“Subaru Forester is a no frills suv. It does what is asked of it. Handles well in the snow and driving through mountains. Has good power for the size of engine. I have the standard model that comes with a lot of safety features. The only thing I don't like is the cup holders in the front and lack of any in the back.”
2020 Subaru Forester: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The most important change for the 2020 Subaru Forester is an upgraded standard driver-assist suite with lane centering and stronger lane departure prevention. This is otherwise a light-update year, with the same body, engine, and five-trim lineup as 2019.
About the 2020 Subaru Forester
5th generation (2019-2024), second model year before the 2022 refresh.
The 2020 Forester is Subaru’s compact family SUV built around standard AWD, strong outward visibility, easy cargo flexibility, and a safety-first message. Subaru markets it as roomy, capable, and ready for bad weather without asking buyers to move up the trim ladder just to get core traction and driver-assist features. Against rivals, its main differentiators are standard AWD, generous ground clearance, and a practical cabin that favors comfort and utility over flashy design.
The 2020 Forester ranges from a practical base model with standard AWD and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the comfort-focused Premium, which has heated front seats and a panoramic moonroof. The Sport adds bolder trim and extra low-traction drive settings, while the Limited and Touring bring leather, larger touchscreens, and more comfort and safety equipment.
What changed, by category
Safety
Adaptive cruise control gains lane centering, and lane departure prevention replaces the earlier lane-keeping setup. A Rear Seat Reminder is also added across the lineup.
Tech
Heated front seats become standard on the Premium. The Touring gains LED lighting for the cargo area, dome, and rear gate.
Styling
LED license-plate lights become standard on every trim.
2020 Subaru Forester specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & Manual Modes |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 76.1 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft | 70.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in | 39.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Reclining Rear Seats | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Subaru Forester?
The biggest change is the upgraded standard driver-assist suite. Adaptive cruise control gains lane centering, while lane departure prevention replaces the earlier lane-keeping setup.
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester a redesign?
No, the 2020 Forester is not a redesign. It is the second year of the fifth generation introduced for 2019, with only light safety and equipment updates.
What does the 2020 Subaru Forester add over the 2019 model?
The 2020 Forester adds lane centering, revised lane departure prevention, a Rear Seat Reminder, and standard LED license-plate lights. The Premium also gains standard heated front seats, while the Touring receives additional LED interior and cargo lighting.
Did the 2020 Subaru Forester’s engine or AWD system change?
No, the engine and AWD system carry over for 2020. The Forester keeps its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and standard AWD.
Which 2020 Subaru Forester trim gained standard heated front seats?
The Premium gained standard heated front seats for 2020 as part of its standard cold-weather equipment. That package also includes heated mirrors and a windshield-wiper de-icer.
2020 Subaru Forester Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Subaru Forester.
4.2
2020 Subaru Forester
(443 reviews)
“I love the interior & exterior design of my Subaru Forester. I also like the safety features & love the way it drives.”
“Good vehicle overall but gas mileage not what I anticipated. I guess one has to live with the CVT but don't like the noise. Also HATE the radio coming on every time I start the car. An innocuous vehicle”