New Subaru Forester Isn’t Perfect-Two Areas Where The SUV Needs Help
The Subaru Forester was on a roll as the brand’s top-selling model before the coronavirus epidemic hit and it will stay a big hit with compact SUV shoppers. If you are shopping for a new SUV here’s why you should have it on your list, and some things to be aware of. No vehicle is perfect and neither is the Forester. Consumer Reports take cars and puts then through a gauntlet of tests and here are some results.
CR rates all cars from 1 to 5 and then they get a score based on how well they perform in areas like road tests, owner reports, and reliability. Forester succeeds or excels in two areas that may surprise you. In road tests, the Forester gets a 5/5 for Braking performance. The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
2020 Subaru Forester excels in rear-seat comfort
Also in the road tests, the 2020 Subaru Forester excels in rear-seat comfort. CR says it’s in their judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit. Your passengers will be most comfortable riding longer distances which is unusual for compact SUV.
Where the Forester falls short
The Forester is a very good all-wheel-drive SUV but it isn’t perfect. Also in driving performance road tests, Consumer Reports say the Forester needs a bit more power. They give it a 3/5 for acceleration. Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at CR’s test track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer. This is important if you need to get up to speed quickly as you get on the highway.
The 2020 Subaru Forester isn't perfect
The Forester gets a 3/5 for interior cabin noise. CR says its expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level is measured in everyday driving. This is not surprising given the fact automakers are cutting down on noise-reducing materials to reduce weight to improve the vehicle’s fuel mileage.
The 2020 Subaru Forester received a complete remodel last year and needs a few improvements. Look for Subaru to give the compact SUV a bit more power in year three of its life-cycle. As for interior noise, it will continue to be an issue because fuel mileage wins out over adding noise-reducing weight.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!
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Photo credit: Subaru USA
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