2 Features On The New Subaru Forester You Won't Find In Any Compact SUV

When you buy a compact SUV you want affordability, the best fuel mileage, generous cargo capacity, a spacious well-equipped cabin, standard safety features, and user-friendly technology. There are lots of good choices in the compact SUV segment that offer all these things. Top models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, GMC Terrain, and Hyundai Tucson are all good choices and should be on your list.

But one compact SUV, the 2020 Subaru Forester brings all those things you are looking for but brings two features no other brand offers. It’s more than standard all-wheel-drive that sets Forester apart from all other models. We have driven all these models and found Forester and gives shoppers two additional features called balance and stability not found on any of the others. Why are they important?

2020 Subaru Forester brings a unique stability

The 2020 Subaru Forester brings a unique quality called balance that sets the SUV apart from all others. As with a professional athlete, it’s the most important thing and it’s the difference between being good and being great. Scientifically, balance is defined as the body’s ability to maintain its center of gravity above its base of support. In an SUV that sits higher off the ground, it helps maintain stability in all driving situations.

All Subaru models use a flat-four Boxer engine and it’s not offered in any other SUVs. The horizontally-opposed design allows the engine to sit low in the chassis, lowering the center of gravity giving the Forester optimal balance and improved driving dynamics. It’s what sets the brand apart from all other automakers.

Forester has 8.7-inches of ground clearnace but has a lower center of gravity

You don’t get this low center of gravity with an inline four-cylinder or a V6 engine design. If a driver in the family makes a mistake in the Forester, they’ll still be ok and the car won’t hurt them. If you make a mistake in a front-drive SUV with an inline or V6 engine that doesn’t have the best balance, you could get hurt. It’s also the only entry that brings standard all-wheel-drive on all trims. It works in concert with the car's overall balance that brings stability you won’t find in other SUVs.

We tested the Forester for a week in Colorado, driving on mountain roads with uneven terrain, gravel roads, and tight S-curves. Its unique balance combined with all-wheel-drive helps the Forester maintains its composure better than any other compact SUV we’ve driven. The compact SUV felt stable in all driving situations.

Forester offers balance and stability

The 2020 Subaru Forester offers the things compact SUV shoppers are looking for, affordability, fuel mileage, generous cargo capacity, a spacious well-equipped cabin, standard safety features, and user-friendly technology. But it brings a unique balance and stability not found in any other SUV.

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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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