2020 Subaru Forester vs. Its Competition

2020 Subaru Forester
Aaron Cole Aaron Cole Managing Editor

Among hyper-competitive compact crossovers, the Subaru Forester keeps pace thanks to its value and standard all-wheel drive.

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are must-drives in the class—they’re stalwarts for good reason.

The RAV4 looks better this year and is intuitive.

The Honda CR-V is spacious and easygoing too, a hybrid model is on the way.

The Mazda CX-5 is fun to drive, but its price is creeping up ever-higher.

The Ford Escape is new for 2020 and the Sport Hybrid is what we’d recommend, but it’s also very car-like.

The Chevy Equinox is a popular model, but now lacks a standout feature.

2020 Subaru Forester2020 Subaru Forester
Get Your Price		2020 Chevrolet Equinox FWD 4-door Premier w/1LZ Angular Front Exterior View2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Get Your Price		2020 Ford Escape2020 Ford Escape
#5 in Crossover SUVs
Get Your Price		2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid2020 Honda CR-V
Get Your Price		2020 Toyota RAV42020 Toyota RAV4
Get Your Price		2019 Mazda CX-52019 Mazda CX-5
#3 in Crossover SUVs
Get Your Price
Quick Specs
6.8
The 2020 Subaru Forester is an incredible value among compact crossovers and a former Best Car To Buy winner.
6.6
The 2020 Ford Escape takes a more refined tack, and brings its hybrid edition back into vogue.
6.5
The 2020 Honda CR-V hits right at the heart of many buyers’ needs: comfortable, spacious, quiet, and efficient.
6.5
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 covers more bases this year with smartphone compatibility and tough-looking off-road trims.
6.7
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 sates solo drivers with good handling and tasteful lines, but bigger families will want to move up in size.
MSRP From     
N/A$23,800$24,885N/AN/A$24,350
Gas Mileage     
22 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy
Engine     
N/ATurbocharged Gas I4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4N/AN/ARegular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
N/A2WD Sport Utility VehicleSmall Sport Utility Vehicles 2WDN/AN/ASmall Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD
Style Name     
N/AFWD 4-Door L w/1SMS FWDN/AN/ASport FWD
Drivetrain     
N/AFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveN/AN/AFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
N/A55N/AN/A5
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
N/ASport Utility VehicleSport UtilityN/AN/ASport Utility
Transmission     
N/AAutomaticAutomatic w/ODN/AN/AAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Chevrolet Equinox2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Ford Escape2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Honda CR-V2020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Toyota RAV42020 Subaru Forester vs. 2019 Mazda CX-5