What Features Come Standard on the Subaru Forester
There’s a lot to like about the new 2020 Subaru Forester. When it comes to compact SUVs, it gets impressive fuel economy and has a roomy interior. It’s also loaded with a lot of great safety features. All the easy-to-use tech you want in a new vehicle is here combined with a ride that’s smooth and comfortable.
The balance between quality and value that the latest Forester offers is getting the right attention. Are you considering the 2020 Subaru Forester for your next vehicle? Let’s see what features are standard on this popular new SUV.
Forester’s Power and performance
The Forester was redesigned in 2019 but there are a few changes in the 2020 models.
All models of the 2020 Subaru Forester offer a 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine that puts out 182 horsepower. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, or CVT, that sends power to the trademark Subaru all-wheel-drive system. According to Car and Driver, the 2019 models needed 8.5 seconds to achieve 60 MPH. While that’s not exciting, it will more than meet the needs of most drivers.
The Subaru doesn’t pretend to be sporty though. It offers a quality ride with solid steering and responsive brakes for abrupt stops. While it’s tall, the 8.7 inches of ground clearance is one of the highest in the segment, and it still feels like you’re driving a compact car instead of an SUV.
The gas mileage is one huge advantage this SUV offers. It’s one of the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs in its class according to U.S. News. It gets 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highways. Considering the standard all-wheel-drive system, it’s impressive.
Comfort, space, and technology
The interior of the Forester is simple, comfortable, and ergonomic. It seats up to five. There’s plenty of space inside with a big back seat. There’s no third row but adults can fit comfortably anywhere in this SUV making it perfect for errands across town or long family road trips. You can also fit a lot of carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, even more with that row down.
The base models feature automatic climate control, cloth seats, push-button start, and 17-inch steel wheels.
Subaru’s latest Starlink interface with a touch screen infotainment system comes standard on all Forester models. The system is intuitive and easy to use. The display is 6.5-inch and there are two USB ports for front-seat passengers. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability are included offering great entertainment, convenience, and directions from either Google or Apple.
The base model also gets satellite radio, HD radio, and a four-speaker audio system.
Safety and warranty
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Forester an overall five-star rating in safety. It also received a Top Safety Pick distinction from the Insurance for Highway Safety in 2019.
The Subaru EyeSight suite of driver-assist features comes standard using camera technology, a rear-seat reminder, and rearview camera. It includes automated emergency braking and lane-departure alerts with a lane-keeping assist feature. A lane-centering feature has been added to the standard adaptive cruise control system too.
The tire-pressure monitor also now shows the exact pressure of each tire for great convenience. The license plates in all models are illuminated by LED lighting now. There’s also a rear-seat alert that reminds you to check the back seat when leaving the vehicle if the rear doors were open at any time during your trip.
The Forester is one of the stars of Subaru’s line up and it’s not hard to see why. For a compact SUV, it offers a lot. With its generous space, easy access backseat, and quiet smooth ride, it makes a great vehicle for families. Its above-average fuel economy makes it a great vehicle choice for anyone.
