2020 Subaru Forester

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$24,495

starting MSRP

2020 Subaru Forester
2020 Subaru Forester

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

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 2023

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
See also: How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2020 Subaru Forester?

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

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.8
  • Reliability 4.9

Most recent consumer reviews

5.0

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.

1.0

Terrible

Do not buy one of these terrible cvts. Jerks and lurches and shakes every xxxx time you drive it. Cheap interior with an annoying tablet. I won’t buy another Subaru

5.0

Happy and satisfied beyond my wildest dreams!

I have a 2020 Forester with 19000 miles. I love it, especially as a tall and aging man. It it easy to drive, easy to get in and get out. Miles per gallon is great, typically well over 30 mpg in day to day city driving. I have noticed a number of complaints about batteries. I think in 2019-2020 they had a bad supplier of batteries. My experience was total battery failure at about 10000 miles. I had to purchase a replacement from AAA. Such stories were common during that period. I was irritated but received reimbursement even though it is not typical for a dealer/car company to do so. Smart dealers want to keep your business. The only other expenses were created by potholes knocking the car out of allignment and nails in parking lots puncturing the same tire twice! Sweep your xxxx parking lots retailers and restaurants.

See all 227 consumer reviews

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

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