Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a Subaru Forester 2020 in the UK? You've come to the right place! This review dives deep into everything you need to know before making a decision. We're talking specs, price, performance, and how it stacks up against the competition. Let's get started!

What Makes the 2020 Subaru Forester Stand Out?

The 2020 Subaru Forester is a compelling option in the crowded SUV market, especially if you're after something reliable, safe, and capable both on and off the road. Subaru has built a reputation for producing durable vehicles, and the Forester is a prime example. One of its most significant selling points is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which provides enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions. This is particularly useful in the UK, where weather can be unpredictable, and you might encounter rain, snow, or icy roads. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system ensures power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, maximizing grip and control.

Beyond its all-wheel-drive capability, the 2020 Forester offers a comfortable and spacious interior. It's designed with practicality in mind, providing ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area is also generous, making it suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who needs to haul gear regularly. The rear seats can be easily folded down to create even more space, accommodating larger items when needed. The interior materials are durable and well-assembled, contributing to a sense of quality and longevity.

Safety is another area where the Forester 2020 shines. It comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. Subaru's commitment to safety has earned the Forester top marks in crash tests, making it a reassuring choice for safety-conscious buyers. The inclusion of these features as standard equipment across the range adds to its value proposition.

Moreover, the 2020 Subaru Forester delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. While it may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it offers a good balance of handling and comfort. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments and on winding roads. For those who prioritize a comfortable and reliable SUV with a focus on safety and all-weather capability, the 2020 Subaru Forester is definitely worth considering.

A Closer Look at the Specs

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Knowing the specs of the 2020 Subaru Forester is crucial when deciding if it’s the right car for you. The UK model typically features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This combination provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. While it might not be the fastest SUV out there, it offers adequate power for everyday driving and light off-roading. The engine delivers around 150 horsepower, which is sufficient for most driving situations.

The Lineartronic CVT is designed to optimize fuel economy by continuously adjusting the gear ratio to match the engine's output. While some drivers might find the CVT's behavior a bit different from traditional automatic transmissions, it generally provides smooth and seamless acceleration. It's worth noting that the CVT also includes manual mode with paddle shifters, allowing you to take more control over the gear selection if desired. This can be particularly useful when driving on hilly or winding roads.

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many buyers, and the 2020 Forester performs reasonably well in this area. You can expect to get around 30 to 35 miles per gallon on the highway and slightly less in the city. Of course, actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving style and conditions. However, the Forester's fuel efficiency is competitive with other SUVs in its class. This can help save you money at the pump over the long term.

In terms of dimensions, the 2020 Forester offers a spacious interior and a generous cargo area. It provides ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it comfortable for long journeys. The cargo area offers around 35.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, and this expands to over 76 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. The Forester's practical design makes it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike. Its dimensions strike a good balance between being spacious enough for passengers and cargo while still being manageable in urban environments.

How Does It Drive?

So, how does the 2020 Subaru Forester actually feel behind the wheel? Well, the driving experience is generally positive, with a focus on comfort and ease of use. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces. The suspension is well-tuned, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road to provide a smooth and comfortable ride. This is particularly noticeable on longer journeys, where a comfortable ride can make a big difference.

While the Forester isn't designed to be a sports car, it offers decent handling and stability. The standard all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and control, especially in adverse weather conditions. This makes it a confident and capable vehicle to drive in the UK's varied climate. Whether you're driving on wet, snowy, or icy roads, the Forester's all-wheel-drive system will help you stay on track. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system ensures power is distributed evenly to all four wheels, maximizing grip and stability.

The 2.0-liter engine provides adequate power for most driving situations. It's not the fastest SUV on the market, but it offers sufficient acceleration for merging onto highways and overtaking other vehicles. The Lineartronic CVT delivers smooth and seamless acceleration, although some drivers might find its behavior a bit different from traditional automatic transmissions. The CVT is designed to optimize fuel economy, and it generally performs well in this regard. However, if you prefer more control over the gear selection, you can use the manual mode with paddle shifters.

One of the standout features of the Forester is its excellent visibility. The large windows and relatively upright seating position provide a clear view of the road ahead and the surrounding environment. This is particularly helpful in busy urban areas, where it's important to be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. The Forester's visibility makes it easier to navigate through traffic and avoid potential hazards. The overall driving experience is one of comfort, ease of use, and confidence, making the Forester a great choice for everyday driving.

Interior Comfort and Tech

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Forester, you'll find a cabin designed with practicality and comfort in mind. It's not the most luxurious interior on the market, but it's well-built and functional. The materials used are durable and of decent quality, and the overall design is clean and uncluttered. The focus is on providing a comfortable and user-friendly environment for both the driver and passengers.

The seats are supportive and comfortable, making them suitable for long journeys. There's plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear, so even taller passengers will have enough space to stretch out. The rear seats also recline, allowing passengers to adjust their seating position for added comfort. The Forester's spacious interior makes it a great choice for families and anyone who values comfort on the road.

In terms of technology, the 2020 Forester comes equipped with a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience. Most models feature a touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The touchscreen is generally responsive and easy to use, although some users might find the graphics a bit dated.

Other available tech features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. These safety features help to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision. The adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, while the lane departure warning system alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. The automatic emergency braking system can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. The rearview camera provides a clear view of what's behind you when you're backing up, making it easier to park and avoid obstacles.

Price and Value

Let's talk money! The price of a 2020 Subaru Forester in the UK will vary depending on the trim level, options, and condition of the vehicle. Generally, you can expect to pay somewhere between £25,000 and £35,000 for a used model. It's always a good idea to check with local dealers and online marketplaces to get an accurate idea of current prices.

When considering the price, it's important to factor in the Forester's value proposition. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, which is a significant advantage in the UK's climate. It also offers a spacious interior, a comfortable ride, and a range of safety features. When you compare it to other SUVs in its class, the Forester offers a good balance of features and price. It's not the cheapest SUV on the market, but it offers a lot of value for the money.

In addition to the initial purchase price, you'll also need to consider ongoing costs such as insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Insurance costs will vary depending on your age, driving history, and location. Fuel costs will depend on your driving habits and the price of fuel. Maintenance costs will depend on the age and condition of the vehicle, as well as the type of service required. However, the Forester is known for its reliability, so you can generally expect lower maintenance costs compared to some other SUVs.

Overall, the 2020 Subaru Forester offers good value for money. It's a reliable, capable, and comfortable SUV that's well-suited to the UK's roads and weather conditions. If you're looking for a practical and versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving situations, the Forester is definitely worth considering.

Final Verdict: Is the 2020 Subaru Forester a Good Buy?

So, the big question: is the 2020 Subaru Forester a good buy in the UK? In my opinion, absolutely! It's a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. It's reliable, capable, comfortable, and safe. It's also well-suited to the UK's roads and weather conditions. If you're looking for a practical and versatile vehicle that can handle a variety of driving situations, the Forester is definitely worth considering.

The standard all-wheel-drive system is a major selling point, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rain, snow, or ice. The spacious interior and comfortable ride make it a great choice for families and anyone who values comfort on the road. The range of safety features provides peace of mind, knowing that you're protected in the event of a collision. And the Forester's reliability means that you can expect lower maintenance costs compared to some other SUVs.

Of course, the Forester isn't perfect. It's not the most exciting SUV to drive, and the interior isn't the most luxurious. But if you're looking for a practical, reliable, and capable vehicle that offers good value for money, the Forester is hard to beat. It's a great choice for anyone who needs a versatile SUV that can handle a variety of driving situations.

Before making a final decision, it's always a good idea to test drive the Forester and compare it to other SUVs in its class. Consider your specific needs and priorities, and choose the vehicle that best meets your requirements. But if you're looking for a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money, the 2020 Subaru Forester is definitely worth a look. Happy driving!