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2013 Subaru Forester

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$21,295

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

23

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

179.500” x 66.900”

Dimensions

All-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(52 reviews)

The good:

  • No-nonsense cargo area
  • Low base price
  • Rear visibility
  • Turning circle
  • Comfortable seats

The bad:

  • Inconsistent dashboard materials
  • Turbo requires premium fuel
  • Slow-to-react automatic
  • Sizable backseat floor hump

6 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2013 Subaru Forester trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • Newly standard Bluetooth with streaming audio, iPod/USB connectivity
  • Regular or turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Standard AWD
  • High ground clearance
  • Manual or automatic

2013 Subaru Forester review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Subaru Forester, a successful small crossover/wagon, competes against other car-based compact crossovers including the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V. It seats five people and has standard all-wheel drive.
New for 2013
For 2013, the base Forester 2.5X includes a new stereo with Bluetooth cellphone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control capability, a USB port and steering-wheel controls. 
Exterior
The Forester’s ground clearance is 8.9 inches. Fog lights are optional, and turbo versions are distinguished by a hood scoop that funnels air into the intercooler just under the hood. Exterior features include:

  • Standard roof rails
  • Available high-intensity-discharge headlights 
  • Available chrome exhaust tips 
  • 16-inch wheels standard; 17-inch wheels available
  • Available rear spoiler

Interior
The door openings are large, and the rear window is larger than on the previous-generation Forester. A center armrest is standard for the backseat. Interior features include:

  • Standard MP3 jack
  • Standard sliding armrest 
  • Standard 60/40-split folding rear seats
  • Standard tilt steering column (telescoping available)

Under the Hood
Foresters are powered by a choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The transmissions come with different all-wheel-drive systems. The automatic comes with Variable Torque Management, which Subaru says shifts power to the front and rear axles by monitoring throttle position, battery voltage, generator rpm, wheel speed, brake status, lateral g-force and automatic transmission fluid temperature. The manual Forester has a simple viscous coupling that’s reactive rather than proactive. Mechanical features include:

  • 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 174 pounds-feet of torque
  • 224-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 226 pounds-feet of torque
  • Hill start assist for manual-transmission models

Safety
A rollover sensor can deploy the side curtain airbags to protect occupants and prevent their ejection. Safety features include:

  • Side-impact airbags for front occupants
  • Side curtain airbags that protect front and backseat occupants against head injury 
  • Active head restraints for the front seats 
  • Antilock brakes
  • Electronic stability system with traction control

 

Consumer reviews

(52 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.1
  • Interior 3.7
  • Performance 3.8
  • Value 3.8
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.9
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Most recent consumer reviews

I bought my Subaru in 2023 because it only had 60,000

I bought my Subaru in 2023 because it only had 60,000 miles on the OD. It's the minimal 2.5X model, but I couldn't pass up the car at such a low price. After driving it for over a year, I put only 6000 miles on it. I took it to the Subaru dealer for NY state inspection, and had the brakes replaced, and paid for the 60000 mi Subaru recommended service. I love this car, especially since I can connect my iPod to the blue tooth and play my music library. It is a bit noisy on the highway, but it's not the luxury model, so that's expected. The Subaru dealer said everything on the car was real solid. So far it has been very dependable, and easy to drive in the snow. It has no leaks, no dents, no squeaks, no problems. I've owned and driven 8 Subaru's over the past 40 years, and I'm hoping to keep my 2013 model and drive it for at least another 10 years.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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2013 subaru forester xt touring

I owned this car and never had a bit of trouble with it regular maintenance is required i even upgraded many things on this car great car. I was not in an accident with it, a guy ramed it with a shopping cart and went down the side and scratched it all up i turned into ins and had it fixed great car fun car to drive and it turned many heads

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Poorly engineered. Problems ahead for you.

We had lots of trouble with ours and we met a lot of other owners who had trouble with oil leaks and engine replacements. When they work, they are nice cars that make a lot of sense in a lot of different ways. The engineering is just really bad.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 1.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does not recommend this car
15 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 52 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2013 Subaru Forester base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
4
Combined side rating rear seat
4
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
4
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
4
Overall side crash rating
4
Risk of rollover
17.9%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
4
Side pole rating driver front seat
2

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Subaru
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Coverage available for purchase
Powertrain
7 years/100,000
Dealer certification required
152-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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