Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: 2020 Subaru Forester Miles Per Gallon

When you're on the lookout for a compact SUV with reliability comfort and solid performance it's hard to ignore the 2020 Subaru Forester. This vehicle has been a favorite for drivers seeking an all-wheel-drive SUV with decent miles per gallon (MPG). It stands out for many reasons not least because of its excellent fuel economy. In a world where fuel efficiency is increasingly critical due to rising gas prices and environmental concerns the 2020 Subaru Forester is a practical choice.

However like every vehicle the Forester has its pros and cons. In this in-depth look we'll explore the MPG of the 2020 Subaru Forester provide valuable insight into its performance and break down some potential drawbacks while keeping a balanced tone. Let's dive into what makes the Subaru Forester a solid competitor in the crowded SUV market.

Fuel Economy: How Many Miles Per Gallon Does the 2020 Subaru Forester Get?

The 2020 Subaru Forester delivers impressive fuel efficiency especially considering it comes standard with all-wheel-drive (AWD). According to the EPA, the Forester achieves 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Combined this results in 29 MPG, which is excellent for an SUV in this class.

Why Does the 2020 Forester Have Such Good MPG?

The Forester's efficient fuel consumption can be credited to several key factors:

• Engine Design: The 2020 Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower. While it's not the most powerful engine in its class its smaller size helps it achieve better fuel economy.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Subaru's CVT is designed to optimize power delivery while minimizing fuel consumption. It eliminates the need for traditional gear shifting which often consumes more fuel.
• Weight Efficiency: Subaru has done an impressive job of keeping the Forester's weight relatively low for an AWD vehicle which directly improves its fuel efficiency.

Alex Collantes a long-time Subaru owner shared his experience: "The Forester is great for daily driving and road trips. I can get to work and back on a single tank for nearly a week. That's what keeps me loyal to Subaru."

Real-World MPG: What to Expect on the Road

While the EPA ratings for the Forester's miles per gallon are solid real-world results can vary based on factors like driving conditions and maintenance. Many owners report that they achieve somewhere in the 25 to 27 MPG range in city driving and 31 to 33 MPG on highways which is still consistent with the official ratings.

Potential Drawbacks: Lower Power Output for More MPG

While the 2020 Subaru Forester's fuel economy is impressive it comes with a trade-off in terms of power. Some drivers may find the 182-horsepower engine underwhelming especially when compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, which offer optional turbocharged engines with more power. This makes the Forester feel less energetic in situations that require quick acceleration such as highway merging or passing.

"At times it feels a bit sluggish when you really need to hit the gas especially with a full car," Collantes added. "But you can’t have everything. The trade-off for fuel efficiency is worth it to me."

Fuel Efficiency Compared to Competitors

To give you a better perspective on how the 2020 Subaru Forester stacks up against the competition let's compare its MPG to some other popular SUVs in the same segment.

As you can see the Forester holds its own against its competitors in terms of fuel economy but it's not the class leader. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 offer slightly better MPG ratings. However Subaru’s AWD system is standard across all trims while these competitors often require you to upgrade to an AWD version which can lower their fuel efficiency. This makes the Forester’s 29 MPG especially impressive considering it includes AWD without any extra cost.

Potential Drawbacks: Competitors Offer More Powerful Engine Options

Although the Subaru Forester’s MPG is competitive some of its rivals offer engines with significantly more horsepower or optional turbocharged engines. For example the Mazda CX-5 comes with an available 2.5L turbo engine that produces 250 horsepower while the Toyota RAV4 offers a hybrid version that can deliver better fuel economy and 219 horsepower.

If you're someone who values acceleration and power over fuel efficiency you may find these competitors more appealing. But if AWD and fuel savings are your priorities the Forester will not disappoint.

Driving Experience: Balanced but Lacking in Excitement

Handling and Comfort

One of the Forester’s standout features is its ride comfort. The suspension is tuned for a smooth ride even on rough roads. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system provides excellent grip especially in inclement weather like rain or snow making it a perfect choice for those living in regions with harsh climates.

However some drivers may find the Forester’s handling to be a bit soft. While it's not overly floaty it lacks the sharpness and athleticism that you’ll find in rivals like the Mazda CX-5 or even the Honda CR-V.

"Don't get me wrong the Forester is super comfortable" Collantes said. "But if you want a more engaging driving experience I’d say try out the CX-5. It feels more like a sportier vehicle."

Interior: Practicality Over Luxury

The 2020 Forester’s interior is spacious and practical but it’s not particularly luxurious. Subaru focuses on functionality with large easy-to-use controls and ample cargo space. It’s ideal for families or those who often transport gear.

Key Interior Highlights:

• Passenger Space: The cabin offers plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
• Cargo Space: With 35.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 76.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down the Forester can haul quite a bit of stuff. It’s one of the roomiest compact SUVs available.
• Technology: The Forester comes equipped with Subaru’s STARLINK infotainment system which includes a 6.5-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen depending on the trim level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard making it easy to connect your smartphone for navigation and music.

Potential Drawbacks: Interior Feels Dated Compared to Competitors

While the Forester’s interior is functional it does feel somewhat basic compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V which offer more refined materials and design. Some reviewers have also pointed out that the infotainment system can be sluggish at times.

"You can tell Subaru prioritizes practicality over style and that's not a bad thing if you're someone who doesn't need the bells and whistles" Collantes remarked. "But yeah if you're looking for a more premium interior maybe check out the RAV4."

Safety: Subaru’s Strong Suit

One of the major selling points of the Subaru Forester is its stellar safety ratings. In fact the 2020 Forester was awarded the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating which is the highest safety accolade given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Standard Safety Features:

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: This includes adaptive cruise control lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. It’s one of the best driver-assist systems on the market and it comes standard on all Forester models.
• Rearview Camera: Helps with parking and avoiding obstacles.
• Blind-Spot Detection: Available on higher trims for added safety when changing lanes.

Potential Drawbacks: Limited Standard Features on Base Trim

While Subaru offers an excellent array of safety features some of the more advanced options like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are only available on higher trims. This might be a slight letdown for buyers looking to get these features at a lower price point.

Maintenance Costs: Affordable but Watch for CVT Issues

In terms of maintenance the Subaru Forester is fairly affordable to maintain over time. Parts are widely available and Subaru’s reputation for reliability ensures that you won't have to deal with unexpected repairs often.

However there have been some complaints about CVT transmission issues in earlier Subaru models. While the Forester’s CVT seems to have improved over time it’s worth keeping an eye out for any transmission-related problems especially as the vehicle ages.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2020 Subaru Forester Worth It?

The 2020 Subaru Forester is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency safety and all-wheel-drive capability. Its impressive miles per gallon rating stands out in the compact SUV class especially for an AWD vehicle. While it’s not the most powerful or luxurious option it excels in terms of practicality comfort and reliability.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy for an AWD SUV
• Spacious interior with plenty of cargo room
• Top-tier safety ratings
• Standard AWD without compromising too much on MPG

Cons:

• Engine power feels underwhelming compared to some competitors
• Interior design is basic and lacks premium feel
• Some advanced safety features are trim-specific

In conclusion if you’re looking for a solid compact SUV that won’t break the bank at the pump and offers a smooth reliable ride the 2020 Subaru Forester should be at the top of your list. It may not be the most thrilling vehicle on the road but it's built for those who value practicality and efficiency over performance flair.