Subaru Forester 2020 Long-Term Test #3

The fifth generation 2020 Subaru Forester brings a paired-back model range bursting with equipment.

The Forester first hit our shores in 1997 giving an early rise to the SUV-era we now live in. It’s currently Subaru’s top-selling vehicle, second to the XV; and I’m not sure why we don’t see more of the Subaru Forester on our roads.

Having said that, I admit that I’m guilty of forgetting about the rarely celebrated Japanese brand. A brand famous for its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a brand that slays gravel on the world rally circuit, and a brand that brings a raft of impressive driver assist technologies at affordable prices.

On paper, the Subaru Forester is an absolute winner. It’s time I got reacquainted.

The Subaru Forester is a vote of confidence for high-riding wagons that nails the family brief. For my time behind the wheel I noted countless times just how comfortable the Subaru Forester is. There’s something incredibly easy about the Forester that’s hard to pinpoint.

The cabin is a balance of comfort, space and equipment. When you first jump in, there’s a lot to digest – buttons and screens everywhere. And while there’s a lot going on, Subaru manages to make it pretty user-friendly – tech for dummies almost. Everything is clearly labelled and easy to navigate. Its intuitive interface will please the masses. Its no-frills design will leave others a little underwhelmed (brand snobs unite).

Safety is top of mind, too, with blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, front and rear cameras and more.

Then there’s the functionality and robustness that makes this boxy SUV very family friendly. The second row is pretty much child-proof. Hard back seats, heavy-duty scuff plates, air vents and charge points make it a great space for the younger family members. ISOFIX child-seat anchor points and top-tether mounts make it easy to secure child seats.

The seats are very comfortable and the raised (stadium) seating position is always a winner with shorter occupants, offering good outward vision for all.

And the boot! A slab-sided boxy shape means the Subaru Forester big on the inside – and more versatile than those fancy sweeping angles from those European rivals. Four baggage anchor points, four bag hooks, a 12-volt outlet, 60:40 split-fold seats and a retractable cargo cover are traits of a great and flexible boot space (for future reference).

With just one engine and transmission to choose from, picking the 2020 Subaru Forester that’s right for you is easy. Irrespective of which variant you choose you’ll be getting a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In the week before me, my carsales colleagues put the Subaru to work, Matty Brogan taking it on a long-haul recce, beyond the city. But it’s the city where I stayed – my usual haunt.

The Subaru’s drivetrain proved a good match for suburban life, with the only criticism being a little bit of engine noise under pressure. For the most part a combination of music and my children drown out such minor intrusion levels.

Ken’s time in the Forester also explains recent changes to packaging and prices, as well as his family’s thoughts.

The Forester certainly adheres to the boxy SUV silhouette – taking its square lines quite seriously come to think of it. It is a box on wheels. Its ride height sees it lower slung than others, which makes for a lower hip height meaning getting in and out is a cinch (even in pencil skirts). The other benefit of its slab sides is visibility – large windows make outward vision excellent.

I’m still left wanting – just a little. Thoroughly impressed with the Subaru Forester, I like my cars to have a little more personality – some design flair and drama. But that certainly won’t stop me recommending the incredibly accomplished Subaru Forester to friends and family.

How much does the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S cost?
Price: $42,740 (plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 136kW/239Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 168g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (2019)