Used 2020 Subaru Forester SUV Consumer Reviews
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A First Class SUV
C. L. Maley, 03/17/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
76 of 76 people found this review helpful
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
Subie Fan, 01/12/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
197 of 200 people found this review helpful
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.
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Best In Class
John R., 02/16/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
57 of 57 people found this review helpful
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.
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The Forester Grows Up
RSJ, 04/19/2020
updated 06/16/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
128 of 130 people found this review helpful
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.
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Not so "slow" as reviewers claim
Bernie K., 12/01/2019
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
377 of 387 people found this review helpful
I spent 3 months researching crossovers and came to the conclusion that, as no single vehicle offered everything I wanted, I'd have to decide where I'd be willing to compromise. I live in the Sierra foothills and having driven a very peppy V6 RAV4 for many years, one of the features I did not want to sacrifice was power. However, as this was not my sole priority, the Honda CX-5 turbo's history of oil infiltration issues and the Mazda CX-5 turbo's dismal gas mileage disqualified them as contenders early on. The new Subaru Outback Turbo was being sold at many thousands of dollars over MSRP, simply because of demand, which rendered it unaffordable. Once I considered the remaining vehicles, the Forester emerged as the one that, overall, ticked most of my boxes. Prior to to the test-drive, I'd been conditioned by reviewers' complaints to expect very lethargic performance but that was not my experience! While it failed to keep up with the RAV's oversized V6, it had no difficulty climbing hills and the handling was far superior to the RAV. We subsequently bought a 2020 Forester Premium and have found it's pretty easy to speed driving this vehicle. This makes me question reviewers' expectations regarding power. We need a crossover that will perform well in our rural N. CA locale-- on dirt, in snow, on steep, winding mountain roads. We don't need a sports car. I'm writing this review to assure potential Forester purchasers that, in my experience, this vehicle has plenty of power to do what its actually designed to do. Although I find the Edmunds review inaccurate regarding the Forester's power, it does a good job, otherwise, of describing this vehicle's considerable attributes.
My Second Subaru
Ricus, 10/26/2019
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
148 of 152 people found this review helpful
I have owned a 2016 Honda CRV EX for the last few years and I have never really been happy with it due to its stiff ride, uncomfortable seats, road noise, and the lack of good service from local dealerships in my area. A few days ago I test drove and traded in the CRV for the 2020 Subaru Forester and I could not be happier. The Forester drives like a luxury SUV compared to my CRV with a great ride, drive, features and appearance. I was able to get to upgrade the audio system (poor sound quality on the CRV), add Homelink and auto dimming rear and outside mirrors, and have an automatic climate system to enjoy. It is also so much quieter in the cabin with a smoother engine and transmission. The Forester has more pickup than my CRV as well which was never really a problem with the CRV. In addition, it gets better gas mileage than the SUV before it. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase.
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Awesome!
Diane, 11/26/2019
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
167 of 172 people found this review helpful
Moved to bend and wanted an awd. My Subaru Forester Limited is so well-equipped. Easy to get in and out of. I read the reviews about the lack of power and I disagree. I had a Mercedes Benz 2 turbo sedan and crossed the Subaru off my list. After looking at other vehicles I went back to look at the Subaru Limited and did a test drive. The car has plenty of power. I did obtain the package that includes The back-up camera. Didn't know I would like it so much! I agree with someone else's review that 360 degree would be a good option. The Subaru Forester is not too big and not too small it's just right.
The Forester sport is to die for.
Aaron, 12/08/2019
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
133 of 137 people found this review helpful
I just bought 2020 Forester sport. I can't say enough how much I am in love with this vehicle. I bought the sport trim because of the more agressive styling. My sport is fully loaded and I don't regret that at all. The Harmon kardon blows my expectations out of the water. The safety features are unparralelled. The ride is smooth and extremely comfortable. I am 6'6 and out of the 8 or 9 small SUVs I tried this is by far the vehicle with the most leg and head room. The steering is plenty responsive. I think the engine provides plenty of acceleration for day to day driving. If I am feeling a little peppy I throw that sucker into sport mode and the acceleration kicks up a notch. The interio materials are a perfect balance or luxury and practicality. This car shreds snow and mud. I don't plan to take it 4 wheeling but I certainly plan to do some light offroading with it while camping. It is the perfect car to take on most of what Colorado throws at me. You can't beat suburus AWD. I love this car
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Newest 2020 Forester off the lot
Boise Brad & Dee, 10/05/2019
updated 12/30/2019
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
112 of 116 people found this review helpful
We decided on the silver, premium because it had the features and cloth seats we wanted. It was an easy transaction as the first SUV's coming to the lot were very close to what we were looking for. It went for 28,500 through Costco plus added options 2,100 - additional programmed key, body side moldings, outside auto dimming mirrors, fog lamp kit, rear bumper cover, and trailer hitch - plus taxes. This is our first Subaru, and it drives just like the 2019's; very comfortable and smooth driving. The auto start-stop and land departure features take a little getting used to; more later. There are so many features that it will take a while to learn them. So far, everything works and we really like the SUV. We'll update this review as we learn more about and experience how this SUV drives. 12/28/2019 Update: After driving this on a road trip to Yellowstone and around the city for a couple months, I can say that I really like how it drives; handling, great turning circle. MPG and pretty good acceleration. I didn't think I'd like the start/stop feature, but you get used to it and it's not bad. One trick is, if you sense that the stop will be short, you can stop with light pressure and the engine won't turn off. If it is a longer stop, then heaver pressure will usually stop the engine. On the MPG, I've done several accurate tests (dividing miles driven by the gas filled) and found that the car indicates about 1.5 - 2 MPG higher than my calculations. I did buy the base stereo system and the speakers are pretty crappy. I did buy modest upgrade speakers for the driver/passenger doors and it was a pretty easy upgrade and much nicer sound. One problem being investigated is, my FOB gives error beeps only when entering the driver's door and won't let me in; I have to enter the passenger side and open the driver's door. I'll update later. Overall, I still would buy this Forester again.
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Great All Around
chucknc, 04/26/2020
updated 11/04/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
29 of 29 people found this review helpful
We bought a 2020 Subaru Forester after a very disappointing experience with a 2020 Outback Touring XT. (Terrible throttle response, big stupid center screen, etc. You can see that review also on Edmunds.) We also have a 2019 Forester, so we essentially knew what we were getting with the 2020. (The newer one has built in navigation, heated steering wheel and reverse automatic braking, but otherwise identical.) The Forester is just a great car in many ways. It does most things either very well or in excellent fashion. Good size, roomy, easy access, reasonably simple controls for this day and age. It generally responds well to throttle input, making it seem faster than it may actually be. (To be totally honest, there is a slight dead spot in acceleration around 15mph. You just have to give it more gas and "push through it" if you want to move out quickly. Perhaps it's the "rubber band effect" attributed to CVTs.) I haven't really paid close attention to fuel economy, but it seems to be good. Re the dreaded auto start-stop feature so common nowadays: It is a minor pain, and saves an insignificant amount of gas. There is even a bit of ridiculous overkill on the dash that tells you that you save 0.02 gallons of gas since who-knows-when. Turning it off is cumbersome, so I've just decided to live with it. If you get to a stop light and don't press the brake pretty hard, it may not even engage. Also, you learn to watch traffic lights and the cars ahead of you carefully, so you're not caught short when the light goes green.
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Still Best car ever (a year later)!
latat, 12/09/2019
updated 12/10/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
65 of 67 people found this review helpful
This is still the best car I have ever owned. I have been driving it for a year now. It’s top notch quality. The safety features are standard and really work. The adaptive cruise control is a gift. Makes driving fun and easy. The car has great acceleration, especially in SI mode. I like the option of using manual to shift. The controls are easily accessible on the steering wheel. The upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system is excellent and worth the upgrade. It’s on par with Bose. The seats are comfortable and the heat feature is great in winter. There is a ton of room inside. No blind spots! Clear vision all the way around. Still get notified of drivers in blind spot though. Couldn’t ask for a better vehicle. Great warranty. Love it! Highly recommended. In the last year, both my husbands and my parents purchased their own Subaru Forester. My dad is very picky and does a lot of research before purchasing a car. He absolutely loves his Forester and so do my in-laws. Subaru is definitely worth the price.
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Amazing vehicle!
Paula R, 02/27/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
I have the touring model Forester, with all the bells and whistle. It is smoother that my former Sport model and is more responsive also. I love having all the goodies too. I feel so confident driving this in our Hazardous upstate New York weather. I love the rear view camera and the warning lights of side lane traffic on the rear view mirrors. The interior is beautiful and comfortable and the seats extremely adjustable -important as I am a short person. I drove the 2019 Forrester Sport for a year and really liked it - but this model is just an awesome experience!
2nd Subaru Surprises
Family Flyer, 02/27/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
Got 2020 Forester in November, wanted all the safety features, plus it is not so big that my 91 yo mother can get in easily. On first road trip about 400 miles averaged 35 mpg that was a great surprise, and on the road it is more quiet and comfortable than our Buick Lacrosse. Took a while to figure the electronics out, and took a leap of faith on the cruise control stoping. Right now I would recommend this to anyone who needs a highway cruiser. A bit more power would not hurt but that might cause MPG to suffer. All and all it has been great for the first 2200 miles.
Safe and fun to drive
E. Breis, 03/31/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
My Subaru Forester 2020 Touring Edition has all the bells and whistles needed for safety and comfort PLUS it is really fun to drive. I owned a LEXUS ES 350 2012 and the Subaru Forester, although not as quiet and cushioned a ride, is loads more fun to drive and has superior performance, especially the turning radius and the cornering. And since it is an SUV, the visibility is wonderful. Every safety feature one can imagine is packed into this car.
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Pleasantly surprised
Yeti, 03/30/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I'm 6'7" and 330 lbs so when we started looking for a new vehicle for my wife, a Subaru Forrester wasn't on my radar, We went to the car show in Pittsburgh, to sit in cars to see if I could get in and out of them and have head and leg room, I was surprised how comfortable it was for a large person, we don't do air travel and we are always looking for a beach or coast to drive to, it's a very nice car, and 29 MPG around town ain't to shabby either
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No regrets!
Julie Fridley, 06/25/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
After researching for two years and being afraid to make the wrong purchase, I finally chose the Subaru Forester and I couldn’t be happier. We have a kid and a big shedding dog so the weather proof floor mats are amazing. It’s Stylish and super comfortable. Great sound quality, as safe as they come, fun, affordable. I got the most bang for my buck. Glad I chose this over the Honda CRV
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Great car with a few things to refine
NewbieSubie, 04/04/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
39 of 41 people found this review helpful
First off I am new to Subarus and bought a 2020 Premium coming from a 2001 4x4 truck. I have had it about a month and the week after I bought it I made a long drive, about 500 miles round trip. I did lots of research before deciding to look at the Subaru. The things that lend me to choose the Forester over other models was the safety and AWD systems. The interior is very nice and I like the contrasting cloth seats. Backseat legroom is shocking. I'm average height, 5'10" and with the front seat positioned for me I have room to stretch out in the back. The backseats even recline a little. The armrest and cup holders are positioned in an awkward position IMO, too far back. Wind noise is minimal but road noise is moderate. I guess it is normal for this class of car but I would like more insulation. The ride is very smooth but tight. Much better than a loaner Ford Ecosport I recently drove (I know it's not the same class). Handling is good for a vehicle of this class. As many reviewers have complained about the acceleration I have had no problems so far. It's not a sports car and when does one go from 0-60. Fuel economy is good, avg 32+ mpg with mostly highway driving. The transmission can be laggy and jerky, especially at slower speeds, ie coming to a stoplight which turns green then you accelerate again. The start/stop system is definitely not as refined as that in other manufacturers, ie the Ford I loaned was barely noticeable. Those last two are really the only complaints I have about it so far. The Premium gives you pretty much all the nice features without having to have leather seats. Many more features than other makes middle level vehicles. Some complain about the styling but I like it. It's not real plain Jane or old school and it isn't flashy or abstract. It sits somewhere in between. I have actually gotten lots of compliments on the Jasper Green color.
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The 2020 Subaru Forester Delivers
jfmj54, 03/18/2020
updated 03/27/2024
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
36 of 38 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2020 Forester in October 29, 2020 which I bought online through a local dealership. Pitting four dealerships against each other worked nicely and I got a nice discount off the MSRP. Just thought I would share that. MPG: I drive about 400 miles per week. 300 miles of that number is highway driving. I keep the speed on the hwy at 65-70 mph. I am consistently getting 27-29 mpg. Fair warning: the logarithm that computes your mpg on the infotainment screen is consistently 1-2 mpg higher than my own calculations. I know not why this is but I trust my computations. The engine: Consumer reports tell us the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder 182 hp engine is a bit on the sluggish side compared to its competitors in the segment. They say the Forester is about 0.5 to 1.0 seconds behind when going from 0 to 60 mph. What nonsense. It boogies down the highway whenever I want it to. It has plenty of giddy-up when needed to pass a tractor-trailer or whatever you want to leave in the dust. It does express a rather loud thrum when you press on the accelerator but quiets down when you go back to cruising. The interior: It is well padded and looks stylish. The seats are very comfortable, as everyone who has ridden in it has said as much. Sight lines are excellent for the segment. The controls are easily accessible and practical. There are a couple of hiccups: one is the storage bin in the console between the two front seats. It is on the small side. Meh. But the other surprises me. The tray in front of the shifter where I place my phone is too small for my large mobile phone to lay flat. Finally: the user manual is about an inch and a half thick because this car has a myriad of safety features. One such feature saved me from an unavoidable rear-end collision. The car stopped before I could get to the brakes myself. That alone was worth every penny I paid for this very fine vehicle. Update: March 21, 2023 3 1/2 years later, here we are. The 2020 Subaru Forester purchased in Oct 2019 is still running fine. MPG is still in the 27-29 range in Highway 75% - Town 25% driving. I put 61K on the car at that time. Still an excellent ride. No glitches, so far, very good. Update: March 26, 2024 (80,000 K) Nearly four years after the purchase, my 2020 Subaru Forester runs beautifully and gets about 27-29 mpg. ***However, the interior fit and finish have failed me. A. At around 65K, the driver's side sun visor simply stopped working. It would not stay in place for love or money. The visor would fall down in front of my line of sight while driving. If I moved it to the side window, it would flap and hit me on the side of the head. Subaru of San Bernardino wanted $300 to replace it. I got my long-time mechanic to do it for $180. I had a '95 Ford Escort wagon for 11 years and an '05 Toyota Camry for 15 years. Neither ever did this. B. The driver's and passenger's side power windows have a tendency to refuse to close. Yup. I press the window to close, and the window rises to the top of the window frame and then drops to half open. Press to close again, and the window rises to the frame's top and then drops halfway. One has to shut off the engine, restart the car, and drive a few feet, and "Usually" the window will close. Until the next time, the windows decide to do this nonsense again. C. The faux leather wrap around the steering wheel is peeling off. D. My favorite: The engine will turn itself off at a stop light and proudly announce that it is saving me 0.02 gallons of gas by doing this. The car has failed to restart twice when coaxed to go. The car runs fine. A+ The fit and finish is a D-. The electronics are questionable.
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Subaru Spaceship
OurFirstSubie, 10/09/2019
updated 05/04/2022
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
124 of 135 people found this review helpful
This 2020 Forester is our 23rd car but the first Subaru. After 32 months and 34000 miles: Pros: Mileage 31.2 mpg (smooth-driving mix of country roads and suburbs). Sharp tech displays feel like you're flying a spaceship--fun to geek-out on. The ride is composed, refined, quiet, and comfortable. There is adequate engine power for daily driving. The 500+ mile range means fewer trips to the gas station. Harman-Kardon sound is perfection. Great greenhouse visibility and a tight turning circle. This vehicle now feels like a much-loved, favorite pair of jeans. Flawlessly reliable. Cons: An annoying buzz/rattle eminates from above the left-rear pax window. OEM Falken tires have given good service but screech in protest now at almost every turn. The gas gauge is a chunky bar graph--I'd much prefer a needle indicator. Range-til-empty displays in crude 10 mile increments. Eye-Sight technology is ZERO HELP as it requires hands on wheel and close monitoring--more effort than just driving yourself. Plus it doesn't work in the fog or heavy rain, exactly the time where it could theoretically be useful. Lane centering has not proven as useful. Would have never paid for this option if I had it to do over and should have purchased the cheaper Sport model, instead. Gas-sipping auto-shut off is a pain. It has saved a grand total of a gallon-and-a-half of fuel over the last three years ($8 worth of fuel). How much does a new starter cost? AWOL: 360 camera, foot activated hatch, and ventilated seats are conspicuously absent from the options list--I would have happily paid extra for these.
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Better Value Than CRV
Keith, 08/20/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
I’m mostly happy with the Forester. Compared the the CRV LX, the Forester seats are infinitely more comfortable, it comes standard with Apple/android CarPlay, has standard AWD and Subaru negotiated price with me where I got a better deal on a 2020 than Honda would give me for a leftover 2019. I’m averaging 31-32mpg with a mix of city and hwy driving and the ride is comfortable. Cargo capacity is excellent. The trunk light is too easy to flick permanently on when offloading bulky stuff which lead to a dead battery the next morning. Subaru roadside assistance came quickly. I also don’t like the overly sensitive adaptive cruise control which sometimes slams on the brakes when someone is turning in the lane next to me because the system caught just a bit of their bumper still in my lane. The dashboard electronics are tough to decipher. I was able to see my tire pressure by flipping through and now have no idea how to bring that back up again. I’m very impressed with the maximization of cargo space while taking up a relatively small footprint, fitting into relatively tight city parking spots. That, and the more reasonable price and comfy seats compared to CRV sold me. I also like the automatic brake hold option when stopped and like the gas saving auto ignition off when stopped as well.
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First Subaru
Jersey Girl, 06/05/2020
updated 12/08/2022
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
I had been driving a 2018 Lexus RX350 and wanted to switch to something a little smaller. I tested RAV4, Sante Fe, CRV, CX5 and the NX300. Subaru was never on my radar and I am not sure why?? I was not blown away by any of these models except the NX. The problem was my desire for a lower car payment. The last 4 cars I've owned have been Lexus or Toyota so I was leaning towards the RAV4. I loved the new look and interior but the drive was just horrible! A friend of mine sells Subaru's and I figured I had nothing to lose by testing the Forester. I am sooo glad I did! Smooth ride, plush and roomy interior, safety features that amaze me! I was not a fan of the look of the older model but the 2020 looks pretty polished to me. 0% financing sealed the deal. I have zero regrets as of this review. I've driven just over 1,000 miles. The car feels solid and handles better than my Lexus. The only thing I would change on my 'Baru is I would love ventilated seats. Do not purchase anything in this class until you test drive this car. Let's see how reliable after many miles, but I may have been converted from a Toyota loyalist!
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Awesome ride!!!!!
David, 03/07/2020
updated 09/16/2022
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
The 2020 Subaru Forester is a fantastic car, it’s smooth, quick, and very good on gas! We bought the Touring model and it’s loaded with features! We shopped around and found the Forester was the Best Buy, even Consumer Reports magazine rated the Subaru Forester best in class recently! Highly recommend the Subaru Forester!
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My First Subaru
Mark W, 02/25/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
32 of 34 people found this review helpful
So I'm writing this review after only 2 weeks of ownership so keep that in mind. I discovered the Forester while researching other small SUVs. Was looking at Kia and Honda and Toyota. Not interested in Subaru. But the Forester kept popping up on everyone's "Best of" lists. Consumer Reports, Car & Driver, and countless other reviews in print and on YouTube. I figured I owed it to myself to check it out. So far, I am not disappointed. The Forester has a great ride, great tech and the most safety features of any vehicle in its class. The criticism that I keep reading is that the Forester is lackluster to drive. That is simply not the case. In its standard "I" (intelligent mode) the drive is geared toward fuel economy. In "S" mode (sport) the throttle is very responsive and if you have the Sport model as I do the "S#" mode gives the car even more pep. Nobody buys an SUV to drag race. The Forester is comfortable, roomy, solidly built and a bargain considering all you get in the Premium and Sport trim levels. I'm looking forward to driving this car for many, many miles and reporting back along the way.
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Forester Sport in Grey Color GET IT!
NJ Momma, 12/22/2019
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
78 of 86 people found this review helpful
The car I liked the best was the Mazda cx5. I got the Subaru because of the width of the trunk. It is definately bigger than my old Rogue, and deeper. The trunk cover covers a lot. It also has a big storage area under the trunk but on top of the spare. This is good cause the glove box is a bit small. The door does hold bottles of soda. Plus small bottles of water. I love the orange trim which adds some style. Subaru is not a cute car. It is a practical car. It is a momma car. I am a momma, just dont want to drive a momma car. The orange is hot and gorgeous. Just the right touch. Inside the car is really comfortable. I am a cuddly 58 year old women. The Mazda seats where to narrow. The Forrester gave me lots of but room. I also am 5 ft 9 and have bad knees. The seat adjusts so that I can keep from getting stiff. We love the seat warmers. You only need to keep it on for a few minutes and it stays warm for a while. KEEP STUFF FROM UNDER THE SEAT. IT GETS WARM. The other practicality is the gas mileage. I left a 2012 Rogue that got 25.7 mpg in the winter. Subaru does get the 29. One of the reasons is the sleep mode at lights. This feature does not kick in unless you have good battery. YOU can get it to come on by turning down the fan. I have exceeded the highway rating. I like the safety features. The lane assist works well. I wish I would allow you to be not dead center. I love the vehicle hold. This car has better pick up than other cars I have. I like the CVT. It is not as sluggish. The car almost steers itself. It gets mad at you if you take your hand off the wheel or divert your eyes to long. It dings and the seat gently vibrates when you get distracted. The cruise keeps you at a safe distance. BEware, if you get behind someone that is slow, you may not notice and that may make your trip longer. Back up camera is beautiful and can see more than my old Nissan. IT has a better view than the Mazda I test drove. The cross hazard works well, and the car will stop for barriers. Kept me from running over a small hedge. I would have stopped. Car did it for me. This car has lots of windows. And the sun roof is huge. The big windows caused me to take the car back to get the window shades put in. The windshield shade goes across the top so I am not blinded by sun light. It extends when you put it to the side. The climate controls are a bit harder. Cant figure out why the ac is always on. Gotta cut that off. The window defogger works well and the windshield wipers have a heating function The display is big. Would not want it bigger. It has a top display which I can't figure out why I need it. Except it is kinda cool. It has lots of usb chargers. hey are 2 in the back seat. The back seat reclines and has center air vents. The leg room is good back there as well. My Note 10 plus synced really easily into the system. The upgraded Harmon sounds great and has good bass. I don't like that you cant scroll through your music while driving. Android Auto gives you access to a lot of your apps. The phone book and message display was easy to use. The Mazda rode better. The Subaru has a more steady hold to the rode. I liked the steering better. What I was interested in was the sturdier frame. I spent a lot on repairing my suspension in the NIssan. NOT WANTING TO DO THAT AGAIN. It does not shake you when you bump. I had to take the car back to the dealer after a week because the orange piece was loose on the driver door. The rug was wearing out. I love the car. It could be cuter. It rides well, is cheaper than most brands of cars with the options. EVEN HYUNDAI. Mazda was slightly cheaper, but seats to narrow and it burns more gas than my old Nissan Rogue.
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First Subaru - so far pretty darn good
JbDelmar, 03/22/2020
updated 11/08/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
35 of 38 people found this review helpful
Was a Honda person for a long time. Wanted something a bit tougher and with a bit more personality. Didn't like the turbo in the CRV and no real deals on the hybrid yet. Got 0% on the Forester touring, plus $3500 off of sticker, and a good deal on my 2013 CRV with 90k miles on trade ($9k). Not sure about the complaints about lack of power. Is it fast? No. It is more than adequate and even fun. Engine noise is quiet except under hard acceleration. Road noise is noticeably lower than the CRV I had. Wind noise on the highway seems a bit more than the CRV. So far, gas mileage is already better on the Forester than my CRV. I was getting 16-17 at best around town in my CRV since I got it. My highway mileage in the CRV just about hit its target at about 28mpg. Seats are very comfortable and I sit a bit higher than in my CRV - which I like. I am a short male at about 5'7". Lots of rear legroom and about as much space as the CRV. I like the all the gadgets, though it took a lot of reading to learn most of them. I dread the day the battery has to be replaced and I need to reset everything. I wish there was a way to backup and restore... So, things I don't like. The armrest is pretty frustrating. It is too low and too far back. I wish Subaru or someone else would sell an add on or something so that this could be adjusted. The glossy dashboard surfaces do not add value or attractiveness - they just attract dust and finger prints. The glossy screen should have been flat, so that sun doesn't glare off of it and into your eyes, especially when the sunroof screen is open. There are too few little storage locations, especially compared to my CRV; I miss that. I am disappointed in the towing limit. This sits on the same frame as the outback, and has the same engine; the outback limit with the same engine is 2700lbs, but the Forester is 1500. Why? I would've gladly paid more for the Outback 2.4 turbo motor... Also, why no cooling seats, front camera, quieter glass, and a couple more features that can be found in the Outback Touring? While the Outback is more expensive, the lack of these features seems out of whack with the pricing differential. That's really about the only complaints I have. Given the deal that I got, I couldn't pass it up and couldn't justify the extra cost of the Outback (which I wanted more) since the Outback didn't have the discounts and 0% interest rate. I hope to get many many years and trouble free miles from this, as I did from my CRV. Maybe I can afford and Outback XT Touring next time... Update: Still really appreciate what a well balanced vehicle this is. good performance, very reliable, good gas mileage, comfortable, roomy, not bad looking, safe. If getting the 2.5, definitely recommend the Forester. That said, with the great trade in values, I’m upgrading to an Outback XT if it ever comes in from the factory. Would love the turbo in the Forester and would certainly upgrade to that if available. Follow up: Just traded it in for a ridiculous price - nearly what I paid for it, but 18k miles later. I traded for a 2022 Outback Touring XT. I really liked the Forester, but wanted the additional power of the Outback XT, the significant increase in towing capacity, and I like the longer length of the wagon - it is more useful than the height of the Forester. It's certainly a trade off - the Forester handled a bit better (not by much) and will be 9 inches easier to park than the Outback. The Forester had zero problems in the time I owned it. It was comfortable, quite, efficient, great in the snow and hot weather. I don't know why I felt this way (it makes no sense) but the Outback felt more like a grown up car (purely an emotional response - I'm in my 50's and should not base decisions on this kind of nonsense). If they put the 2.4 turbo in the Forester, or made it a hybrid and still had towing capacity like the Outback, I might consider it again. I thought about the Ascent as well, but that made me feel a bit too old, or a bit like a minivan. If they had made it look just a bit more like Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Honda Passport, I would definitely have bought the Ascent, even with its poor gas mileage and new-model-reliability issues.
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Our first Subaru
Costy, 08/29/2020
updated 08/31/2022
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
After owning 8 Toyota’s since the early 90’s, this is our first Subaru, actually the visibility Is a lot better than the Rav 4, which has a blind spot with front window pillars. Also I believe the fit of the Subaru is better, a well built ,solid SUV. I am not a fan of engines with turbo’s, some people say one of the issues with the Forster is the lack of engine performance, hogwash. Unless you plan on racing, this is one peppy vehicle. Going forward, we are getting a lot of complements on our Subaru and would recommend buying one, Update. Have owned it for two years now ,as excited as when I first got it,, I am more familiar with the lane departure and other safety equipment, have had no issues what so ever with the car, extremely dependable, if I would make one change ,I wish it had the automatic rear hatch lift, would be a lot easier on my wife opening and closing it.
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After 19 years, I just had to have a new Forester.
Bruce N, 06/18/2020
updated 12/21/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
And glad I took advantage of negotiating a “pandemic” good deal ie 0% loan and big discount. So much new, and standard technology, comfort, and design! Major improvements over my ‘02 Forester and plan for this to be my last car purchase. The Subaru dealership also gets kudos for the overall experience. Thank you William’s Subaru of Charlotte! After 6 months even better: average gas mileage 25.5 mph, smooth transmission, nice ride. No question, one of the top vehicles out there at a price point that won’t bankrupt you.
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Dream Car
Kmonday, 05/31/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
If you want an SUV that does not feel like a tank, this is the vehicle for you! It’s safe, comfortable in all of the seats, plenty of buttons and gadgets to satisfy the technical person, perfect performance on the road, and looks fantastic!
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Leasing a new Forester
Donald Chesnel, 05/29/2020
updated 06/07/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have now had this vehicle for a year. It has been trouble free. It's been to the dealership for oil changes and standard maintenance, but that is it. Awesome vehicle. Very latest technology is incorporated into the 2020 Subaru Forester. Looks sharp, rides great and has everything I wanted in a vehicle. I have had Foresters for over a decade and they are extremely versatile and reliable in my opinion. A great car for snow country. It will go anywhere in the snow. I can't enough good things about this model Subaru. After driving it for 6 months, I am extremely pleased with all aspects of the car. We had snow today and it handled perfectly in the snow. Best 4 WD vehicle out there!
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Excellent vehicle!
AJD, 05/17/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I love this car! It's a comfortable drive with excellent safety features! I am getting excellent gas mileage. Well worth the purchase.
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ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY FORESTER LTD
Claire J Ditzel , 03/11/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I live in the mountains of Central PA and my new 2020 Forester LTD is a perfect fit. We are planning a trip to ND this summer with our 3 small dogs and there is plenty of room for all the crates plus all the supplies and luggage. Perfect car for our needs.
Great vehicle
Ajohanknecht, 06/25/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
So happy with this vehicle! It has gadgets galore and is fun to drive. It practically drives itself with the adaptive cruise control and lane keeper feature! Rides smoothly and handles great. Love the huge sunroof and Harman Kardon stereo, too!
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Clumsy Transmission!
JLGOLDEN, 09/03/2020
updated 09/30/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
35 of 41 people found this review helpful
Though my Forester Touring provided comfortable and reliable transport, it was s disappointment driving in low speed urban settings. The CVT transmission is programmed to simulate stepped "gear changes" and this is its biggest 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.
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Comfy and Practical but with quality problems.
Ryan, 10/02/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
First time Subaru Owner. I love the visibility, space and practicality. I also love the gas mileage. It's also not as underpowered as the professional reviews say it is. Sure, it's not a speed demon, but it gets the job done. Unfortunately, my new 2020 Subaru Forester with less than a thousand miles has already been in the shop twice to fix interior rattles. I will be scheduling a third visit soon for a new rattles. They have been great about fixing it, but the amount of rattles on a new vehicle do not show good quality and makes me worried about issues down the road.
New to Subaru from BMW
Ava, 12/29/2020
updated 01/19/2023
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
UPDATE: I've had my Subie for over 2years now and am still in love with it. Zero issues with reliability and it's safely navigated deep snow and other treacherous conditions. It's a very safe vehicle. Even my 3 kids in their 20s love driving it. 50cm of snow expected tonight and I can't wait to take it for a drive before the snow plows arrive. My factory warranty ended so I purchased a full coverage 3 year warranty for 3 more years of worry free driving. Definitely test drive a Subaru if you are in the market for an SUV. And they are a lot less expensive than Honda and Toyota I recently leased a 2020 Forester Convenience model (Ontario Canada 🇨🇦) after driving a 3 series BMW for years. I almost signed on a 2017 X1 but I just couldn't justify the $5000 for warranty and $6000 finance interest on top of vehicle price. Got an amazing deal on the Subaru on a lease takeover and I'm loving my new vehicle! It's super comfortable, gets great gasoline mileage on regular fuel, easy to park and fantastic through the snow. Roomy fore and aft even for people who are 6' plus. If I could I would have gone with a touring model for the heated steering wheel and sunroof. The seats are cloth but very durable and I'm not missing having leather. I did test drive Murano, RAV4 and X1. Subaru is a winner and I'd recommend it to anyone. And "no" it's not as fast as BMW but that's ok, you know you aren't buying a performance car.
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Forester
Janis, 03/30/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I love my 2020 Subaru Forester and all the great safety features. I traded in my 2016 Forester but this new one has several more safety features. I feel safer driving now. It is fun to drive.
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The Silver Flash (2020 Subaru Forester Touring)
David Robinson, 04/13/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
The 2020 Subaru Forester has great safety features not found on other SUVs in its class. The Touring model comes with a moonroof and a navigation system standard along with AWD. Compared to competing vehicles, such as the BMW X1, you get a lot more for your money with a Subaru Forester Touring.
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2020 Forester Sport - Amazing car
RicksterH, 08/21/2020
updated 08/24/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great car inside and out. Love the sporty looks and the inside is a great place to spend time. Supple ride and amazing safety systems. Very quiet at 75 as well as 25. Do yourself a favor and get the Harmon Kardon system - you won't be disappointed.
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Love our new Forester
Mary Ann P., 09/02/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We purchased a new Forester to replace our leased Crosstrek. We are planning to retire in a few years and intend to keep the car for a long time so we decided to spring for the top end Touring. So far we love it. Even though it's bigger than the Crosstrek it's still responsive and easy to drive, and gets good gas mileage. We love all the advanced features in the car like the adaptive cruise control and steerable headlights. Lots of room inside for passengers and cargo. It even has a heated steering wheel for those cold winter days. It's a great car.
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Swiss army watch SUV
Subie Steve, 08/30/2020
updated 08/31/2023
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This SUV is the most versatile, functional, economical vehicle for its size on the market. It has great safety features, is affordable, and handles and rides great. I get 34mpg on trips and has the best all wheel drive system standard. Acceleration could be more strong but it is more than adequate. I really appreciate the large windows, doors, and sunroof. It has great resale value. Over the past 4 and a half years now, it has proven to be very reliable with no repairs.
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Love my SUV!
Carol S, 10/18/2020
updated 04/22/2024
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have always purchased Hondas and no complaints. My husband has a CRV and I had a Fit. This is my first Subaru! After doing much research, reading reviews and seeing the high ratings for safety, I was decided to look for safety. I now have my first grandchild and the fact that I have to drive a distance to see him and to transport him in his car seat, I thought safety was most important. So I purchased my first Subaru Forester and happy that I did! Love all the features including heated seats, roomy interior and all the safety features. The car feels so solid on the road and handles beautifully. I think it has plenty of power for my needs. I also think Forester is a very sharp looking SUV with the spoiler and love the dark gray color and silver stripe. The fact that I now have AWD I'm not as afraid of winter driving. Very happy with the Subaru Forester Premium. Now that I have my car for over 6 months I love it just as much and even more. I look forward to driving it every day. Smooth ride and very solid feel. Handles great! Love it!
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Drives so smoothly/Green Color is intoxicating.
HowiesGirl15, 07/31/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We keep finding "extras" on this SUV 2020 Forester that we didn't even know it had. Yet they all come with the trim package chosen. We are shocked and surprised how much cars/trucks have changed over the years. What used ro be offered as an extra is now included wiith in a trim package that iisnt overaly expdensive. The 2020 Subaru Forester has plenty of cargo space, then even more if you fold down the second row of seats. The instrument panel is phonaminal . My husband loves finding where all the different "Bells and Whistles" are. The HomeScreen allows you to choose from so many apps and some are already loaded on there for you. The side mirrors are easily adjustable and several drivers can get in and their preferences are remembered as far as the seat adjustment, mirrors etc. The key Fob is easy to use without looking at it and just feeling for what you need to depress to get in and out of the SUV after just a couple times of using it. After having a car for a long time its so nice to have an SUV but a much nicer one that handles as it should and is a pleasure to drive. We are very happy with not only the Green Forester but our Whole Experience.
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Subaru Forester
Martha Smith, 05/26/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Just get it!! The Outback is wider and longer Forester is higher inside. Drives great and all wheel drive hugs the road. I got the upgraded Navigation with larger screen and upgraded stereo system. I love it!
I love my new Subaru Forester Sport!
GeorgeL, 10/21/2020
updated 04/22/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
As a former Saturn owner, my Subaru Forester Sport is the first new car I've bought in many years - and I am 100% satisfied with it. Very solid, comfortable, drives and handles great, plenty of power and lots of technology that is surprisingly easy to use (and I'm a senior). The upgraded audio system is great and I love having wifi and connectivity in the car. I feel very safe and confident driving it. For the first time in many years, I look forward to driving!
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Just amazing!
Steve, 10/14/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My wife has a 2016 Forester which we have both come to love. It was time for me to get a new car, so I got a new 2020 Forester Limited. Oh my God! This car is amazing! It looks great, drives great, and has a ton of advanced safety features. So many that it’s a little daunting at first (like the Starship Enterprise). But you will quickly become accustomed to all it has to offer (The EyeSight system being the main one). And for the life of me, I don’t know why some people mention that it lacks power. Maybe they are looking for a sports-car response. In which case they should buy one. This vehicle has all the power any normal person could need, and then some. It rides and handles like a dream. Highly recommended.
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Dream family Crossover
Ozzie, 06/19/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
We were shopping for a family car when we came across the forester. At first didn’t really considered it as an option but once we started to compare it with other cars ( CX-5, RAV4, CRV) it became our #1 option. The safety features that come standard our amazing. we picked the sport trim with the premium sound system which sounds incredible. The drive is smooth and fun, doesn’t have great power but still great acceleration when switch to S# mode. Have to wait a little longer to try out the AWD but excited to try it out hear great things about it. Overall very happy with our purchase great family car with amazing safety features, awd on all trims, and love the sporty bold look of the forester sport. Would highly recommend to but this car on your list and guarantee you will fall in love with it.
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600 miles - and Transmission CEL
Dean Marino, 10/19/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
21 of 27 people found this review helpful
We own a 2017 Forester... GREAT car. Bought a 2020 for Dear Wife. This car, redesigned, is crap. OBD code P0717 at 600 miles. Trans jerking in reverse. Car being towed into the dealer(warranty), as we area afraid to drive it.
Easy to Drive
Trish Tonge, 05/17/2020
updated 11/22/2021
2020 Subaru Forester Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
We purchased the 2020 Subaru Forester Limited. It has all the accessories we needed. We both have found that this car is so easy to drive, and it has great visibility. Really glad we made this car purchase. Trish Tonge and John Cleary
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30 day 2020 Forester Sport review
Rick G. IL., 10/30/2020
2020 Subaru Forester Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Allot to like so far but first the dislikes. I could not betterment my tires at the dealer. The Sport came with some crappy generic Falken 30K summer tires on it. I think that Subaru could do better considering this is an AWD vehicle with the reputation of being trail capable and sold as such. This Sport version should come with better more aggressive AT rubber on those beautiful 18" wheels (something like the Falken Wildpeak AT) for people who want to take it off the pavement to explore some country roads right after delivery. The other complaint/oversight that I feel is egregious on Subarus part is not making the roof crossbars standard equipment on every new AWD Forester for petes sake! AND I understand its only available powerplant is a 4 cyl non-boosted engine but towing ought to be at least 1750 lbs not the1500 lbs which is the max. allowed. OK, now the good and there's allot of it IMHO. Many online reviews will say that the Foresters only 2.5L naturally aspirated engine option isn't powerful enough. That is hogwash, you don't buy a Subaru Forester to go racing with it, if you want that then go buy a WRX-STI and race to your hearts content. The standard engine in all Foresters is electronically tuned so it has the right RPM points where you need them to get out into traffic comfortably providing you're not Mario Andretti. The sport mode on my Forester Sport is acceptable for a 4 cyl @ 182 HP coupled to the CVT and might offer just a hair more push than the base models. ( I was coming from a 2014 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL V6 which was a "very fast" car so I knew going into this Forester I wasn't going to have that powerful torque curve any more. The Forester rides firm and has decent steering response. Standard equipment on this middle of the Forester model line Sport is as follows: Subaru symmetrical AWD, Vehicle dynamics control, Eyesight driver assist (your insurance carrier will reward you!), a brake override system and all the great Subaru engineered safety stuff they are famous for. My Sport came with X-mode for mud and snow, LED daytime running lights, headlights and fog lights, heated folding rearview mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear spoiler, roof rails, huge powered panoramic moon roof, all weather package w/ front heated seats, electronic parking brake with auto vehicle hold feature "AVC", rear charging ports, advanced adaptive cruise control, Sport cloth interior W orange accents (pretty slick lookin'), automatic climate control, 60/40 fold down split rear seats and a crapload of electronic dashboard stuff you will have a small learning curve to deal with. My Sport came with 2 option packages which are probably the best and most desired. - Option #24 ($2045.00) includes an 8" multimedia touch screen W/ 576 watt 9 speaker Harmon Kardon audio system (Very Very Good!) , Rear cross traffic blind spot detection, Reverse automatic braking, Lane change assist, Power rear liftgate with height memory. - Popular package #2 ($912.00) includes, Mirror Compass w/ homelink and auto dim exterior mirrors, rear bumper cover, all weather floor liners. - Rear seatback protectors ($93.00) protects the rear seat backs when you're hauling stuff in the back. The widow sticker price was $33,055.00 which included the destination and prep cost of $1010.00. (Personal note: My Sport is in the Dark Blue Pearl color and with the orange exterior accents I think its the sharpest color to get it in. I wanted one in Silver but they didn't have it and except for the chore of keeping it washed, that dark blue metallic color almost looks deep enough to appear purple under the lights at night with those sharp orange accents. I tinted my front windows to match the manufacturers tint, added the stone deflector to the hood and the roof wind deflector for the moonroof and it helped to make it a standout on the street.) My overall impression of the Forester Sport is that it was designed well with ample safety and creature comforts and space inside for the majority of humans. The gas mileage appears to be as advertised but I haven't even got 1000 mi. on it yet so we will see. I did go over to home depot to pick up a pair of 24" X 80" closet doors and because I don't have the roof crossbars yet I had to put them inside the vehicle to get them home. I pushed the front passenger seat forward seat forward, dropped the passenger rear split seat and put both doors in one atop the other and was able to close the rear hatch completely. Very nice!
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2020 Subaru Forester - Stephanie's Adventure
Greg Y., 09/09/2020
updated 03/10/2023
2020 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
We purchased the Subaru Forester just a week-and-a-half ago and have thus far been pleased. It drives well on the highway or around town, and has a very comfortable interior with plenty of headroom and space for taller passengers in the back seat. I only have a couple of complaints on the vehicle thus far: (1) The auto start-stop feature. It's annoying, and if you've never owned a vehicle with this feature, it can be simply unnerving at first. Thus far, my wife Stephanie truly doesn't like it, but you must turn it off EVERY TIME after your turn off the engine as the default setting is "ON"; and (2) The Premium trim package we purchased has THREE handbooks and quick guides. One set for the vehicle, one set for the Eyesight tech, and one for the Starlink. That's a lot of information. Even though I have listed these complaints, we like too many things about the vehicle to easily list, so it's definitely a purchase we are glad we have made. The safety features are great, and I especially like the yellow lights that illuminate whenever there is a vehicle in your left or right "blind spots". I put parenthesis around blind spots as I don't believe we've ever owned a vehicle where even a shorter lady (she's 5'2") can see so well out all of the windows. We look forward to trying out the AWD this winter as this her first AWD SUV. I currently own a 2020 WRX and I can attest to the feature being great in the rain as well. We purchased the Premium trim level with the power lift gate option package and voila, Stephanie has all of the comfort and convenience features she had combined between her previous two vehicles the Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV 4. I would have rated it 5-stars if not for the two issues I mentioned earlier.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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