2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring: A Detailed Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring. If you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and comfortable compact SUV, then this might just be the ride you've been searching for. We'll cover everything from its performance and features to its interior comfort and overall value. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Overview of the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring

The 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring represents a sweet spot in the Forester lineup, blending practical features with a touch of luxury. This trim level builds upon the already impressive foundation of the Forester, adding enhancements that cater to those seeking a bit more comfort and convenience in their daily drive. The 2.5i designation indicates the 2.5-liter engine under the hood, which we'll delve into shortly. The "Touring" aspect signifies a focus on premium features designed to enhance the overall driving experience, especially on longer journeys. Think of it as the Forester that's ready for both your daily commute and weekend adventures. One of the key selling points of the Forester, in general, is its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Subaru's symmetrical AWD is renowned for providing excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions, making it a great choice for those living in areas with snow, rain, or uneven terrain. The 2020 model year also saw improvements in safety technology, with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system becoming more sophisticated. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, all of which contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience. Furthermore, the Forester boasts impressive fuel economy for an SUV, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. The combination of its efficient engine, standard AWD, and advanced safety features makes the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring a compelling option in the crowded compact SUV market. It’s a vehicle that prioritizes safety, reliability, and practicality, while also offering a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you're a daily commuter, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who simply values peace of mind on the road, the Forester Touring has something to offer. Its blend of features and capabilities makes it a versatile and well-rounded choice for a wide range of drivers.

Performance and Engine Specs

Under the hood of the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring lies a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it might not be the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate acceleration for everyday driving situations. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps to maximize fuel efficiency. Some drivers find CVTs to be a bit less engaging than traditional automatic transmissions, but Subaru's CVT is generally well-regarded for its smooth operation and responsiveness. One of the standout features of the Forester is its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Subaru's AWD system is known for its excellent traction and stability, making the Forester a capable performer in various weather conditions. Whether you're driving on snow-covered roads or navigating a muddy trail, the Forester's AWD system provides added confidence and control. In terms of fuel economy, the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These figures are quite competitive for a compact SUV with standard AWD. The Forester's fuel efficiency makes it a practical choice for those who want the benefits of an SUV without sacrificing fuel economy. On the road, the Forester offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth and pleasant driving experience. The steering is light and responsive, making the Forester easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While the Forester isn't designed for hardcore off-roading, it does offer decent ground clearance and approach/departure angles, allowing it to handle mild off-road trails with ease. The X-Mode system, which is standard on the Touring trim, further enhances the Forester's off-road capabilities by optimizing the AWD system and other vehicle settings for maximum traction. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring offers a balanced and capable driving experience. Its engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, while its standard AWD system ensures confident traction in various conditions. The Forester's comfortable ride and decent fuel economy make it a practical and enjoyable choice for a wide range of drivers.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring, you'll immediately notice the upgraded interior. The Touring trim boasts leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury and comfort to the seats. The front seats are also heated, making those cold winter mornings much more bearable. The driver's seat features power adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are also comfortable and offer plenty of legroom for passengers. One of the standout features of the Forester's interior is its spaciousness. The Forester offers generous cargo space, making it ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or other gear. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more cargo space. In terms of technology, the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. The system also includes navigation, so you can easily find your way to your destination. Other notable features of the Forester's interior include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate. The Harman Kardon audio system delivers crisp and clear sound, making your favorite music sound even better. The panoramic sunroof lets in plenty of natural light, creating a bright and airy cabin. The power liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo, even when your hands are full. The Forester also comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and prevent accidents. Overall, the interior of the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring is well-appointed and comfortable. The leather upholstery, heated front seats, and spacious cargo area make it a great choice for those who value comfort and practicality. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and Harman Kardon audio system add a touch of technology and luxury. And the standard EyeSight driver-assist system helps to enhance safety and peace of mind.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Technologies

When it comes to safety, the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring truly shines. Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the Forester is no exception. The Forester comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. The EyeSight system includes features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. It also includes lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane. And it includes automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent collision. In addition to the EyeSight system, the Forester also comes standard with other safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there's a car in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching cars when you're backing out of a parking space. Reverse automatic braking can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an obstacle behind you when you're backing up. The 2020 Subaru Forester has also earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and it was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. These safety ratings are a testament to Subaru's commitment to safety. The Forester is designed to protect its occupants in the event of a collision. Its strong structure and advanced safety features help to minimize the risk of injury. Overall, the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring is an exceptionally safe vehicle. Its comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent safety ratings make it a great choice for those who prioritize safety. Whether you're driving on the highway or navigating city streets, you can have peace of mind knowing that the Forester is designed to protect you and your passengers.

Overall Value and Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring? Well, guys, it's a pretty solid choice in the compact SUV market. You get a well-rounded vehicle that blends practicality, comfort, and safety into one appealing package. The standard all-wheel drive is a major plus, especially if you live in an area with challenging weather conditions. The interior is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. And the suite of safety features provides peace of mind on the road. Of course, no vehicle is perfect. Some drivers may find the engine to be a bit underpowered, and the CVT transmission might not be to everyone's liking. But overall, the Forester offers a compelling value proposition. It's a reliable and capable SUV that's well-suited for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a safe and comfortable ride. When considering the competition, the Forester stacks up well against other popular compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. Each of these vehicles has its own strengths and weaknesses, but the Forester stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and focus on safety. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring is the right vehicle for you is to take it for a test drive. Get behind the wheel, experience the ride, and see if it meets your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a reliable, safe, and practical compact SUV, the Forester is definitely worth considering. It's a vehicle that's built to last and designed to handle whatever life throws your way. And with its comfortable interior and ample features, it's a pleasure to drive, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend adventure.