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
2020 Chevrolet Equinox2020 Chevrolet Equinox
2020 Ford Escape Hybrid2020 Ford Escape
Get Your Price		2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid2020 Honda CR-V
2020 Mazda CX-52020 Mazda CX-5
2020 Toyota RAV42020 Toyota RAV4
Quick Specs
6.8
The 2020 Subaru Forester is an incredible value among compact crossovers and a former Best Car To Buy winner.
6.2
The 2020 Chevy Equinox shoots right down Main Street for value and features, especially with newly standard active safety equipment.
7.0
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.
6.7
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 trades family-ready space for fine handling and good power.
6.5
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 covers more bases this year with smartphone compatibility and tough-looking off-road trims.
MSRP From     
$24,495$23,800$24,885$25,150$25,190$25,950
Gas Mileage     
26 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded H-4Turbocharged Gas I4Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Small SUV 4WD2WD Sport Utility VehicleSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
CVTFWD 4-Door L w/1SMS FWDLX AWDSport FWDLE FWD (GS)
Drivetrain     
All Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport Utility VehicleSport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
CVT w/ODAutomaticAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/ODAutomatic 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 Mazda CX-52020 Subaru Forester vs. 2020 Toyota RAV4