Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine producing 136kW and 239Nm. It is paired with Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
Performance is more about smoothness and confidence than outright speed. The Forester has enough power for everyday commuting, family duties and highway driving, but buyers looking for strong acceleration may find its naturally aspirated engine relatively relaxed.
Where the Forester stands out is traction. Standard all-wheel drive gives it additional confidence in wet conditions and on loose surfaces, while the 2.5i-S also features Subaru's dual-function X-Mode for more challenging conditions.
Combined with generous ground clearance, that makes the Forester particularly appealing for families whose weekends occasionally involve gravel roads, campsites or trips away from the city.
Verdict: Smooth and surefooted rather than sporty, with genuine all-weather ability adding to its versatility.
The Forester 2.5i-S has an official combined fuel-consumption figure of around 7.4L/100km.
Considering the Forester combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with permanent all-wheel drive, that is a respectable figure for a medium family SUV of its era.
The Lineartronic CVT is tuned to keep engine revs low during relaxed driving, helping the Forester make the most of its 63-litre fuel tank.
As always, real-world consumption will depend on traffic, driving style, passengers and road conditions, with urban driving generally producing higher figures than longer highway journeys.
Verdict: Respectable fuel economy considering the Forester's standard all-wheel-drive system and family-friendly size.
Practicality has always been one of the Forester's biggest strengths, and the SK generation continues that tradition.
The tall body and large windows create an airy cabin with excellent visibility, while wide-opening doors make getting children, bags and everyday gear in and out easier.
As the flagship grade, the 2.5i-S also brings a more generous equipment list. Features include leather-accented upholstery, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, premium Harman Kardon audio and an 8.0-inch infotainment display.
Boot space is generous, with approximately 498 litres available with the rear seats in place and considerably more room once they are folded.
There is also around 220mm of ground clearance, giving the Forester enough clearance for rough driveways, gravel roads and light off-road adventures without making it cumbersome around town.
Verdict: Spacious, comfortable and genuinely practical, with enough additional equipment to make the flagship 2.5i-S feel worthwhile.
The Forester has never relied on dramatic styling to make its case.
Its upright proportions, large glasshouse and relatively boxy shape are largely dictated by practicality, maximising visibility and usable interior space.
The 2020 model has a rugged SUV stance without becoming unnecessarily bulky, while the 2.5i-S adds enough exterior detailing to distinguish it from more basic variants.
It may not have the sleek appearance of some rivals, but the straightforward design suits the Forester's practical character and has aged reasonably well.
Verdict: Understated and functional, with a design that prioritises visibility and practicality over outright style.
Safety is one of the strongest arguments for the 2020 Forester.
Subaru's EyeSight driver-assistance technology provides a useful collection of active-safety features, while the 2.5i-S also benefits from additional assistance technology.
Depending on specification, features include:
Autonomous emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keeping assistance
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Reversing camera
The SK-generation Forester also achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety rating when assessed under the applicable testing criteria at the time.
For a used family SUV, the combination of active-safety technology, good outward visibility and standard all-wheel drive remains a strong part of the Forester's appeal.
Verdict: A comprehensive safety package that remains a major reason to consider the Forester as a family SUV.
When new, the 2.5i-S sat at the top of the Forester range, with pricing in the low-$40,000 range before on-road costs.
On the used market, depreciation means buyers can access that flagship equipment alongside Subaru's standard all-wheel drive and strong safety credentials for considerably less than the original purchase price.
That combination is what makes the 2.5i-S particularly interesting.
Rather than paying purely for cosmetic upgrades, buyers receive useful everyday features such as heated seats, premium audio, additional cabin trim and the panoramic sunroof alongside the Forester's underlying practicality.
As with any used SUV, condition and service history should ultimately carry more weight than kilometres or specification alone.
Verdict: Strong used value for buyers wanting a well-equipped family SUV with standard AWD and plenty of practical features.
Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S?
The 2020 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S is not the quickest or most stylish medium SUV of its era, but those were never really its priorities.
Instead, it delivers where a family SUV arguably matters most. There is plenty of space, excellent visibility, useful safety technology and an all-wheel-drive system that gives the Forester greater versatility when conditions become less predictable.
The flagship 2.5i-S specification makes the package even more appealing, adding enough comfort and convenience equipment to give the cabin a more premium feel.
When inspecting a used example, look for a complete service history and check that the CVT operates smoothly during the test drive. It is also worth inspecting the tyres for consistent wear, particularly on an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and making sure all of the vehicle's electronic and EyeSight functions operate correctly.
Buyers considering a Forester may also want to compare it with used examples of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V.
For someone wanting a comfortable and practical family SUV with the added confidence of standard all-wheel drive, a well-maintained Forester 2.5i-S remains an appealing used-car option.
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