The 2020 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor windshield and battery issues reported. At $22,449 to $35,998, it’s expensive, but worth the money for one of the best compact SUVs on the market with all-wheel drive.
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Subaru Forester since it’s reliable while also offering great practicality. Owner reviews praise the low fuel costs, all-wheel drive system in the snow, along with the advanced standard safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high-quality for a small SUV, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Forester. Models from 2014–2015 have engine problems, while 2016–2022 are much more dependable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the four-cylinder engine, although the Forester is not very exciting to drive since it’s more focused on efficiency.
- Safety 10/10 – The 2020 Forester is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include a driver attention monitor.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 29 MPG, giving 480 miles of range out of the 16.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $56 cheaper than average, at $152 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2020 Subaru Forester is more expensive than some other small SUVs, although slow depreciation makes it a great long-term value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Subaru Forester is a very sensible small SUV with a roomy interior, and high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Forester at 4.6/5, praising the off-road capabilities with the high suspension, but doesn’t like the weaker engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Forester a 4.4/5, enjoying the very efficient engine, but owners don’t like the low towing capacity at only 1,500 pounds.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Subaru Forester Have?
Common problems with the 2020 Subaru Forester include cracked windshields, the battery draining in a few days, and the automatic tailgate opening unexpectedly. Overall, these problems are relatively minor for a compact SUV, leading to relatively low repair costs as the Forester ages.
Cracked windshields are the most widespread complaint from 2020 Forester owners in the first 10,000 miles. There are some glass production issues which have caused several windshields to be more prone to cracking. Replacing the windshield costs around $750, depending on local labor rates.
The battery draining in a few days is another issue reported by Forester owners in the first 1,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the Forester, and some of them drain the battery while the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the draw costs around $75, while fixing it can cost $5 to $150.
The automatic tailgate opening unexpectedly also shows up on some Forester models in the first 5,000 miles. The sensor is located on the bottom of the rear bumper, and if it becomes very dirty it may open. Cleaning off the sensor usually solves the problem.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Subaru Forester, which is better than some other small SUVs. Having no recalls means that none of the issues with the Forester are widespread or affect safety.
How Long Will the 2020 Subaru Forester Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Subaru Forester can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $503 per year.
As a used 2020 Forester reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the radiator hose for $185, spark plug wires costing $200, along with the front lower control arms, which cost $750.
I haven't had any problems with my vehicle. So far it is very reliable and gets me to where I need to go. I have no complaints.
Yes, no problems as yet. I have only had it for a month so you would not expect a problem this soon.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2020 Subaru Forester since it has a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Safety technology is excellent for a small SUV offering standard features including:
- Lane departure warning
- Rear seat reminder
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane Centering
- Lead vehicle start alert
- Pre-collision throttle-management
- Adaptive cruise control
- Pre-collision braking
Optional available driver assistance features include:
- Lane change alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitor
- Adaptive headlights
- Reverse automatic braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Subaru Forester is a good value since it’s reliable with a great all-wheel drive system. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $22,449 to $35,998, making it more than a Hyundai Tucson or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $24,495 to $34,595. Depreciation is better than other small SUVs, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?
There are five models of the 2020 Subaru Forester offered from the entry-level Base all the way through to the luxurious Touring. The Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive on all models.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- All-Season Tires
- Automatic Climate Control
- Cloth Seats
- Rearview Camera
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Stereo System
- Satellite Radio
Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Raised Roof Rails
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Hill Descent Control
- Heated Seats
- Windshield Wiper De-Icer
- Heated Side Mirrors
Sport is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Black Wheels
- LED Fog Lights
- Orange Interior and Exterior Accents
- X-Mode Traction System
- Paddle Shifters
Limited has more features including:
- Adaptive Headlights
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Liftgate
Touring is the flagship model which adds:
- Power Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Premium Leather Upholster
- Heated Rear Seats
- Driver Distraction Monitoring System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?
The engine found in the 2020 Subaru Forester is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 182 horsepower at up to 29 MPG. It’s paired with a standard continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 8.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?
The 2020 Subaru Forester is known for its comfortable and spacious interior. The cabin is well-designed and offers ample room for both passengers and cargo. The seats are supportive and provide a comfortable ride, even on long journeys.
One of the standout features of the Forester’s interior is the amount of space it provides. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers. This makes it a great choice for families or anyone who needs to transport multiple passengers regularly.
The Forester also offers a quiet and smooth ride. The suspension system is well-tuned and absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease. This results in a comfortable and stable ride, even on rough or uneven roads. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Forester is a comfortable and spacious SUV that offers plenty of features to enhance passenger comfort.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?
The 2020 Subaru Forester is a spacious compact SUV with enough room for plenty of cargo. When the rear seats are up, the Forester has 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This is a generous amount of storage space that can easily accommodate groceries, luggage, and other everyday items.
When you fold down the rear seats, the Forester’s cargo capacity expands significantly to 76.1 cubic feet. This is enough space to haul large items like furniture or sporting equipment, or to pack everything you need for a weekend getaway.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Subaru Forester came out for the 2019 model year.
2015: 18-inch wheels offered, rearview camera is standard on all models.
2016: New stereo system with a 6.2-inch or 7-inch screen, depending on the model.
2017: EyeSight safety system updated to add lane departure intervention.
2018: Black edition offered with darker trim and wheels.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with more room, better safety technology, and a stronger engine.
2020: Standard lane-centering assistance, all-weather package added to Premium model.
2021: Standard automatic high beams on all models.
How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Subaru Forester is an excellent compact SUV since it comes standard with all-wheel drive and more advanced safety features than most of the competition.
The Subaru Outback is a larger SUV offered by Subaru which costs around $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Forester handles off-road trails better. We recommend the Subaru Outback for most people since it’s a more practical SUV, although both are good choices worth test driving.
The Toyota RAV4 is another small SUV which costs around $4,000 more. Long-term ownership costs are lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Subaru Forester’s all-wheel drive system is more advanced. We recommend the Toyota RAV4, yet it’s worth test driving both to see which you prefer since they are very similar.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?
Yes this vehicle is fantastic! It has all the bells, whistles and safety features. The ride is so smooth and comfy.
Yes most definitely. I have enjoyed this vehicle. It is the third Subaru that I have owned and everyone has proven to be a perfect car for my family.