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2020 Subaru Forester

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$24,495

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

29

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

182.1” x 68.1”

Dimensions

All-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(229 reviews)

The good:

  • Roomy interior with quality materials
  • Smooth ride, quiet cabin
  • Picture-window visibility
  • Excellent all-wheel drive
  • Huge liftgate opening

The bad:

  • Just adequate power
  • Engine noisy at higher revs
  • Available power liftgate isn’t hands-free
  • Plastic wheel covers on base model

5 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Subaru Forester trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Lane-centering steering now standard
  • Five-seat compact SUV
  • 182-hp boxer four-cylinder engine
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission
  • All-wheel drive standard
  • 8.7-inch ground clearance

2020 Subaru Forester review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Subaru Forester?

Redesigned last year, the Subaru Forester compact SUV comes standard with all-wheel drive and seats five. Power comes from a standard 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that works with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson

What’s New on the 2020 Subaru Forester?

Lane-centering steering and lane departure warning is now included with Subaru’s EyeSight system, which is standard. A rear-seat reminder is also now standard. Premium models gain heated front seats, heated side mirrors and a windshield de-icer. 

What Features in the 2020 Subaru Forester Are Most Important?

Forester highlights include an accessible starting price, standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, 29 mpg combined (according to EPA estimates) and important active safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. 

Should I Buy the 2020 Subaru Forester?

The Forester is a formidable competitor in the compact SUV class; in a recent Cars.com compact SUV comparison test, the Forester finished second in a field of seven thanks in part to its good visibility, braking and handling, and child-safety seat accommodations. Power from the Forester’s boxer four-cylinder is just modest, and it can get noisy at higher rpms, but this is a well-rounded SUV that’s worth your consideration.

Consumer reviews

(229 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

I bought a brand new 2020 Subaru Forester.

I bought a brand new 2020 Subaru Forester. Be prepared when your car hits the 90,000 mile mark. In the last 2 months I've had my check engine light go off 3 times. First issue: H20 sensor- $528. 2nd issue: gas tank sensor-$350. 3rd issue: thermometer-$789. I had two Nissan Xterras that I owned for 10 years each. A 2000 with 194,000 miles & 2010 with 204,000 miles. Aside from regular maintenance I only spent $400 on each replacing the heat coils. If they still made them when I needed a new car in 2020 I would have purchased it. I will NEVER buy another Subaru. One and done!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 1.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Does not recommend this car
1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I bought my car brand new.

I bought my car brand new. It has 23,000 miles on it. Paint is peeling on the right rear panel. Getting it painted is expensive.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does not recommend this car
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Happy Forester Owner

The Forester is the first SUV I ever owned. It has had a few issues, but the dealership, Kenny Ross in Irwin Pa, has always been top notch in customer service. First issue was the orignal tires went bald after only 10,000 miles. I called Kenny Ross and they said they would contact corporate. Got 4 new tires at no charge. Next issue I did not even know I had. Took it in for an oil change and they tell me I need a new CVT. Didn't know I had a problem. No charge again. Last issue was a radio that kept giving an error message and would not work. Took four visits to isolate the problem, but now have a new radio that brings in more stations. Again for free. Highly recommend the bumper to bumper warranty. Money well spent.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
6 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 229 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2020 Subaru Forester base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
16.9%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Subaru
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Coverage available for purchase
Powertrain
7 years/100,000
Dealer certification required
152-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Compare the competitors

See all 2020 Subaru Forester articles