2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD: Your Next Adventure SUV

Hey guys! Let's talk about the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD. If you're in the market for an SUV that's ready for anything, you've probably stumbled upon this gem. Subaru has a reputation for building tough, reliable vehicles, and the Forester Sport AWD is no exception. It blends practicality with a bit of flair, making it a fantastic choice for daily commutes and weekend getaways alike. We're going to dive deep into what makes this specific trim stand out, covering everything from its performance on and off the beaten path to its interior comfort and tech features. So, buckle up and let's explore why the 2020 Forester Sport AWD might just be the perfect SUV for your adventurous spirit. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling rugged trails, this Forester is designed to impress. Get ready to discover its strengths and see if it aligns with your driving needs and lifestyle. We'll break down the key aspects that make this SUV a compelling option in a crowded market, ensuring you have all the info you need to make an informed decision.

Performance and Handling: Conquer Any Terrain

When we talk about the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD, the first thing that should come to mind is its legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This isn't just any AWD; Subaru's system is renowned for its ability to distribute power evenly between the front and rear wheels, and also side-to-side. This means superior traction and stability, no matter the weather conditions or the terrain you're facing. Rain, snow, mud, or gravel – the Forester Sport AWD handles it with confidence. The Sport trim specifically gets some unique touches that enhance its driving dynamics. It often features slightly sportier suspension tuning compared to lower trims, offering a more engaging driving experience without sacrificing too much comfort. You'll appreciate how it feels planted on the road during spirited drives and capable when you venture off the pavement. The ground clearance is also a significant factor for any SUV adventurer. The 2020 Forester boasts a respectable 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than enough to clear obstacles on trails and avoid scraping the undercarriage in challenging situations. This clearance, combined with the AWD system, makes the Forester Sport a surprisingly competent off-roader for its class. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it might not win any drag races, this engine is perfectly tuned for the Forester's purpose. It offers a good balance of power for merging onto highways and navigating inclines, while remaining fuel-efficient enough for everyday driving. The Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is paired with this engine, and Subaru has done a good job of making it feel responsive, often mimicking traditional gear shifts to avoid that droning sensation some CVTs can have. For the Sport trim, you also get Subaru's X-MODE®. This is a game-changer for off-road capability. When activated, X-MODE® optimizes the engine output, transmission, and AWD system for increased traction on slippery surfaces and inclines. It also includes a Hill Descent Control function, allowing you to carefully navigate steep descents without constant brake application. This feature significantly boosts the Forester Sport's confidence when you decide to explore beyond the paved roads. The combination of the robust AWD, generous ground clearance, capable engine, and the intelligent X-MODE® makes the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD a vehicle that truly lives up to its name, ready for wherever your adventures might take you. It's designed for drivers who demand more from their vehicle, offering a sense of security and capability that's hard to beat.

Interior Comfort and Versatility: Your Home on Wheels

Stepping inside the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD, you'll immediately notice that Subaru prioritizes comfort and practicality. This isn't just a car; it's designed to be a functional space that can adapt to your lifestyle. The cabin is spacious and airy, thanks to the Forester's tall roofline and large windows, which also contribute to excellent visibility – a huge plus for both city driving and off-roading. The Sport trim specifically adds some stylish accents that set it apart. Think unique seat upholstery, often with contrast stitching, and dark interior trim pieces that give it a more premium feel than some of its competitors. The seats themselves are supportive and comfortable, making them ideal for long road trips. The driver's seat offers ample adjustments to find your perfect driving position, and the ergonomics are well-thought-out, with all the controls within easy reach. One of the Forester's biggest selling points is its incredible cargo space. With the rear seats up, you have a generous amount of room for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. But when you fold those seats down – which is a simple one-motion fold – you unlock a cavernous cargo area. This makes it incredibly versatile, whether you're hauling furniture, camping gear, or even bikes. The wide rear gate opening further simplifies loading and unloading bulky items. Subaru also pays attention to the smaller details that enhance the user experience. You'll find plenty of cubbies, cupholders, and storage compartments throughout the cabin to keep your essentials organized. The center console is well-designed, and the door pockets are deep enough to hold larger water bottles. For the 2020 model year, Subaru included its STARLINK™ infotainment system, which is intuitive and user-friendly. The Sport trim typically comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ integration. This means you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to access navigation apps, music streaming, and make calls hands-free. The system is responsive and straightforward, allowing you to control your entertainment and vehicle settings with ease. Other standard features on the Sport trim often include dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring both the driver and front passenger can set their preferred temperatures, and heated front seats for those chilly mornings. Keyless entry and push-button start are also usually part of the package, adding to the convenience. Looking at the materials, while the Forester might not boast luxury-brand levels of opulence, the plastics and fabrics used are durable and feel built to last. This focus on longevity is a hallmark of Subaru vehicles. The overall impression is one of a well-built, practical, and comfortable interior designed for real-world use, with enough tech and creature comforts to keep everyone happy on those long journeys or daily drives. It truly embodies the spirit of an adventure vehicle that's also a comfortable daily driver.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on Every Journey

Safety is paramount for any vehicle, and the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD doesn't disappoint. Subaru is a leader in vehicle safety, consistently earning top marks in crash tests, and this model is no exception. The foundation of its safety is Subaru's high-strength, impact-resistant chassis, designed to absorb and redirect collision energy away from the occupants. This robust structure provides a solid sense of security every time you get behind the wheel. But where the Forester Sport truly shines is with its suite of advanced safety technologies, primarily through the SUBARU EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology package. This suite of features acts like a second pair of eyes on the road, helping to prevent accidents before they happen. EyeSight® typically includes Pre-Collision Braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision. Pre-Collision Throttle Management can reduce engine power if a frontal collision is detected, further mitigating the impact. Adaptive Cruise Control is another fantastic feature, allowing the vehicle to maintain a set speed and following distance from the car ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long highway drives. It can even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and then resume driving automatically. Lane Departure and Sway Warning alerts you if you start drifting out of your lane unintentionally, and Lane Keep Assist can provide gentle steering inputs to help you stay centered. The Sport trim often includes Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard or part of an optional package. Blind Spot Detection warns you of vehicles in your blind spots, which is crucial for safe lane changes. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is invaluable when backing out of parking spaces, alerting you to approaching vehicles from the sides. On the Forester Sport, you also benefit from Automatic High Beams, which automatically switch between high and low beams depending on traffic and lighting conditions, improving nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers. Steering Responsive LED Headlights are another great addition, which pivot with the steering wheel to illuminate curves and turns, enhancing visibility in corners. In terms of passive safety, you'll find a comprehensive set of airbags, including front, side-curtain, and knee airbags, providing protection in various collision scenarios. The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system makes installing child safety seats straightforward and secure. Subaru's commitment to safety is evident not just in the features but also in their testing and engineering. The Forester consistently receives high ratings from organizations like the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), often earning designations like the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK. This recognition underscores the effectiveness of Subaru's safety approach. With the 2020 Forester Sport AWD, you can embark on your adventures with the confidence that you and your passengers are protected by a vehicle engineered with safety as a top priority. It's the kind of peace of mind that allows you to truly enjoy the drive, no matter where the road takes you.

Technology and Infotainment: Stay Connected and Entertained

In today's world, staying connected is non-negotiable, and the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD aims to keep you plugged in and entertained without distraction. The heart of the infotainment system is Subaru's STARLINK™ Multimedia system. For the Sport trim, you're typically greeted by a vibrant 6.5-inch touchscreen display. While it might not be the largest screen on the market, it's incredibly responsive and easy to navigate. The graphics are clear, and the menu layout is intuitive, making it simple to access all your desired functions. A standout feature that many drivers will appreciate is the standard inclusion of Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility. This integration is a game-changer for smartphone users. It allows you to seamlessly mirror your phone's interface onto the car's screen. You can access navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, stream music from Spotify or Apple Music, make and receive calls and texts via voice commands, and utilize your favorite voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant). This keeps your most-used apps readily available without needing to fiddle with your phone while driving, which is crucial for safety. Beyond smartphone integration, the STARLINK™ system offers standard features like Bluetooth® for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a USB port for charging devices and connecting media. SiriusXM® Satellite Radio is often available, providing a wide range of entertainment options, from news and sports to music genres of every kind. For audio enthusiasts, the Forester Sport usually comes with a decent six-speaker audio system that delivers clear sound for everyday listening. While there isn't a premium audio upgrade like a Bose or Harman Kardon system on this specific trim, the standard setup is more than adequate for most occupants. The steering wheel also features integrated controls for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth® functions, allowing you to manage these features without taking your hands off the wheel. This enhances convenience and safety by keeping your attention focused on the road ahead. The driver information display located in the instrument cluster also provides useful data, such as fuel economy, trip information, and safety system status, configurable to show what's most important to you. Even the climate control system is user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for essential functions, which many drivers prefer over purely touch-based controls. Subaru's approach with the STARLINK™ system on the 2020 Forester Sport AWD is to provide a functional, reliable, and user-friendly interface that enhances the driving experience without being overly complicated. It balances essential connectivity with ease of use, ensuring that technology serves to improve your journey rather than detract from it. It's the perfect blend for those who want modern features without unnecessary complexity.

The Sport Trim Advantage: What Makes it Special?

So, what exactly sets the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD apart from the other trims? It’s all about that specific blend of sporty aesthetics, enhanced features, and a touch of unique character that appeals to a particular kind of driver. The 'Sport' designation isn't just a badge; it translates into tangible upgrades that make this Forester feel a bit more special. Visually, the Sport trim often receives distinct exterior styling cues. You might notice unique wheel designs, usually larger and finished in a darker or more aggressive style. The grille and front fascia can also have sport-specific treatments, like darker chrome or different mesh patterns, giving the front end a more assertive look. Sport badging is typically present, clearly indicating its specific identity. On the inside, the Sport trim carries that distinctiveness forward. The most noticeable upgrade is often the unique seat upholstery. Subaru frequently uses a combination of cloth and synthetic materials, often with orange or red contrast stitching, which really pops against the darker interior and adds a sporty vibe. Darker interior trim accents, like piano black or dark brushed metal finishes, replace some of the standard silver or chrome trim found on lower trims, contributing to a more premium and athletic cabin ambiance. Beyond the visual flair, the Sport trim often includes features that enhance the driving experience and convenience. As mentioned earlier, the inclusion of Subaru's X-MODE® is a significant advantage, providing enhanced off-road capability and confidence in slippery conditions. This feature is standard on the Sport trim, making it a more compelling choice for those who anticipate venturing off the pavement. You'll also typically find that the Sport trim comes equipped with the SUBARU EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology suite as standard. This means you get Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist right out of the box, offering a high level of safety and driver assistance. Other desirable features often found standard on the Sport trim include keyless access with push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. These are amenities that significantly improve comfort and convenience for daily driving. While the engine and AWD system are shared with other Forester models, the Sport trim aims to deliver a slightly more engaging driving feel, sometimes through subtle suspension tuning, though the primary focus remains on balanced performance and comfort. The combination of these cosmetic enhancements, practical feature upgrades, and the inherent Subaru strengths like AWD and safety, makes the 2020 Forester Sport AWD a well-rounded package. It's for the buyer who wants a capable and practical SUV but desires a bit more personality and a slightly more upscale feel without crossing into luxury territory. It hits a sweet spot, offering a compelling value proposition for those who appreciate its unique blend of style and substance.

Conclusion: The 2020 Forester Sport AWD - Ready for Your Next Move

So, there you have it, guys! The 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD is a seriously compelling option for anyone looking for an SUV that truly does it all. It masterfully combines Subaru's renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability with a comfortable and versatile interior, packed with useful technology and a suite of advanced safety features. The Sport trim specifically adds a layer of distinct style and practical upgrades, like the X-MODE® system and unique interior accents, that make it stand out from the pack. Whether you're navigating the daily grind in the city, heading out for a weekend camping trip, or exploring less-traveled paths, this Forester is equipped to handle it with confidence and comfort. Its reliable performance, excellent visibility, generous cargo space, and robust safety systems offer peace of mind on every journey. It's a vehicle that encourages exploration and adventure, all while providing a practical and enjoyable driving experience. If you're seeking an SUV that's more than just a mode of transportation – one that's a capable partner for life's adventures – the 2020 Subaru Forester Sport AWD is definitely worth a closer look. It truly embodies the spirit of versatility and readiness that Subaru is known for, making it a smart choice for a wide range of drivers.