Skip to main content

2023
Subaru Forester

Starts at:
$26,395
Shop options
New 2023 Subaru Forester
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • CVT *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $26,395
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • CVT
    Starts at
    $26,495
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Premium CVT
    Starts at
    $29,695
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Sport CVT
    Starts at
    $31,265
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Limited CVT
    Starts at
    $33,375
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Wilderness CVT
    Starts at
    $34,320
    25 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • Touring CVT
    Starts at
    $36,795
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester 2023 Subaru Forester

Notable features

Five-seat compact SUV
All-wheel drive
Subaru EyeSight suite of active-safety features
Lane-centering steering
Off-road-oriented Wilderness trim
182-hp, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine
8.7-inch ground clearance (9.2 inches for Wilderness)

The good & the bad

The good

Roomy, comfortable interior
Smooth ride
Excellent outward visibility
Expansive cargo area
Large liftgate

The bad

Meager acceleration
Wind, road noise on the highway
Some poorly arranged controls
Minimal cabin storage
Base trim looks and feels the part

Expert 2023 Subaru Forester review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com Editors
Full article
our expert's take

What Is the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The 2023 Subaru Forester is a five-seat compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. Getting the Forester down the road is a 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is class-competitive at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, but it dips to 26 mpg if you choose the off-road-themed Wilderness trim, which rides on a raised suspension and all-terrain tires. The Forester competes against popular models such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson

What’s New on the 2023 Subaru Forester?

Other than slightly higher prices, the Subaru Forester carries over essentially unchanged from 2022.

What Features in the 2023 Subaru Forester Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 6.5-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Split-folding second row
  • Satellite radio
  • Four-speaker stereo
  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Lane departure steering assist
  • Rear-seat reminder
  • Adaptive cruise control with lane centering

Available features include:

  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather seating
  • Keyless entry
  • Push-button start
  • Raised suspension (Wilderness)
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Rear air vents
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Power liftgate
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Blind spot warning

Should I Buy the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester has a low entry price, a fuel-efficient engine, and a spacious interior that’s attractive and feels built to last. The four-cylinder engine is wheezy when you ask too much of it, but standard AWD is something many SUV shoppers will appreciate more than oodles of horsepower. The base Forester is a bargain, but moving up at least one trim level gets you handy features like keyless entry, push-button start, rear air vents and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. We think it’s worth the upgrade.

2023 Subaru Forester review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The 2023 Subaru Forester is a five-seat compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. Getting the Forester down the road is a 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Fuel economy is class-competitive at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, but it dips to 26 mpg if you choose the off-road-themed Wilderness trim, which rides on a raised suspension and all-terrain tires. The Forester competes against popular models such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson

What’s New on the 2023 Subaru Forester?

Other than slightly higher prices, the Subaru Forester carries over essentially unchanged from 2022.

What Features in the 2023 Subaru Forester Are Most Important?

Standard features include:

  • 6.5-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Split-folding second row
  • Satellite radio
  • Four-speaker stereo
  • 17-inch steel wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Automatic high-beam headlights
  • Lane departure steering assist
  • Rear-seat reminder
  • Adaptive cruise control with lane centering

Available features include:

  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Heated front seats
  • Leather seating
  • Keyless entry
  • Push-button start
  • Raised suspension (Wilderness)
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Rear air vents
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Power liftgate
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Blind spot warning

Should I Buy the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester has a low entry price, a fuel-efficient engine, and a spacious interior that’s attractive and feels built to last. The four-cylinder engine is wheezy when you ask too much of it, but standard AWD is something many SUV shoppers will appreciate more than oodles of horsepower. The base Forester is a bargain, but moving up at least one trim level gets you handy features like keyless entry, push-button start, rear air vents and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. We think it’s worth the upgrade.

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2023 Subaru Forester base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
16.9%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2023
    4.9
    Subaru Forester
    Starts at
    $26,395
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2023
    4.3
    Subaru Outback
    Starts at
    $28,395
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2025
    5.0
    Honda CR-V
    Starts at
    $30,100
    28 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2022
    4.9
    Subaru Forester
    Starts at
    $25,895
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Engine
    All-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2024
    4.4
    Toyota RAV4
    Starts at
    $28,675
    27 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Regular Unleaded I-4
    Engine
    Front-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

4.9 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.9
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.7
Value 4.9
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • LOVE this car, maybe a little biased since this is my 5th

    LOVE this car, maybe a little biased since this is my 5th Forester, my 2nd Wilderness. My first Wilderness was totaled in a head-on collision when a young driver spilled coffee and veered into my lane and struck me head-on. That was my 1st Subaru Forester Wilderness and IT SAVED MY LIFE. Full curtain all-around airbag deployment with a roll, the Wilderness coming to rest on it's right side, me still strapped into seatbelt, and the Subaru automatic crash notification with a live person on the speakers asking me if I was ok and needed 911! Smoke still coming from the airbag deployments, and there is a live person coming over the speakers asking me if I'm ok. It was surreal. SUBARU FORESTER WILDERNESS SAVED MY LIFE! TYVM Subaru! LOVE this car! Gets 25+ MPG with conservative driving, a great ride and suspension, superior traction in mud and snow, load-out practically anything/rack bikes (or whatever on the roof racks), sleep in the back with ample room, superior rear-gate lift mechanism with memory, seats super-comfortable and easily adjustable, solid rear-seat leg-room, easy rear-seat fold-downs for massive cargo area that takes my full HVAC tool load-out for servicing ice baths all over the NorthEast US. A great value, especially CPO with +10K mileage (vs. new) MONEY WELL SPENT! SUBARU FOR LIFE
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Likes: spacious interior despite modest exterior

    Likes: spacious interior despite modest exterior dimensions, easy to maneuver, great visibility all around, comfortable ride, good traction, handling, and braking, nice interior finish on sport model, strong steering responsive headlights yet they don't blind opposing traffic, very good optional Harmon sound system, numerous effective safety features, low insurance premiums, adequate acceleration..a few cons: actual economy slightly under EPA estimates, seat may be a bit too firm for some but easy to address by adding a thin seat cushion, mandatory sunroof on all but the base model..I wish Subaru would just make that a single option..rough engine start-stop ..however I disable it each time I start engine so it can be a non issue...no reliability issues yet but since this has a cvt and fairly complex safety features, long term reliability is unknown..
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Safety first

    This is our second Forester. Our first was a 2011 Premium we bought as a CPO in 2014 and unfortunately went through the headache of excessive oil consumption within months of buying it. Subaru did eventually replace the engine short block on their dime, but only after repeated oil consumption tests and being told by the dealer service department that it was within normal limits. Calling Subaru of America was the only way we got it resolved. I was impressed that they approved the service, and that's the reason we bought another Subaru. We also have a 2018 Outback Premium in our garage--no oil consumption, and no major issues except replacing the radio for failed lighting behind the volume knob and a minor leak in the oil pan (no dripping underneath the car though) at about 42k miles. We like our 2023 Forester Sport overall, and first and foremost we like its excellent safety ratings and features. I will say the ride is much firmer than our Outback which is only a couple hundred pounds heavier. Wish it had a little more storage in the center console and beneath the climate controls. We look forward to many years of driving with the Forester (and our Outback). Based on our experience, I do feel getting a Subaru-backed extended warranty is worth it for peace of mind (we bought them for our first Forester and now our Outback and both eventually paid for themselves). You DON'T have to buy the warranty when you purchase the vehicle. Call different dealers in your state and ask for their price on an extended warranty for your vehicle--we saved hundreds of dollars by doing this. You have until your manufacturer warranty expires to add an extended warranty.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Mostly happy

    The radio and the heat settings leave a lot to be desired. If you’re looking for a heater setting, you won’t find it. Nothing annoys me more than unrequested updates on flood watch/warning. it just can’t be tailored to exactly where you live. But every 6 minutes is a bit of overkill. And our previous Forester had a tray in the middle storage (glove box). Even though we asked our salesman about that, we have heard nothing. Missing the change tray a lot.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Subaru Forester checks all the boxes!

    This is my first Subaru Forester and I could not be happier with the car. Super pleasant dealer experience and lots of features for the price. Will definitely get another Subaru.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • LOVE MY NEW FORESTER

    I LOVED MY 2018 FORESTER SO I BOUGHT A 2023 FORESTER AND I LOVE IT JUST AS MUCH. IT IS A GREAT CAR AT A GREAT VALUE.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness the ultimate vehi

    Bought a new 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness Edition and absolutely love it. Great fuel economy, comfort, reliability and great looks. Perfect adventure vehicle. Love the durable interior, ground clearance and eye sight feature.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Bang for the Buck

    This is my third Subaru. The first was a 2018 Outback which proved to be a little to large for my taste so I traded it in for my first Forester a 2021. This was a great car until someone side swiped me in an accident and totaled it. I was so impressed with the job it did protecting me from harm that I bought another one in 2023 after the accident and it is even better. I have had a chevy small pick up, two jeeps, a camaro, a Acura and two BMWs and in the area that counts most, safety, the Forester outshines them all. It may not be as fast some of my previous cars but I am older now and the police tell me I need to slow down some. Ha!Ha! It has more pop than you think.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2023 Forester

    Only had the Forester for one month. Loving it every day it is very big inside the controls are very intuitive. I would certainly recommend this car.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • 2023 Forester Wilderness

    This is my first Subaru and the quality of the vehicle is spot on. I would highly recommend the Subaru Forester Wilderness to anyone, can hardly wait to drive it in the snow!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It's a keeper for many years to come

    I was more interested in reliability and bang for the buck when I bought the 2023 Forester. Impressing other people with zero-to-sixty times and options that add no function purpose soon loose their appeal to me and I have already owned nearly every type of flashy car, from Mercedes Benz to BMW to Jeep and Lincoln. But their appeal wore thin after a year or two. The Subaru Forester is comfortable and versatile, a solid value that is practical for every day life. It's a keeper for many years to come, even if EVs eventually become practical and convenient (a long way off though). No regrets.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Perfect for us

    This is our third Subaru Forester and one of the best equipped cars in our research. Outstanding car design with top rated safety features! Only negative is outdated gps but carplay is seemless with Dongle.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Latest news from cars.com

See all news

Subaru dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The 2023 Subaru Forester is available in 6 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • Limited (1 style)
  • Premium (1 style)
  • Sport (1 style)
  • Touring (1 style)
  • Wilderness (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The 2023 Subaru Forester offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 33 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The 2023 Subaru Forester compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2023 Subaru Forester has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2023 Subaru Forester owners.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2023 Subaru Forester. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.9 / 5
Based on 20 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 5.0

Subaru Forester history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"crossover_compact","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"SUV","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]