2020 Subaru Forester — Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Transmission gear ratios

The 2020 Subaru Forester is exclusively equipped with a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This CVT is designed to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience by constantly adjusting the gear ratio to keep the engine in its optimal power band.

Available axle ratios

The 2020 Subaru Forester, with its Lineartronic CVT, comes with a single final drive ratio across all trims and packages. This simplifies things considerably as there's no need to decipher complex axle codes to determine your specific ratio.

How to identify your axle ratio

For the 2020 Subaru Forester, identifying your axle ratio is straightforward: if you have a 2020 Forester, you have a 3.700:1 final drive ratio. Unlike some other manufacturers, Subaru does not typically use specific RPO codes on door jamb stickers for axle ratios in the same way GM, Ford, or Ram might for their trucks and SUVs with multiple axle options.

While an axle tag might be present on the differential housing in some vehicles, for the 2020 Forester, this information is not strictly necessary for identifying the ratio, as it is consistent across the model line. If you were to look for a tag, it would be a small metal tag attached to one of the differential cover bolts, but again, for this specific vehicle, it won't tell you anything you don't already know.

Towing vs MPG impact

For vehicles with multiple axle ratio options, the general rule is: a numerically lower axle ratio (e.g., 3.08:1) results in lower engine RPMs at cruising speeds, which typically translates to better fuel economy. Conversely, a numerically higher axle ratio (e.g., 4.10:1) allows the engine to rev higher for a given wheel speed, providing more torque multiplication to the wheels, which is beneficial for towing and acceleration, but generally at the expense of fuel efficiency.

Since the 2020 Subaru Forester comes with a single 3.700:1 final drive ratio, it represents a balanced approach by Subaru. This ratio is chosen to provide a good compromise between everyday driving performance, acceptable towing capability (within the Forester's limits), and competitive fuel economy figures for its class. Users looking to optimize significantly for either towing or fuel economy beyond what the factory setup offers would need to consider a different vehicle or a more extensive (and usually unrecommended for this vehicle type) modification.

Common issues

The Subaru Forester's drivetrain, including its differential and CVT, is generally robust. However, like any mechanical component, issues can arise, though these are not necessarily common for the 2020 model year specifically related to the axle ratios themselves.

• CVT Longevity concerns: While not an axle ratio issue, the CVT itself has been a point of discussion for some Subaru owners across various model years. Some owners have reported issues with fluid degradation or operational quirks over very high mileage, though Subaru has made continuous improvements.
• Differential Noise: In some instances, differential noise (whining or humming) can occur. This is often due to worn bearings, improper gear mesh (less likely from the factory, more after service), or low differential fluid levels. Regular maintenance of differential fluid is crucial.
• AWD System: The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is a hallmark of Subaru. Issues related to the AWD system could manifest as binding or unusual noises, sometimes mistakenly attributed to the differential. Ensuring all four tires are of the same size and wear is critical for Subaru's AWD system to prevent undue stress on the differentials and center coupling.

It's important to note that these are general points of concern for drivetrains and not indicators of widespread or specific flaws with the 2020 Forester's final drive components.

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