2020 Subaru Forester Review
The Subaru Forester is one of the most sought-after Mid-sized Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) in the Kenyan market thanks to its advanced safety features, spacious and well-appointed cabin, offroad capability, and technology. The Subaru Forester goes toe to toe with established brands such as the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson in the market.
Detailed Review
The Subaru Forester has been in production since 1997 and is currently in its sixth generation. The first generation Subaru Forester, marketed as SF, was produced from 1997 to 2002. It was built on the Impreza platform in the style of a higher station wagon. The second generation Forester, known as the SG debuted in 2002 and was built until 2009. During this time, Subaru introduced the STI (Subaru Tecnica International), a sportier version of the Forester with a redesigned grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The rear end was also modified with the addition of a rear spoiler.
The third-generation Forester, codenamed SH, went into production in 2009 and lasted until 2014. The body shape of the Forester evolved into a crossover SUV. The Forester SJ was the fourth generation, built from 2014 to 2018. The interior was completely redesigned. The fifth-generation Forester, known as the SK, was in production from 2018 to 2023. The sixth-generation Subaru Forester, codenamed SL, has been in production from 2024 to the present.
The 2020 Forester comes with 4 engine options; the 1.8L CB18 H4 turbo, 2.0L FB20 H4 and 2.5L FB25 DI H4 all petrol, and the hybrid 2.0L FB20D e-Boxer H4. All powertrains are mated to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Subaru Forester Grades
- Touring – This is the base trim level and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, EyeSight, cruise control, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- X-BREAK– This trim level comes with 18-inch black alloy wheels, full LED headlights with automatic leveling, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a red-orange bumper, roof rails, all-season tires, water-repellent cargo floor in the luggage compartment, heated seats, electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seats, and the driver and front passenger seats are electrically adjustable with eight-way power seats,
- Advance – This level adds 18-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, LED fog lights, electrically folding mirrors, roof rails, an 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, silver front bumper, and side skirts, and EyeSight Safety Plus.
- SPORT– This level features a 1.8-liter direct injection turbocharged engine, 18-inch dark metallic all-season tires, leather upholstery, LED headlights, black grille, power tailgate, heated front and rear seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, EyeSight Driver Assist technology, keyless entry, and push-button start.
- STI Sport– The STI Sport trim level comes with 18-inch dark metallic alloy wheels, special dampers, gloss black front grille, roof rails, privacy glass on rear windows, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, STI-tuned suspension, four-wheel drive and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
- X-EDITION– The X-EDITION is based on the Touring and adds more SUV-like features such as unique 18-inch tires and roof rails, water-repellent cloth seats, and a water-repellent cargo floor.
- XT-EDITION– Like the X-EDITION, this trim level features black trim for a bold look, 18-inch metallic wheels, EyeSight Core Technology, and EyeSight Safety.
Interior, Legroom & Space
The 2020 Forester boasts an uncluttered interior with well-laid-out controls that are easy to reach. The materials used in the interior are of high quality, giving it a premium feel.
The front seats are well padded and offer enough comfort for both driver and passenger. The second-row seats are also roomy, and although the cushions are a little firm, there is a recline function in higher trim levels.
Standard equipment for the 2020 Forester includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, a four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
Higher trims get an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, two more USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a six-speaker stereo, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.
Boot Space
The 2020 Forester offers 35.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This space increases to 76.1 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.
This is plenty of room for a few items such as groceries and travel bags. There is also a powered tailgate with a memory function.
Exterior
The 2020 Subaru Forester has a boxy exterior design. Unlike its competitors, who have focused on making their curves rounder and more sweeping, the Forester has maintained straight, angular lines over the years.
The front end features a hexagonal grille, vertical LED fog lights, and LED accent lighting. The character lines running from the headlights through the doors to the rear give the Forester an athletic look.
The rear end features dual exhaust outlets, a plastic-trimmed rear bumper, C-shaped LED tail lights, and a rear spoiler integrated into the top of the tailgate.
Color options include Crystal White Pearl, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Jasper Green Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl, Sepia Bronze Metallic, Ice Silver Metallic, Crimson Red Pearl, Dark Blue Pearl, and Crystal Black Silica.
Subaru Forester Safety Features: Lane departure warning, Lane keep assist, Lane centering, Rear seat reminder, Rearview camera, Lead vehicle start alert, Throttle management, Pre-collision braking, Adaptive cruise control, Available driver assistance features, Lane change alert, Automatic emergency braking, Blind spot monitoring, Rear cross traffic alert, Driver attention monitor, Automatic high beams and Adaptive headlights
Fuel Consumption
- 2020 Subaru Forester 1.8 L petrol engine consumption: 13.6 km/L on average
- 2020 Subaru Forester 2.0 L petrol engine consumption: 12.8 km/l on average
- 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5 L petrol engine consumption: 10.5 km/l on average
- 2020 Subaru Forester 2.0 L hybrid engine consumption: 15.0 km/l on average
Acceleration
- 2020 Subaru Forester 1.8 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10 secs
- 2020 Subaru Forester 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.5 secs
- 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.0 secs
- 2020 Subaru Forester 2.0 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs
Fuel Tank Capacity: 63 liters
Ground Clearance: The 2020 Subaru Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from Subaru Kenya.
Stability And Handling
The Subaru Forester offers a composed driving experience thanks to a number of refinements and the Subaru Global Platform (SGP). The Forester feels planted to the road with a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs road imperfections.
The 2020 Forester has electric power steering that provides accurate and responsive feedback, making it easy to maneuver on motorways or in tight spaces. Braking is also respectable, with plenty of stopping power.
There is also adaptive cruise control, which feels well-calibrated and avoids excessive acceleration or braking. The 2020 Forester’s symmetrical four-wheel drive (AWD) system makes it suitable for families, adventurers, and anyone who needs a versatile SUV.
Whether you are carving mountain roads or cruising on the motorway, the Forester handles better than most other SUVs in its class.
Reliability
Subaru has a strong reputation for building reliable vehicles and the Forester is no Exception. The 2020 Forester comes with robust engine options, a proven symmetrical AWD system, and a solid build quality. There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Forester however just like any other car it may face some issues.
It is essential to regularly maintain and service your Forester to ensure its longevity and mitigate any underlying problems. We also recommend you read the Owner’s Manual.
Resale Value: Good
Subaru Forester Competitors: Mazda CX5, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Escape, and Hyundai Tucson.
What we like about the 2020 Subaru Forester
- Spacious cabin
- Standard all-wheel drive
What we don’t
- Engines are underpowered
Conclusion
The Subaru Forester stands out in the mid-size SUV competition for its versatility, off-road capability, spacious cabin, and safety. It is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of luggage space. Symmetrical four-wheel drive and X-MODE ensure that the Forester handles muddy and difficult driving situations with ease. EyeSight” technology has also improved its safety rating by reducing the impact of collisions.
Where to buy the 2020 Subaru Forester in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Subaru Forester locally at a reasonable price, we can help you with this process. Over the years we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Just give us a call or send us a message at +254 722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
Get More With TopCar
If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.
If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.
If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.
