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2020 Subaru Forester consumer reviews

$24,495 starting MSRP
side view of 2020 Forester Subaru
(229 reviews)
95% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.9
  • Interior 4.8
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2020 Subaru Forester
Shop the 2020 Subaru Forester

Clunky CVT Transmission. Unrefined!

My 2020 Forester Touring provided comfortable and reliable use, but it was a disappointment when driving in low speed urban settings. The CVT transmission is programmed to simulate stepped "gear changes" and this is its biggest performance downfall. It is difficult to modulate smooth power delivery in stop and go traffic, or neighborhood settings, when you constantly need to vary vehicle speed between 15 and 30 MPH. Coasting down from 30 produces an excessive engine braking sensation, followed by a lunge as speed hits exactly 15 MPH. This is possibly an aggressive and under-damped torque converter lockup clutch. Next, once coasting down, a gentle throttle reapplication at 15 mph creates an occasional stumble sensation, then a light bucking as the speedometer passes through 20 MPH. You might not notice this on a test drive, but daily routines in urban conditions WILL reveal the jerky nature of this most unusually-programmed CVT.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Comfortable and Pleasant

This car has everything that I wanted, it is stylish, comfortable, incredible safety features and great gas mileage. The size is practicle, all wheel drive and 17" wheels great in bad weather

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Love my Forester!!!

My new Forester is really a luxury car with a small car price tag. Offers a smooth , quiet ride. Plenty of leg room and plenty of cargo space too. It has plenty of power to make it to the top of the mountain with ease.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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This is our 5th Subaru vehicle

It was an very easy choice, working with Stephanie Hafez made it much easier. Her knowledge of the vehicle, it's features and options made the whole process quite painless

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Love my new Forester!

I never thought of a Subaru! The Forester was recommended to me as a great car for older individuals. I tried it and could plainly see that it was very comfortable, held the road amazingly, and seemed sturdy and safe. I have had other more expensive cars. The Forester really met my needs!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Bought for cargo layout/resale value.

It meets my needs perfectly. Two words for Columbus, Ohio folks: see ATEF BEHERY at Byers Subaru Dublin for the BEST car buying experience ever. This is the second new vehicle Atef has assisted me with. He is excellent to work with.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Pleasantly Surprised... Love Subaru's

I never owned a Subaru prior to this purchase. I wanted to get away from the less than stellar pickup that I had with my Honda CRV and also how light it was on turns. I also was sick of the same old look and feel. I heard wonderful things about the Subaru (Besides how much they donate to Animal Welfare, Helping to Feed People that are in a bad way and more recently I just found out with the Forest Fires in CA they are planting saplings>) We excitedly ended up taking a test drive and there was no turning back. Its not a heavy feeling SUV but you know there is power behind It. You feel very safe when making turns and pick up is a breeze. The lowest package exterior isn't in my opinion the most attractive , just kind of plain but for a small jump in price you can add a roof rack and molding and it really sharpens up the look. Like putting sprinkles on a cup cake. The interior to me is quite interesting due to the fact the interior of the CRV is very compact and limited in any extra umph. This is more like the interior you would find in a very expensive SUV yet it comes standard with the Premium Model. Beautiful Cloth Seats which are a medium beige which makes a nice match for the Jasper Green exterior. Soft in color yet awakens your sense that spring has sprung. The steering wheel houses where you pair your iPhone and other items such as tires pressures and things I am not comfortable doing so I would never touch. The dash has so much going on that sometimes it a bit overwhelming and you just have to realize its smarter to watch the road and not the dash. We both read the started book which was a huge help but hands on is really the best way to learn. Getting a feel for the SUV in NY traffic was a bit nerve wracking but could have been worse. The roads were less crowded due to the Covid-19. One con with this SUV and many others we test drove is the right side blind spot. Not only does it take you by surprise you also can think its someone there. But neither of us want to rely on the side view, or rear view mirrors. Only frustration but hopefully its something we will be able to learn to deal with in the near future with practice.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Should have bought it sooner.

It's been 17 years since I have purchased a new vehicle and boy am I loving my Forester Limited. I have some pretty bad back issues and need the lumbar support and the firm support of the leather seats to be comfortable. I test drove a Honda CR-V which was a pretty nice ride but the Subaru by far was a much better ride. Very smooth and tight. The Car also had a more open feel inside. I am very pleased and excited to own a Subaru Forester. I look forward to years of enjoyment.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Safe, reliable, sporty!

Couldn’t be more pleased! The 2020 Forester Is a dream! Comfortable, handles well In all types of weather, and very sharp looking! I love everything about it!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Nicest cat I've owned

Great vehicle. I love the panoramic view of the road and all of the safety features. Interior is a big step up from the 2016 and the 2018 we had. Tech features are great except for the Start/Stop feature. I find that to be agravating. Very satisfied with the vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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