History/Overview
Forester is Subaru's entry in the competitive compact crossover category. A 2019 redesign brought bulkier styling that literally helps this small utility stand tall in a crowded segment. Generous ground clearance and Subaru's well-sorted AWD system combine for impressive off-road performance for a light-duty vehicle.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
The 2020 Subaru Forester adds lane centering assist to its standard EyeSight active safety suite. Also new this year is a rear seat reminder that pings an alert to check for forgotten items (including children and pets) before you leave the car.
Available Trims
Forester trims include a base model, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited and Premier. All are powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission and AWD.
Standard Features
Base Forester models come with heated side mirrors, automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch steel wheels with covers, a 6.5-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a four-speaker stereo, single-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, tilt-and-telescopic steering, electric parking brake, heated front seats and a six-way manual driver's seat.
All Foresters also come with forward collision warning with automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, lane departure warning and lane keep assist.
Convenience trim adds fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a windshield wiper de-icer, a six-speaker stereo, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Starlink connected services, dual-zone automatic climate control, welcome lighting, passive keyless entry, a 6.3-inch multi-information display, upgraded cloth upholstery, 10-way power driver's seat, and reverse automatic braking.
Touring trim adds automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, power tailgate, sunroof, dual rear USB ports, and reclining rear seats.
Sport trim adds LED fog lights and daytime running lights, steering responsive headlights, 18-inch wheels, and an 8.0-inch infotainment display.
Limited models get auto-dimming side mirrors with passenger-side reverse tilt, navigation, SiriusXM traffic and travel link, a nine-speaker stereo, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, driver's seat memory, and heated rear seats with one-touch folding.
Finally, Premier trim gains an eight-way power front passenger seat and a driver distraction mitigation system.
Fuel Economy
Subaru's fuel consumption estimates are 9.0/7.2 L/100 km (city/highway).
Competition
Subaru Forester competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Volkswagen Tiguan, Dodge Journey, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.
