In 2019 was"...the biggest recall Subaru has ever seen. Some 1.3 million Subaru Forester SUVs, Impreza sedans and wagons, WRX and STI sedans, and Crosstrek SUVs were recalled in March for an issue apparently stemming from contaminants in common household products such as cosmetics, fabric softener and car polish that could cause a brakelight switch malfunction. Word to owners should have been passed along starting in late April, but if you still haven’t repaired your Subaru, know that dealers only have to replace the brakelight switch as a fix." Cars dot com "...70 percent of new Subaru vehicles are now the object of recalls or service campaigns within two years of being purchased, noting that the “permissible limit” should be around 10 percent." Thetruthaboutcars
@@Honestandtruth007 Subaru gets a pass in the U. S. for their following and the media hype. Fact is they are a volume seller with a very high recall rate.
"...70 percent of new Subaru vehicles are now the object of recalls or service campaigns within two years of being purchased, noting that the “permissible limit” should be around 10 percent. TheTruthAboutCars
I'm already in love with this gorgeous SUV and I am going to look at one today. I love the white with the black and orange trim. It looks so sporty!!! It seems that Subaru thought of everything in this compact SUV. My next new car!!! Thank you Lord!!!
My Aunt is a retired State Senator and her personal car is a Forester. This is her 2nd Forester and she’s thinking about ordering a new Forester Touring.
Ordered a 2020 Sport. Due in the end of November. I am SO excited. Loved everything about this car when I test drove it. Not buying it to race so didn’t care about horsepower and knew the tow limits, but so many more positives than negatives.
I’m waiting for my Rav to wear out so I can buy a Forester Touring. I LOVE the brown leather interior. My wife’s Outback has Ivory interior and we love that color too. After 32 years of gloomy Grey and Boring Black interiors, it’s time for a change.
This is my dream car......hoping to wait 2 years and see the price drop about 10k for a lightly used one. It's literally got everything. The SPORT is key
Just bought a 2021 Forester Sport and I agree with everything said in this video about the suspension and steering. It’s really, really, really good! It almost rides like a nice sedan. I traded off my 2018 RAV4 Adventure which was a very good car but not nearly as fun to drive as the Forester. The Forester delivers a much more connected driving experience between the car and driver, if that makes sense. Oh, and don’t worry about power from the engine. It does the job and I like the sound of it. The transmission is awesome! Subaru has this car fine tuned wonderfully.
Good mpg? We only get 22-24 on the freeway with the cruise set on 73-75 mph. We are Very dissatisfied with our mpg. Our 2011 Rav 4WD Limited with a 3.5 V6 gets 24-25 mpg on the freeway with the cruise set. And our Rav has 269hp.
My wife got the Touring last week and she loves it. It's come a long way in even three short years. I'd be all over the Sport model when my time is due, if it had dual zone. Once you have it, you can't go back.
From what I've gathered from other reviewers. It's best to use Xmode in lower speeds. Roughly 18 mph. So that means xmode is best for more than 3 inches of snow. With xmode off, it does rather well. Only use it when you really need it.
Ive had the Forester sport a year today, and I am so in love I was always a ford or chevy type of fella. But I fell in love when I test drove the sport I don't thing I could ever leave the Subaru team!
I bought the 2021 Sport model (Crystal White Pearl) in October, 2021 and I have been enjoying it so much! Driving in the snow is a breeze. Also, I love the steering wheel too! It feels like fancy leather.
We bought our Subie for the AWD. We too get 4-5 feet of snow every winter. We live 5 miles from town on a private road that we have to maintain. We’re lucky when the county plows the county road. If not then we are on our own.
I love my Forester. If you purchase a forester make sure you get glass coverage if you have the eyesight it cost 1100 avg for new windshield. If it cracks around the sensors no cruise control.
@@ps121he4 no I live in Co and insurance companies will not insure windows because they use gravel instead of salt for icey conditions. I went with Subaru windshield coverage
Hello, i just bought it in color blue. It is value packed!!! Lots of tech, awesome infoteintment, it rides really well, great traction, amazing brakes, Eyesight is a great safety tech. Great cargo space. The only thing is that is not fast...it will cruise without a problem, you will overtake quite easy and the CVT is the best in the business..it has paddle shifters that simulates gear changes, but on big highway hills it lacks punch..with a turbo it would be the perfect Suv. For me is a 9 out of 10. Great job Subaru!!!
I will add to the Sun roof portion that when you push the button enough for it to go back, when it stops It will actually go all the way back to the edge of the opening for the sunroof if you press the button again... The auto feature of it will only open it up to where it stops in the video but if you wanna open it all the way you just press that button again and it will go all the way inside the roof
I just got mine yesterday and absolutely love it. I got Sport with option package 24 that includes Star link 8.0” Multimedia Plus, 576 Watt 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, Blind spot detection w/rear cross traffic alert & lane change assist, reverse automatic braking, power rear gate w/height memory. It also has Popular Package #2 that includes: Mirror Compass w/ homelink, Cargo Net, External Auto Dim Mirrors, Rear Bumper cover and all weather floor liners. It also came with rear seat back protector and crossbar set - aero for roof rails. I picked Ice Silver Metallic Color. Originally I wanted black one but when I saw this color at the dealership I decided to go with that. This is my first Subaru.
Well done on the review! That's exactly how I felt when I had my Subaru Sports (Crystal White Pearl) just weeks ago. I'm definitely one of your fan now🤗✌
Just bought the 2020 Forester Sport yesterday and I love it (considering I bought it to cart around my daughter). It's comfortable and much more premium feeling than the other comparable SUVs I drove from Honda, Ford, and other manufacturers. The only real disappointment I have is that the Sport doesn't come with daytime running lights like the higher trims do. Beside that, it's a great car!
@@Kinsella_Finn They are. The Sport has daytime running lights in the form of regular headlamps. They're always on. I should have said I was disappointed that the Sport doesn't have daytime running LEDs instead of always-on headlamps.
I bought a 2020 sport. The was a hiccup when shifted gear. after having it for 4 months, Subaru took the white one back and replaced it with another new one, 2020 in gray color. It does not have the hiccup issue, but at low speeds I can feel a slight shake/vibration in my transmachine. They say they all have. I spoke to a friend of mine who has bought she same car, he also feels that vibration. I love the looks of the car and all bells and whistles that come with it. I just wish that vibration was not there. That takes the joy of other wise a perfect car. Subaru costumer service is second to none.
Ask your mechanic about installing a rubber bushing in your transmission mount. That will stop the vibration. Your Subaru dealership will not install the rubber bushing. Enjoy your day
I love listening to your enthusiasm for this vehicle. I have this exact vehicle and came here to be reminded of what all the buttons were for. I had forgotten since my Subaru class and I am visual learner. I am the shortest in my family 5ft 7 and my son is 6 ft 7. We all fit in this car comfortably and that is why I got the Forester. I have had mostly white cars in recent years, since we live in Texas and I have had black ones in the past since and swore off them because of the heat. Went to go get the white one in mind, but the contrast of the black and orange was so overwhelmingly sharp, had to get the black. Love it!!
I remember seeing the Foresters as I was driving off the lot with my new Impreza and thinking, "Oops... Shoulda got the Forester." Now, the Impreza is probably better for me, as I love spirited driving and this car is very planted and low to the ground. The Forester will be my next vehicle when I start a family - the interior space is phenomenal, as is the ride comfort.
Thank you so much for a great review. Also for reviewing the CR V and RAV4. Your reviews are very helpful in guiding me in the direction of the new SUV that will work best for me. I appreciate your thorough/thoughtful/honest reviews.
Everything you've mentioned in this review is spot on. I test drove a 2019 Forester Limited. The first thing I didnt like much is the mirror placement. It will take some time to get adjusted to it. The second thing was the little bit of body roll. Which that still isn't much of a problem. It feels planted as you said. I dont feel like I would end up in a ditch, dont have to worry about swerving out of my lane, nor did I feel like I would roll over in the corners. It has an excellent balance. The 3rd thing was the steering wheel. It has a great overall feel, but I wish it tilted towards me a little more. This did not effect the overall comfort and driving performance. The fourth thing was the braking. It's not terrible, but it will take some getting used to as well. With the vehicle being heavy, you will need to press the brakes a little harder than expected. But do not let this scare you at all. You dont have to worry about sensitive pedals or having to slam your foot down. It was very smooth and responsive when accelerating, and it wasnt sensitive with the braking either. I didnt have to worry about it jolting with the slightest touch. Overall, Subaru did an amazing job on the new Forester. I know some reviewers mention its underpowered, which in a sense is true. But driving it on the road casually I was able to get to 50 mph no problem. It's very well mannered. If you're reading this and considering buying a 2019+, go for it. Get out and test drive one! I'm going back for a 2020 Sport.
Update to this. I test drove the 2020 Limited, and it seems to feel different from the 2019. There's less body roll for sure. So, I'm making a deal with that instead of the Sport.
@@jasonm1690 I own a 2020 and it's very underpowered. My 2005 Corolla was faster than this. I get it that's it not a race car but passing on 50 mph back roads may be a concern. Also the cvt has no idea what to do in traffic that fluctuates between 20 and 30 mph. It either jerks like crazy or drags
In the Forester vs. Outback video, I forgot to comment that this engine, though not the turbo version available in the Outback felt very quick, and able for this vehicle. In the Sport with the better suspension, even more so. I Also like the new Rav4 Adventure and TRD, but as good as those are, and their reputation for reliability, if I was seriously considering an SUV in this price range, I would be tempted to go with this Forester Sport over the Rav4. The local dealership here in Honolulu, not far from where I live sells both Toyota and Subaru, so maybe I could get to road test them back to back, but already drove the base Forester, and already really liked that one.
@@joecromie7844 I heard, unless you have access to a high speed charger, most electrics take a long time to charge at home with the adapter, and I don't want to think how much electricity cost will be. And many people don't even have access to power where they park, no garage, on the street, and whole at work, etc. Not to mention the detrimental EMF output to your health, the less cargo space, added weight, and cost of replacement batteries, and high voltage and fire risks in a crash. If I would even consider an electric, or plug in hybrid, I would have to have a two car garage roof full of solar cells, a big backup battery to store all that solar power 24/7, and a high output chargers independent of electric utilities. I rather just pay for gas. And or the vehicles I would consider, for those with hybrid or electric versions, they would not be my choice. If I got a Rav4, it would be the TRD or Adventure. But I believe I would like the Forester Sport much better, being impressed with the base model Forester I rented for 2 days.
@@jjacob25101 if you like the base or the Orange color scheme of the 'Sport" model buy it. We prefer the performance and additional gas saving of the standard Rav-4 hybrid and the upcoming Rav-4 Prime. We can install a level 2 charger at our house, this should allow us to get around our town, or run to work and back, or travel to Portland Oregon drive a round a little and return. If we need to burn gas, we will. With a 10 year, 150000 mile hybrid warranty and Toyota's reliability, this may be the perfect vehicle for us plus a federal rebate.
I like the way the new foresters look but I find this and the crosstrek to be too under powered. Having 182hp in the Crosstrek would be an improvement and 200hp in this would probably make it peppy enough.
Michael 0788 local dealer has a few and I have been sweating them last few weeks. Everything looks great except, like you stated, underpowered! It might just be a deal killer unfortunately. I would really have to drive one to know for sure. They look great though!
Have a K&N intake and a HKS or Borla or a Flowmaster exhaust installed. This will increase your hp, torque and mpg. I’ve had these 2 things done on all 3 of our vehicles.
This is the only SUV I've driven that provides a really entertaining driving experience, which consists of far more than HP numbers. The boxer engine has an incredible feel that I have only felt the like of in an inline 6 BMW motor, and the CVT feels far less like a CVT than the terrible AT on my 2014 FJ Cruiser. I might also add that driving at night is far more comfortable than any vehicle I have ever owned. Absolutely no buyers remorse.
My surfing buddy had a older Turbo manual Forrester we would go down dirt roads to some North shore surf spots. It was a fun car to drive. When my wife was coming home from work she was waiting in traffic a Dodge Ram pickup rear-ended her at speed. Truck flipped was skidding on its roof. She hit BMW in front of her all vehicles were totaled. There was nothing left of her Saturn except where she was sitting. She was afraid to drive after that. Her mom was still alive then day care we both worked. Got her a Forrester 2007. It is a great over the Pali car. It is smooth planted feeling going up & down the Mountain. It's rains hard up there sometimes. Over the decades have gone over Pali in cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, the Subaru is the best. I don't like the auto transmission at all. Sold my Honda wanted higher seating so many drive SUV and pickup trucks here. Gave up on finding late model manual Forrester plenty CVT Forrester. Test drove Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V , the RAV4 has geared auto trans. Push sport mode button let's you rev a little higher before shifting, Honda the new turbo have CVT trans and a lot of recalls. I actually found a 2016 6 speed manual from car dealer. Test drove it over the Pali & back over the H3 in the rain. It was fun to drive the manual works well with 2.5L boxer. Enough power going through the gears to merge with traffic. I bought know how hard it is to find a late model 6 speed manual Forrester. People who buy keep them.
We purchased one. There is a substantial price increase for each model. We chose the Premium model. The base model, is just that. BASE. The next up model is the premium. The premium has the moon roof and tinted glass. It also has alloy wheels. We wish that Subaru would have put 18 inch wheels and larger brakes. But that option is on the next model up. Thst being the sport. The Forester is taller than the Outback. I like that. The Forester is a SUV. The outback is a wagon. The engine is a 2.5 boxer 4 cylinder. It is weak. 182 HP. But it is the only engine available. It is also weak for towing. 1500 lb max towing. The outback is a 5000 lb max towing.
Just had a test drive on the Sport trim in Ice Silver Metallic which appears more light blue color. It's taller than the base and premium trims so the front view is taller. 29k seems like a good deal.
I actually did it! After a flurry of vids, today I got my first Subaru 2020 Forester Sport-all black! Best deal in this price range and enough power to be snappy on the road, I was impressed. Vid helped, thank you sir!
I enjoy riding in SUVs. And since I love anything with FOREST in the name, I'll definitely enjoy riding in a Forester. No, I don't drive because of my multiple disabilities. But I'll enjoy riding in a Forester.
The headlights are LED along with headlight following where the headlight turns in the direction of any turns. I bet they are really expensive to replace.
I hear that on all 2021 cars they come with auto Stop -Start standard equip ? You should also mention how easy or hard it is to shut this off , At every start up and i think at every stop sign or traffic signal ?? Your reviews should talk about this feature !!! Thanks great review .
Man this thing needs to come in a manual and a turbo, thennnnnnnnnnnn you can slap the term SPORT on it. They need to send some of those special Japanese models over here, even if its limited.
Nice, and the filming/use of cameras was excellent! The fun factor was only a five? Seems like you enjoyed operating the vehicle more than a five rating.
Not me. That and the fact that the OTB is about $2,000 more than the similarly equipped Sport Package Forester caused me to get the Forester. Some people may like it but I find the large screen on the Outback to be distracting and obtrusive. It's about the size of an I Pad.
Great review. Tell me- I’ve been considering the 2019 forester sport. From what I see, there is no real change between the new forester sport 2019 and what you’ve shown in this 2020 review. Is this correct? Thanks.
I know you listed some negatives but there have to be a few more. Does it come with ventilated seats? I also see the decent acceleration as a negative. It could be better. The small gas tank is a negative as well.
@@waynenuss3185 Wasn't trolling. It was a serious question as I'm shopping for a compact SUV. Fyi that fueleconomy.gov says the range is 444 miles which is actually respectable.
Tank is 16+ gallons I own a Forester Sport. Gets 33 mpg. Have gone over 480 miles on highway recently. Car is outstanding. Feels like your driving a greenhouse. Extremely comfortable seats.
I bought a 2019 Forester Base in December of last year. This car has become a staple of our family! over 18,000 in the first 10 months of ownership averaging over 29 MPG and that includes TONS of idling time last winter thawing out the car that is kept outside. The only thing I HATE is the audio quality of the base unit. I knew it sucked when I bought it but come on Subaru. I have base Fords that I drive at work and their audio quality is actually decent on the base! That being said, $25K out the door for an all-wheel drive, quality car. I love it.
I had a 2018 and just got rid of it couple weeks ago. 2 things that I didnt like about the car, is the road noise it's very loud in the cabin and there are structural noises that no mechanic and figure out. Secondly it doesnt do very well in windy conditions, the car swerves alot.
@@airmanma I live in Vegas and there are sudden desert gust of wind that can hit at 35mph. It definitely does worse than other cars. Also, you really don't feel it's very loud when you drive over rough surfaces ? Maybe you got used to it. Now that I have another car I can tell the huge difference
Since I do some light off roading here in Texas (go to a lot of 3 gun competition), I ended up getting a Forester because Subaru's AWD system is the best in it's class and it's a true AWD system 100% of the time. Unlike Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc, where it's only AWD when you start and once you reach a certain speed it turns into FWD, this is because their lines were based off FWD not AWD like Subi. The forester isn't the best looking car, nor is it the fastest, but when it comes to doing it job during bad weather, light off roading, there isn't a better choice. If you plan on just going from point a to point b, and don't deal with a lot of bad weather, then the forester or any subaru might not be the choice for you.
I agree. My Rav disengages out of 4WD at 25mph. It’s so irritating. We live in the country and get between 4-5 feet of snow every winter. That’s why last November I bought my wife an Outback to replace her 18 year old Camry. (We had to park the Camry 3-4 months every year bc she literally couldn’t drive it and she would have to drive my Rav and that would leave me driving our 4X4 pickup.
@@normt5463 eh i don't really care, just need a car that is safe and reliable, don't want to get myself killed or injured early on. Plus it has some nice leather seats and moonroof on the limited/touring editions too.
@@richardzhang2773 I hope you are not looking at.the car for safety alone as they all are most rated safe today. It is the driver that needs te he focus. www.freep.com/story/money/2019/08/12/car-accidents-subaru-crosstrek-involved-most-at-fault-crashes/39934165/
@@richardzhang2773 I'd say this would be a perfect first car for someone with a lot of money.. even though I always think a kid's first car should normally be more on the p.o.s. side since they usually wreck them.. also builds humility.
Black and orange? There's should be more options like burgundy, purple, red, or purple something like that including the trims inside. I'm considering to buy one but I don't know when
Very informational. I think the only surprising/disappointing piece of info was that there was no auto control for the back windows on the driver panel. Can that be added or no? What 's different between the 2019 and the 2020 model?
To see where this Forester ranks, check out: driversonlyrankings.com/
Car Care and Routine Maintenance Tips: driversonlyrankings.com/car-care/
Drivers Only ruclips.net/video/wS1Gypy27Ig/видео.html
Just got my 2020 forester limited, after test drive crv, rav4, cx5 and Santa Fe . Subaru Forester is the best you can get so far in this category
Very nice!
In 2019 was"...the biggest recall Subaru has ever seen. Some 1.3 million Subaru Forester SUVs, Impreza sedans and wagons, WRX and STI sedans, and Crosstrek SUVs were recalled in March for an issue apparently stemming from contaminants in common household products such as cosmetics, fabric softener and car polish that could cause a brakelight switch malfunction. Word to owners should have been passed along starting in late April, but if you still haven’t repaired your Subaru, know that dealers only have to replace the brakelight switch as a fix." Cars dot com
"...70 percent of new Subaru vehicles are now the object of recalls or service campaigns within two years of being purchased, noting that the “permissible limit” should be around 10 percent." Thetruthaboutcars
Cvt transmission won’t last long
@@Honestandtruth007 Subaru gets a pass in the U. S. for their following and the media hype. Fact is they are a volume seller with a very high recall rate.
@@Honestandtruth007 we had a 2012 Forester and it was a peice of junk!
I test drove the Forester twice. It’s a stress free ride and feels planted on the road. Very practical and fun.
That’s a great way to summarize the feel, I agree whole-heartedly.
Same feeling, I test drove mine today and am sold
Does anyone feel this is underpowered for 4-200 pound riders?
@@TheAyotteMan it is underpowered in general. Get to high way speeds and floor it and its slower than my old Corolla
"...70 percent of new Subaru vehicles are now the object of recalls or service campaigns within two years of being purchased, noting that the “permissible limit” should be around 10 percent. TheTruthAboutCars
Just bought my Subaru Sport today and absolutely love it!!! The black with the trim, outstanding!!
I'm already in love with this gorgeous SUV and I am going to look at one today. I love the white with the black and orange trim. It looks so sporty!!! It seems that Subaru thought of everything in this compact SUV. My next new car!!! Thank you Lord!!!
we bought our 2020 Subaru Forester 9 months ago and it is fantastic, drives so well and have had no issues with it.
My Aunt is a retired State Senator and her personal car is a Forester. This is her 2nd Forester and she’s thinking about ordering a new Forester Touring.
Ordered a 2020 Sport. Due in the end of November. I am SO excited. Loved everything about this car when I test drove it. Not buying it to race so didn’t care about horsepower and knew the tow limits, but so many more positives than negatives.
Have you figured out the android auto or apple car play? I'm having issues getting it connected...
We have a 2919 Sport. Love it. Best car we ever owned. 12, 000 miles. No issues.
@@alozano793 mine will connect but it takes like 5 minutes
@@johnnywaffles2482 so it's the bottom USB port via a cable that came with my phone that got it to work.
@@alozano793 mine always works, it just takes forever to connect and get ready
Just did a test drive. This is absolutely the most spot on review. Well done!
We just bought a 2020 Forester Limited. Thank you for your comments. They helped in our decision. We love it!
I’m waiting for my Rav to wear out so I can buy a Forester Touring. I LOVE the brown leather interior. My wife’s Outback has Ivory interior and we love that color too.
After 32 years of gloomy Grey and Boring Black interiors, it’s time for a change.
This is my dream car......hoping to wait 2 years and see the price drop about 10k for a lightly used one. It's literally got everything. The SPORT is key
how'd that work out for ya 🤣
@@AstroGetm transmission in my Subaru started to malfunction and now I own a Jeep Cherokee. Thanks for asking
@@flazada wow wasn’t expecting to hear that! Thanks for sharing
@@AstroGetm 😉🤣
Just bought one and it is a really fantastic vehicle.
Just bought a 2021 Forester Sport and I agree with everything said in this video about the suspension and steering. It’s really, really, really good! It almost rides like a nice sedan. I traded off my 2018 RAV4 Adventure which was a very good car but not nearly as fun to drive as the Forester. The Forester delivers a much more connected driving experience between the car and driver, if that makes sense. Oh, and don’t worry about power from the engine. It does the job and I like the sound of it. The transmission is awesome! Subaru has this car fine tuned wonderfully.
I like the orange trim on the inside but on the outside it makes it look cheap. I wouldn’t buy that model because of that.
I just bought 2020 Subaru Forester sport upgraded. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
‘This is an awesome vehicle, and the gas mileage makes it even better this blacked out sport addition looks killer
Good mpg? We only get 22-24 on the freeway with the cruise set on 73-75 mph. We are Very dissatisfied with our mpg.
Our 2011 Rav 4WD Limited with a 3.5 V6 gets 24-25 mpg on the freeway with the cruise set. And our Rav has 269hp.
Wifey just picked up one. She's loving it. It's a really nice car. I was also really impressed with how much it can basically drive itself.
Do the backseat headrests obstruct your wife's view? In the video, he mentioned that they are in the way. Thanks!
KraftyScorpio I just asked her she said “No, I don’t think so.”
@@sarrum7696 thank you borh
I'm a new owner, 35 days, 1300 miles. Stylish and comfortable. Mine looks like the one you previewed.
Still love it? :)
Just bought mine too. Been a week and great. Besides not getting the Android Auto to work. That's been disappointing.
Thanks for the review!
Only one thing about the sunroof, if you press open again, the roof will open all the way, that's how it is in Subaru :)
Someone else said that too, thanks for the tip!
My wife got the Touring last week and she loves it. It's come a long way in even three short years. I'd be all over the Sport model when my time is due, if it had dual zone. Once you have it, you can't go back.
My wife just leased a new 2019 Forester Sport and loves it. Can't wait to see how it performs this winter with the X mode.
Nice!
From what I've gathered from other reviewers. It's best to use Xmode in lower speeds. Roughly 18 mph. So that means xmode is best for more than 3 inches of snow. With xmode off, it does rather well. Only use it when you really need it.
Any word on winter performance?
Ive had the Forester sport a year today, and I am so in love I was always a ford or chevy type of fella. But I fell in love when I test drove the sport I don't thing I could ever leave the Subaru team!
Great review. I just love Subaru cars. You havent had a car if you havent had a Subaru. They are very well built and reliable. I m getting one.
I bought the 2021 Sport model (Crystal White Pearl) in October, 2021 and I have been enjoying it so much! Driving in the snow is a breeze. Also, I love the steering wheel too! It feels like fancy leather.
We bought our Subie for the AWD. We too get 4-5 feet of snow every winter. We live 5 miles from town on a private road that we have to maintain.
We’re lucky when the county plows the county road. If not then we are on our own.
I love my Forester. If you purchase a forester make sure you get glass coverage if you have the eyesight it cost 1100 avg for new windshield. If it cracks around the sensors no cruise control.
Did you get the coverage from your insurance company?
@ekim andersom I own a forester. If you dont have eyesight you have a different windshield
@@ps121he4 no I live in Co and insurance companies will not insure windows because they use gravel instead of salt for icey conditions. I went with Subaru windshield coverage
@ekim andersom it effects the calibration. That's what the OP means.
@ekim andersom in addition, it costs more because of the etching as well. I just found out about that stuff.
Hello, i just bought it in color blue. It is value packed!!! Lots of tech, awesome infoteintment, it rides really well, great traction, amazing brakes, Eyesight is a great safety tech. Great cargo space. The only thing is that is not fast...it will cruise without a problem, you will overtake quite easy and the CVT is the best in the business..it has paddle shifters that simulates gear changes, but on big highway hills it lacks punch..with a turbo it would be the perfect Suv. For me is a 9 out of 10. Great job Subaru!!!
Use your paddles to down shift on the hills. It makes a difference
I will add to the Sun roof portion that when you push the button enough for it to go back, when it stops It will actually go all the way back to the edge of the opening for the sunroof if you press the button again... The auto feature of it will only open it up to where it stops in the video but if you wanna open it all the way you just press that button again and it will go all the way inside the roof
Firs time Subaru owner - just bought the 2020 Forster sport. I do agree that turbo will really make it better.
aside from the turbo, how do you like it? also, on a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the pick up 0-50 mph?
Add a K&N intake and a HKS, Borla or a Flowmaster exhaust. You’ll notice an increase in your mpg, torque and hp.
I just got mine yesterday and absolutely love it. I got Sport with option package 24 that includes Star link 8.0” Multimedia Plus, 576 Watt 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, Blind spot detection w/rear cross traffic alert & lane change assist, reverse automatic braking, power rear gate w/height memory.
It also has Popular Package #2 that includes: Mirror Compass w/ homelink,
Cargo Net, External Auto Dim Mirrors,
Rear Bumper cover and all weather floor liners.
It also came with rear seat back protector and crossbar set - aero for roof rails.
I picked Ice Silver Metallic Color. Originally I wanted black one but when I saw this color at the dealership I decided to go with that. This is my first Subaru.
Nice and congrats! I fell in love with the Forester after my review, great SUV.
How much did you pay?
It won’t be your last Subaru
Well done on the review! That's exactly how I felt when I had my Subaru Sports (Crystal White Pearl) just weeks ago. I'm definitely one of your fan now🤗✌
Thanks welcome! I cut out a part where I said I'm having a hard time finding negatives about the Forester...it blew me away.
I have a 2019 Forester Sport. Black. Love it.
William Carothers omg I recently saw a 2020 Forester Sport Edition; it was beautiful inside and out!
Jacobee77201 Yessir!
How's winter been on it?
Just bought the 2020 Forester Sport yesterday and I love it (considering I bought it to cart around my daughter). It's comfortable and much more premium feeling than the other comparable SUVs I drove from Honda, Ford, and other manufacturers. The only real disappointment I have is that the Sport doesn't come with daytime running lights like the higher trims do. Beside that, it's a great car!
Congrats! Its definitely a great suv.
I thought daytime running lights were required by law?
@@Kinsella_Finn They are. The Sport has daytime running lights in the form of regular headlamps. They're always on.
I should have said I was disappointed that the Sport doesn't have daytime running LEDs instead of always-on headlamps.
Led daytime lights are on all trims standard
@@ekimandersom4478 Maybe now, but it wasn't back in 2020.
I bought a 2020 sport. The was a hiccup when shifted gear. after having it for 4 months, Subaru took the white one back and replaced it with another new one, 2020 in gray color. It does not have the hiccup issue, but at low speeds I can feel a slight shake/vibration in my transmachine. They say they all have. I spoke to a friend of mine who has bought she same car, he also feels that vibration. I love the looks of the car and all bells and whistles that come with it. I just wish that vibration was not there. That takes the joy of other wise a perfect car. Subaru costumer service is second to none.
Ask your mechanic about installing a rubber bushing in your transmission mount. That will stop the vibration. Your Subaru dealership will not install the rubber bushing.
Enjoy your day
Wish they had other options for the trim. I personally hate the orange but if it was light blue I would be all over it
I don’t like the orange either
Get the limited version.
@ekim andersom the stitching might be hard to fix
The moonroof opens all the way if you press the button a second time…
Or if you just hold it down a second.
I appreciate subaru for keeping things nice and simple, and simple always works best!!!
Excellent Review!! You are my favorite car review man. I can't stop watching these lol! Thank you
Lol glad to hear it!
This vehicle video really gives genuine real life knowledge and experience people will have in an actual Subaru Forester Sport.
Have a 2016 Forester and just picked up a 2020 Forester Sport today. Big difference in standard equipment, but love them both.
Congrats!
I love listening to your enthusiasm for this vehicle. I have this exact vehicle and came here to be reminded of what all the buttons were for. I had forgotten since my Subaru class and I am visual learner. I am the shortest in my family 5ft 7 and my son is 6 ft 7. We all fit in this car comfortably and that is why I got the Forester. I have had mostly white cars in recent years, since we live in Texas and I have had black ones in the past since and swore off them because of the heat. Went to go get the white one in mind, but the contrast of the black and orange was so overwhelmingly sharp, had to get the black. Love it!!
Thank you! Appreciate your feedback and input!
Great review, I'm sold. Thanks for posting
That Forester Sport, looks awesome in all black! Great review!
Thanks
Good review. I like the time you spent and detail shots your took of the buttons & controls.
Recently bought a 2021 Forester, Touring. Great vehicle. I use it for fishing.
Good review thinking of getting a 2019 Forester Sport in White
I remember seeing the Foresters as I was driving off the lot with my new Impreza and thinking, "Oops... Shoulda got the Forester." Now, the Impreza is probably better for me, as I love spirited driving and this car is very planted and low to the ground. The Forester will be my next vehicle when I start a family - the interior space is phenomenal, as is the ride comfort.
Subaru, please add turbo to this sport version.
YES literally would make this car 10/10
i love the interior , the only problem is the look of the front .
I like the back cup holders in my 2010 Forester from the bottom
Everything this guy says is So SO TRUE WINDOWS AND PHYSICAL SPACE IS GINORMOUS
I just bought one on 4-20-23 and I'm very happy with it!!😊😅
Thank you so much for a great review. Also for reviewing the CR V and RAV4. Your reviews are very helpful in guiding me in the direction of the new SUV that will work best for me. I appreciate your thorough/thoughtful/honest reviews.
Which did u end up choosing? Or like best so far if u test drove it
Everything you've mentioned in this review is spot on. I test drove a 2019 Forester Limited. The first thing I didnt like much is the mirror placement. It will take some time to get adjusted to it.
The second thing was the little bit of body roll. Which that still isn't much of a problem. It feels planted as you said. I dont feel like I would end up in a ditch, dont have to worry about swerving out of my lane, nor did I feel like I would roll over in the corners. It has an excellent balance.
The 3rd thing was the steering wheel. It has a great overall feel, but I wish it tilted towards me a little more. This did not effect the overall comfort and driving performance.
The fourth thing was the braking. It's not terrible, but it will take some getting used to as well. With the vehicle being heavy, you will need to press the brakes a little harder than expected. But do not let this scare you at all.
You dont have to worry about sensitive pedals or having to slam your foot down. It was very smooth and responsive when accelerating, and it wasnt sensitive with the braking either. I didnt have to worry about it jolting with the slightest touch.
Overall, Subaru did an amazing job on the new Forester. I know some reviewers mention its underpowered, which in a sense is true. But driving it on the road casually I was able to get to 50 mph no problem. It's very well mannered.
If you're reading this and considering buying a 2019+, go for it. Get out and test drive one! I'm going back for a 2020 Sport.
Update to this. I test drove the 2020 Limited, and it seems to feel different from the 2019. There's less body roll for sure. So, I'm making a deal with that instead of the Sport.
@@jasonm1690 I own a 2020 and it's very underpowered. My 2005 Corolla was faster than this. I get it that's it not a race car but passing on 50 mph back roads may be a concern. Also the cvt has no idea what to do in traffic that fluctuates between 20 and 30 mph. It either jerks like crazy or drags
I just bought one, love the car.
What did the price come out too if you don’t mind me asking?
@@stephaniecoffman5099 Forester's are done to $22K on autotrader. That would be a stripped model with no options.
I have a 2006 volvo s60 right now but subaru's are on my list for my next car, either a forester or outback since I am a Field Geologist.
get a 2017 Kia Cadenza
Great job. Showing all the buttons and features is very informative and helpful. Inviting review. Coincidentally I am going to buy this exact car 😊
In the Forester vs. Outback video, I forgot to comment that this engine, though not the turbo version available in the Outback felt very quick, and able for this vehicle. In the Sport with the better suspension, even more so. I Also like the new Rav4 Adventure and TRD, but as good as those are, and their reputation for reliability, if I was seriously considering an SUV in this price range, I would be tempted to go with this Forester Sport over the Rav4. The local dealership here in Honolulu, not far from where I live sells both Toyota and Subaru, so maybe I could get to road test them back to back, but already drove the base Forester, and already really liked that one.
You should test them back to back, for me I liked the Forester Sport much better than the Rav4 I tested.
How about the New Rav-4 Prime? 302hp, 39 miles all-electric miles everyday on a single charge and Toyota reliability.
@@joecromie7844 I heard, unless you have access to a high speed charger, most electrics take a long time to charge at home with the adapter, and I don't want to think how much electricity cost will be. And many people don't even have access to power where they park, no garage, on the street, and whole at work, etc. Not to mention the detrimental EMF output to your health, the less cargo space, added weight, and cost of replacement batteries, and high voltage and fire risks in a crash. If I would even consider an electric, or plug in hybrid, I would have to have a two car garage roof full of solar cells, a big backup battery to store all that solar power 24/7, and a high output chargers independent of electric utilities. I rather just pay for gas. And or the vehicles I would consider, for those with hybrid or electric versions, they would not be my choice.
If I got a Rav4, it would be the TRD or Adventure. But I believe I would like the Forester Sport much better, being impressed with the base model Forester I rented for 2 days.
@@jjacob25101 if you like the base or the Orange color scheme of the 'Sport" model buy it. We prefer the performance and additional gas saving of the standard Rav-4 hybrid and the upcoming Rav-4 Prime. We can install a level 2 charger at our house, this should allow us to get around our town, or run to work and back, or travel to Portland Oregon drive a round a little and return. If we need to burn gas, we will. With a 10 year, 150000 mile hybrid warranty and Toyota's reliability, this may be the perfect vehicle for us plus a federal rebate.
I like the way the new foresters look but I find this and the crosstrek to be too under powered. Having 182hp in the Crosstrek would be an improvement and 200hp in this would probably make it peppy enough.
You'll find most compact SUVs are similar in power, only a few offer a 250+ hp turbo engine but they cost significantly more.
Yes the crosstrek does need a horsepower boost mainly because of that damn cvt transmission
So true ...
Michael 0788 local dealer has a few and I have been sweating them last few weeks. Everything looks great except, like you stated, underpowered! It might just be a deal killer unfortunately. I would really have to drive one to know for sure. They look great though!
Have a K&N intake and a HKS or Borla or a Flowmaster exhaust installed. This will increase your hp, torque and mpg.
I’ve had these 2 things done on all 3 of our vehicles.
This is the only SUV I've driven that provides a really entertaining driving experience, which consists of far more than HP numbers. The boxer engine has an incredible feel that I have only felt the like of in an inline 6 BMW motor, and the CVT feels far less like a CVT than the terrible AT on my 2014 FJ Cruiser. I might also add that driving at night is far more comfortable than any vehicle I have ever owned. Absolutely no buyers remorse.
Nice! Thanks for sharing.
Im thinking of getting one i'm excited!
A moonroof goes full way back, but you have to press the button for the second time.
My surfing buddy had a older Turbo manual Forrester we would go down dirt roads to some North shore surf spots. It was a fun car to drive. When my wife was coming home from work she was waiting in traffic a Dodge Ram pickup rear-ended her at speed. Truck flipped was skidding on its roof. She hit BMW in front of her all vehicles were totaled. There was nothing left of her Saturn except where she was sitting. She was afraid to drive after that. Her mom was still alive then day care we both worked. Got her a Forrester 2007. It is a great over the Pali car. It is smooth planted feeling going up & down the Mountain. It's rains hard up there sometimes. Over the decades have gone over Pali in cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, the Subaru is the best. I don't like the auto transmission at all.
Sold my Honda wanted higher seating so many drive SUV and pickup trucks here.
Gave up on finding late model manual Forrester plenty CVT Forrester. Test drove Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V , the RAV4 has geared auto trans. Push sport mode button let's you rev a little higher before shifting, Honda the new turbo have CVT trans and a lot of recalls.
I actually found a 2016 6 speed manual from car dealer. Test drove it over the Pali & back over the H3 in the rain. It was fun to drive the manual works well with 2.5L boxer. Enough power going through the gears to merge with traffic. I bought know how hard it is to find a late model 6 speed manual Forrester. People who buy keep them.
We purchased one. There is a substantial price increase for each model. We chose the Premium model. The base model, is just that. BASE. The next up model is the premium. The premium has the moon roof and tinted glass. It also has alloy wheels. We wish that Subaru would have put 18 inch wheels and larger brakes. But that option is on the next model up. Thst being the sport. The Forester is taller than the Outback. I like that. The Forester is a SUV. The outback is a wagon. The engine is a 2.5 boxer 4 cylinder. It is weak. 182 HP. But it is the only engine available. It is also weak for towing. 1500 lb max towing. The outback is a 5000 lb max towing.
So... What do you think of the orange accents, you didn’t really comment much on them. 🤣🤣
Just kidding. I love them too.
Great review!
Thanks Joe. I really love the orange both outside and inside. :).
Just had a test drive on the Sport trim in Ice Silver Metallic which appears more light blue color. It's taller than the base and premium trims so the front view is taller. 29k seems like a good deal.
I actually did it! After a flurry of vids, today I got my first Subaru 2020 Forester Sport-all black! Best deal in this price range and enough power to be snappy on the road, I was impressed. Vid helped, thank you sir!
How do you like it so far
@Marky, Still Lovin it! I have 13K miles now, and it feels like it got faster maybe cuz it's broken in.
@@buddha4957 damn I bet it did get faster since then ! Haha nice man. Did u do any mods?
I enjoy riding in SUVs. And since I love anything with FOREST in the name, I'll definitely enjoy riding in a Forester. No, I don't drive because of my multiple disabilities. But I'll enjoy riding in a Forester.
Since you have disabilities, getting in and out of the Forester is easier than an Outback.
I own a 19 Forester Touring. It’s Sephia Bronze with Brown interior.
Got mine in dark gray yesterday.
The headlights are LED along with headlight following where the headlight turns in the direction of any turns. I bet they are really expensive to replace.
Red trim line is a nice touch.
I got mine today!!!! Yepeeee..thanks Man
Congrats!
Drivers Only thanks brother
What trim? How much did you pay drive out? Was it brand new?
Good review and coverage! Thank you for posting.
Glad I can help.
Drivers Only it seems like you were more impressed with this than the Onyx XT?
I luv the S mode for extra pick up for entering highways and getting pass slower moving vehicles
I hope by 2022 Subaru make wireless charging on this model, because I'm saving up to buy one.
nice review - thanks man !
I hear that on all 2021 cars they come with auto Stop -Start standard equip ? You should also mention how easy or hard it is to shut this off , At every start up and i think at every stop sign or traffic signal ?? Your reviews should talk about this feature !!! Thanks great review .
Great information. I'm buying a 2021 Forester Sport same color but with more features and options. Do you have a review on the 2021?
My '78 Pontiac Grand Prix with a 305 two barrel V8 and new had ONLY 168 HP, and my Subaru '88 LE only had 113 HP!
Man this thing needs to come in a manual and a turbo, thennnnnnnnnnnn you can slap the term SPORT on it. They need to send some of those special Japanese models over here, even if its limited.
The new 2.0L Turbo on the Outback and Ascent would be perfect :).
Nice, and the filming/use of cameras was excellent! The fun factor was only a five? Seems like you enjoyed operating the vehicle more than a five rating.
Do you think that Subaru should have put the same 11" Infotainment system that they put in the 2020 Outback into the Forester?
Not me. That and the fact that the OTB is about $2,000 more than the similarly equipped Sport Package Forester caused me to get the Forester. Some people may like it but I find the large screen on the Outback to be distracting and obtrusive. It's about the size of an I Pad.
Great review. Tell me- I’ve been considering the 2019 forester sport. From what I see, there is no real change between the new forester sport 2019 and what you’ve shown in this 2020 review. Is this correct? Thanks.
Almost identical. If you can save money on the 2019s, I would say go for that.
Drivers Only thanks, man!
The only difference from 2019 and the 2020 is the 2020 gives you a check the rear seats reminder when you turn the vehicle off.
The same as 2019 ? Not quite - larger, quieter, more comfortable, more HP, etc. www.planetsubaru.com/2020-subaru-forester-changes.htm
Go for it
I will fall in love with it when they bring back the XT
Bought the Forester Touring yesterday for my wife. She LOVES it. It's a really great car.
Nice!! Bet she loves it.
excellent review, thanks so much!
Great car and a great review video. My only gripe is that the front end isn't very appealing. Otherwise this is one of the best SUVs out there.
Very fine review, sir. Thank you for the valuable insight.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
When it gets a bigger engine(and it will...FINALLY), I might get one. It's just too sluggish for me.
I know you listed some negatives but there have to be a few more. Does it come with ventilated seats? I also see the decent acceleration as a negative. It could be better. The small gas tank is a negative as well.
Highway range is 500 miles. Fuel tank is sized well. Stop trolling.
@@waynenuss3185 Wasn't trolling. It was a serious question as I'm shopping for a compact SUV. Fyi that fueleconomy.gov says the range is 444 miles which is actually respectable.
Tank is 16+ gallons
I own a Forester Sport. Gets 33 mpg. Have gone over 480 miles on highway recently. Car is outstanding. Feels like your driving a greenhouse. Extremely comfortable seats.
@@waynenuss3185 Thanks for the info.
Acceleration can always be better but for this class it's comparable to its competitors such as the RAV4, CRV, Rogue, Escape, etc...
I love the subaru forester sport 😍
Perhaps the only crossover to still be able to offroad.
Crosstrek/Forester/Outback/Ascent all do fine offroad, but then you have the Trailhawk Cherokee laughing at you.
@@herschelwalker591 but its in a different price point
@@moonsapling you never put parameters on on "price point" I'm pointing out the obvious.
@@herschelwalker591 well then..a 4runner will laugh at your Cherokee too.
@@moonsapling a 4Runner isn't a Crossover...
I bought a 2019 Forester Base in December of last year. This car has become a staple of our family! over 18,000 in the first 10 months of ownership averaging over 29 MPG and that includes TONS of idling time last winter thawing out the car that is kept outside. The only thing I HATE is the audio quality of the base unit. I knew it sucked when I bought it but come on Subaru. I have base Fords that I drive at work and their audio quality is actually decent on the base! That being said, $25K out the door for an all-wheel drive, quality car. I love it.
Glad to hear! Didnt test out the audio...thanks for the feeback.
I had a 2018 and just got rid of it couple weeks ago. 2 things that I didnt like about the car, is the road noise it's very loud in the cabin and there are structural noises that no mechanic and figure out. Secondly it doesnt do very well in windy conditions, the car swerves alot.
I have a 2018 Forester. No problems with wind noise, and no strange noise. Absolutely no issues at all, great company.
@@airmanma I live in Vegas and there are sudden desert gust of wind that can hit at 35mph. It definitely does worse than other cars. Also, you really don't feel it's very loud when you drive over rough surfaces ? Maybe you got used to it. Now that I have another car I can tell the huge difference
Since I do some light off roading here in Texas (go to a lot of 3 gun competition), I ended up getting a Forester because Subaru's AWD system is the best in it's class and it's a true AWD system 100% of the time. Unlike Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc, where it's only AWD when you start and once you reach a certain speed it turns into FWD, this is because their lines were based off FWD not AWD like Subi.
The forester isn't the best looking car, nor is it the fastest, but when it comes to doing it job during bad weather, light off roading, there isn't a better choice. If you plan on just going from point a to point b, and don't deal with a lot of bad weather, then the forester or any subaru might not be the choice for you.
I agree. My Rav disengages out of 4WD at 25mph. It’s so irritating. We live in the country and get between 4-5 feet of snow every winter. That’s why last November I bought my wife an Outback to replace her 18 year old Camry. (We had to park the Camry 3-4 months every year bc she literally couldn’t drive it and she would have to drive my Rav and that would leave me driving our 4X4 pickup.
Really good review, thanks.
Your welcome.
Pretty good starting car for a high school student, I feel like, I like the limited better though, not a sports car person
Except the Forester average new buyer age is 60-years old.
@@normt5463 eh i don't really care, just need a car that is safe and reliable, don't want to get myself killed or injured early on. Plus it has some nice leather seats and moonroof on the limited/touring editions too.
@@richardzhang2773 I hope you are not looking at.the car for safety alone as they all are most rated safe today. It is the driver that needs te he focus.
www.freep.com/story/money/2019/08/12/car-accidents-subaru-crosstrek-involved-most-at-fault-crashes/39934165/
@@richardzhang2773 I'd say this would be a perfect first car for someone with a lot of money.. even though I always think a kid's first car should normally be more on the p.o.s. side since they usually wreck them.. also builds humility.
@@pttthhh I'm just trying to be safe, not sure if a 3k car is my best option for safety and reliability. Better to be safe than sorry.
I’m getting a 2020 one
Excellent review.
Black and orange? There's should be more options like burgundy, purple, red, or purple something like that including the trims inside. I'm considering to buy one but I don't know when
beautiful
Thanks I am look into buy one
Nice!
Do it man.
Very informational. I think the only surprising/disappointing piece of info was that there was no auto control for the back windows on the driver panel. Can that be added or no? What 's different between the 2019 and the 2020 model?
The 20 and newer models are number one in reliability and customer satisfaction according to Consumer Reports.