The Forester was all new for 2019, so Subaru hasn't made many changes for 2020; however, there are a few new features that buyers might find interesting. The standard adaptive cruise control system gains a lane-centering feature, the tire-pressure monitor now displays the pressure in each tire, an LED lamp illuminates the license plate on all models, and a rear-seat reminder alerts the driver to check the back seat upon exiting the vehicle if the rear doors were opened prior to the start of the trip. Premium models now come standard with the contents of last year's All-Weather package—heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and a windshield wiper de-icer—and touring models get LED cargo-area dome lights.
Pros Good at most everything that matters to crossover buyers, spacious cabin, relaxed ride and handling.
Cons Lethargic acceleration, uninspired design, few luxuries come standard.
The 2020 Subaru Forester comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.New lane centering function added to list of standard driving aids.All-Weather package now standard on Premium models.
Pros Standard all-wheel drive A full complement of driver assist features is standard Enhanced off-road capability thanks to better-than-average ground clearance Generous cargo capacity
Cons Engine is underpowered Modest tow rating limits maximum utility
It looks visually similar to the last model, so has enough changed to entice buyers into the all-new Subaru Forester?
Pros Loaded with safety and convenience features Ultra-wide passenger door opening aperture Full-time all-wheel drive system Fuel efficient four-cylinder petrol engine
Cons Archaic three-year warranty 12,500km service intervals Higher starting price
New 4Runner Trail Special Edition.Standard LED headlights for all 4Runners.TRD Pro trim gets new wheels and retuned shock absorbers.
Pros Lots of off-road capability Wide variety of configurations to suit many buyers Versatile cargo area, especially with the optional slide-out floor
Cons Choppy ride quality compared with more modern crossover SUVs V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient Tall step-in height makes for awkward entry and exit
The latest 4Runner adds a new limited-production Trail Edition for 2021. Toyota says it will only build 4000 copies, which are based on the base SR5 model and come with rear- or four-wheel drive. The Trail Edition is equipped with 17-inch dark gray TRD wheels and black exterior badges. Inside, it has black seats with tan stitching and all-weather floor mats.
Pros Highly capable off-road, roomy cargo hold, loads of standard driver assists.
Cons Poor fuel economy, sloppy on-road ride-and-handling, shabby interior materials.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner is a hugely capable and cool throwback SUV with a modern price attached.
Pros Very capable Good looks Big touchscreen Old-school SUV Awesome TRD Pro versions.
Cons Outdated crash-test scores Old interior Dismal fuel economy Others are more comfortable
