
The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. Edmunds' Expert Rating The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. Overall, we think the Forester is a smart pick for a small SUV. Inside the comfortable cabin, there is enough technology, storage space, and driving assistance to keep everyone happy taking the long way home. It has a higher ground clearance than many competitors, and several driving modes ensure the crossover is ready for different road conditions. Its styling suggests the Forester will be at home in the mountains, and its features back up that sentiment. And unlike a lot of other rival crossovers, a more powerful engine option isn't available. Acceleration is sluggish, whether from a stop or pulling ahead of slower cars on the freeway. It delivers impressive fuel economy but lacks power. The main culprit is the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). There's really only one significant downside here: The Forester isn't all that thrilling to drive. Critically for some shoppers, all-wheel drive is standard. The Forester delivers on nearly every area that you're likely interested in, including rugged capability along with comfort and technology at a good value. Subaru introduced the latest generation of its Forester in 2019, and this small crossover SUV returns almost unchanged for 2020.
