2019 Subaru Forester vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2019 Subaru Forester was slightly larger and wider than its predecessor, adopting a design reminiscent of the Subaru Ascent. This design choice was logical, as the Ascent was previously described as a larger version of the Forester. Inside, the Forester's cabin prioritized functionality over aesthetics, offering a modern look without sacrificing utility. Available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims, the Forester featured standard LED headlights, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and the EyeSight driver-assistance system. The base model was well-equipped with features like a 6.5-inch touchscreen and multifunction display, while higher trims added amenities such as larger wheels, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment options.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a more generic exterior design, with subtle changes like a slanted tailgate glass and pronounced body creases. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the headlights and grille. The Highlander's cabin, however, was where it truly shone, boasting high-quality fit and finish with silver-painted accents and a multi-layered dash. The interior offered a pleasing color palette and rich textures, especially in the Limited trim, which featured a three-tone interior. Despite its somewhat uninspiring exterior, the Highlander's interior quality was unmatched by many competitors, providing a luxurious experience for occupants.

The 2019 Subaru Forester housed a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. This engine, while an improvement over its predecessor, lacked the torque necessary for robust acceleration. The absence of a turbocharged option, previously available in the 2.0XT trim, left the Forester with a single engine choice that didn't quite match the "Sport" trim's name. The Forester's symmetrical AWD and CVT prioritized efficiency over performance, resulting in underwhelming acceleration. However, the SI-Drive system offered some customization with Intelligent and Sport modes, and the X-Mode terrain-management system enhanced off-road capabilities. Despite its performance limitations, the Forester delivered a smooth ride and impressive fuel economy, achieving 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride, similar to the Lexus RX. The eight-speed automatic transmission efficiently utilized the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for quick acceleration. The Highlander's steering and suspension, however, left much to be desired, with loose steering and a soft suspension that lacked control. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander offered a comfortable and isolating driving experience, especially on long road trips. Fuel economy was commendable for a vehicle of its size, with the FWD model achieving 21 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined, while the AWD version managed 20/27/23.

The 2019 Subaru Forester offered impressive cargo space, with the base model providing a class-leading 76.1 cubic feet and other trims offering 70.9 cubic feet. The larger wheelbase improved backseat space, and the 8.7 inches of ground clearance made it suitable for various terrains. The Forester's cabin embraced a "Function First" philosophy, featuring numerous cubbies, compartments, and bottle holders. The tall greenhouse provided excellent visibility and a commanding driving position, with ample legroom and headroom for passengers.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander accommodated up to eight passengers, with versatile second-row seats offering generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were well-suited for those with mobility concerns, with front and rear seat heights allowing easy ingress and egress. Cargo space was ample, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second, and 84 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured numerous cupholders and bottle holders, along with convenient dash shelves for storing personal items. However, the wireless charging pad obstructed access to the center armrest cubby, which was a minor inconvenience.

The 2019 Subaru Forester's Starlink infotainment system, available in 6.5-inch and 8-inch versions, was responsive and user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's intuitive interface made navigating menus and transitioning between Starlink and CarPlay seamless. Subaru's EyeSight suite of driver-assistance systems included a unique Lead Vehicle Alert feature, which notified drivers when the vehicle ahead moved at a stoplight, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system, despite being new, felt outdated compared to competitors. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional on the Limited and standard on the Platinum, had limited usable space due to persistent climate and driving mode information. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, but the system's interface lagged behind rivals. However, the Highlander redeemed itself with a large 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch instrument cluster display, both providing crisp and useful information. The semi-automated driving system and adaptive cruise control were effective, and the optional JBL audio system offered decent sound quality.

The 2019 Subaru Forester came standard with the EyeSight driver-assistance suite, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and adaptive headlights. Lane-keeping Assist provided small steering inputs to keep the vehicle centered, and a full array of airbags and a reversing camera further enhanced safety. The Forester's excellent visibility also contributed to its overall safety profile.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard, offering automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and rear emergency braking. The Highlander received a 2020 Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, scoring top ratings in all crash tests and for its emergency braking capabilities.