air bags. The Starlink is another safety plus too. The eye sight assist and front and rear cameras are additional safety features (these do need to be turned off while going through a carwash). It has also a child safety reminder so infants are not forgotten in rear seats.
The interior is roomier. The vehicle is a bit taller and longer than my old Forester. It sits a bit higher off the ground which makes for easier getting in/out for older passengers. The reclining rear seats and cup holder console make it a plus for passengers and another plus is the rear privacy glass.
I disagree with reviewers who say this vehicle is lacking in power. I'm usually on the interstates daily and have no problem accelerating right on to them at a pretty good clip. You don't get the road noise in the Forester which is more common to Hondas. The ride is smooth and the seats are extremely comfortable for anyone with a lumbar/back problem.
The boxer engine in Subaru is a plus. The Subaru "A" button allows for an automatic shut-off of the engine as a gas saver when idling at intersections, but can be turned off each time the vehicle is started (an option that cannot be turned off in some GM's). Tire pressure reading is available with the click of a button instead of checking tires with a gauge. There is plenty of cargo space where I can plug in my Subaru cooler. I'm hopeful that the 2020 Forester will have good reliability over time. After 19 years, this is a whole new driving experience and I'm lovin' every minute.
Perfect SUV for me
5 out of 5 starsSubie Fan, 01/12/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I love my 2020 Forester Limited. This is my 5th Subaru and replaced my 2010 Forester Premium. I decided to upgrade to Limited and added on the upgraded Harmon Kardon audio package, heated steering wheel, and other upgrades so it's almost a Touring level vehicle.
I appreciate the luxury inside -- heated leather seats, dual zone climate controls, heated steering wheel, navigation, … upgraded audio system, and all the different ways I can listen to music (regular radio, Sirius XM radio, CD, iPod, Pandora). I kid that it's a jukebox on wheels.
My car accelerates quickly and I get good gas mileage (26.7 mpg) on a mix of city-highway driving. The safety features are excellent -- backup camera that warns when there's obstacles or cross-traffic approaching, lane deviation warning, pre-collision braking, blind spot warning lights.
The exterior is sporty looking, with a spoiler and black multispoke wheels. Really a classy looking SUV.
As far as storage, it's quite a bit longer and wider than my 2010 so there's lots of room in the back seat and when the seats are folded. I mostly carry my bikes inside and they fit neatly with room to spare. The extra space means the front cockpit is also much more roomy and comfortable than my 2010.
A few criticisms: The nav isn't as good finding some out of the way places that Google Maps can find easily. The voice recognition system isn't great for some things (nav) but good for others (regulating temperature). There's a feature that stops the engine at long traffic lights to save gas, and that can be slightly annoying. Sometimes my iPod doesn't work with the audio system, and I can't figure out why. There are a LOT of icons that pop up on the various screens, and not all are intuitive. I accidentally hit cruise control one day and couldn't figure out what that icon was.
And last, there are 6 owner's manuals (3 full, 3 quick) which you have to read to understand the car and its various systems. I've had my car 2 months and I still find myself looking stuff up and figuring out how to customize the various features. (Example: for keyless unlocking, I wanted to unlock the driver's side door but also the passenger side door and lift gate, too.)
Still, all in all, it's really the perfect SUV for me.
Best In Class
5 out of 5 starsJohn R., 02/16/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
The vehicle is quiet, the ride and handling are very refined, steering feel is very good, the all around visibility is magnificent, and the horsepower and torque of the engine are more than adequate for day to day driving and merging on to an expressway. I drove a six-cylinder automatic transmission sports car for the last 13 years, and have no issue with the CVT transmission or the 4 … cylinder engine under the hood of the 2020 Forester Touring. At the end of the day, go for a test drive, I think you'll be amazed at the new Subaru's.
The Forester Grows Up
4 out of 5 starsRSJ, 04/19/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I have owned the previous generation of the Forester and now drive a 2020 Premium. Subaru has incrementally improved the Forester to the point that it now has few drawbacks. The car is well built, the interior is well done and keeps controls fairly simple although the smallish touch screen does pick up fingerprints way too easily and is not the most intuitive. The basic 6-speaker … stereo system is fine for most people - if you are an audiophile, you should upgrade to a model with the Harman Kardon system. The seats are comfortable and there's plenty of room inside for both passengers and cargo. The standard Eyesight Safety System is second to none in the industry. The new "Lance Centering System" which keeps the car in the middle of the lane you are in is a bit overaggressive for my taste - I turned it off. The automatic start/stop system is incredibly annoying - thank goodness there is a switch to turn it off! Like most AWD Subarus, this one handles and drives very good. I have read many reviewers say that the car is under-powered. It is not. I have learned after driving two generations of Foresters with the same basic engine and CVT that if you drive this vehicle "normally" it will reward you with smooth acceleration and plenty of pep. The improved CVT is now almost imperceptible and near perfect for tooling around town or cruising the highway. Its important to note that this Engine and CVT combo has never been good for aggressive driving. If you want something you can drive hard and fast, this is not the vehicle for you. CVT's are not good at jack-rabbit starts and aggressive driving. There's plenty of power for passing so no worries there. Take it easy with this car and you will LOVE the way it drives - buttery smooth and quiet! I drove the new CR-V before I decided on the 2020 Forester and the Forester still beats the CR-V with vastly better visibility, a more spacious feel and a "driver fit" that the CR-V and others just can't match. Driving the Forester is like putting on a comfortable pair of walking shoes and going for a stroll - as long as you don't try to race or sprint in them, you'll be happy! Be sure this SUV is on your test drive list if you are in the market.
2020 Forester Highlights
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $24,495 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $118/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.4 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Forester models:
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
- Helps prevent accidents, with features such as lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Helps reduce collisions by applying the brakes if an automobile is detected crossing the Forester's path while it's in reverse.
- DriverFocus
- Sounds an alert when the head-tracking system detects that the driver is distracted.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.9%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedAcceptable
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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