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Subaru Forester

5/5 Safety rating
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$27,478
Avg. listing price
Shop the 2023 Subaru Forester
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • CVT *Ltd Avail*
    Avg. price
    $24,208
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • CVT
    Avg. price
    $24,208
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Premium CVT
    Avg. price
    $26,188
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Sport CVT
    Avg. price
    $26,810
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Limited CVT
    Avg. price
    $28,149
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Wilderness CVT
    Avg. price
    $28,729
    MPG
    25 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • Touring CVT
    Avg. price
    $30,020
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs

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
See all specifications

Expert 2023 Subaru Forester review

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

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.

Safety review

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

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    All-wheel drive
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    2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid
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Consumer reviews

100% of drivers recommend this car
Based on 21 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
4.9
Interior
4.9
Performance
4.7
Value
4.9
Exterior
4.8
Reliability
5.0

Most recent

  • By Jack from Freehold, NJ
    Owns this car
    July 1, 2026

    Overall, at 60k miles, I’ve had no problems and am very

    Overall, at 60k miles, I’ve had no problems and am very happy. I average around 34 mpg’s with mixed driving. I’m happy with the acceleration as well, even though Subaru’s without a turbo are sometimes labeled as slow. I have no problem merging onto highways. The Forester is an easy to live with SUV/car. The rear room is adequate, although the CRV offers about 10 cubic feet more rear capacity. Visibility is excellent. The CVT is smooth and has simulated shifts, just make sure you change the fluid every 30k! I own the Limited with leather seats that are very comfortable. Sometimes the response time on the radio/touch screen can feel a little delayed. I also opted for the dimming driver/rear view mirrors which is great during winter commuting. It saves your eyes from glare. Very view cars offer this which is why I went with the Subaru. My only “major” complaint with the car is a slight rattle coming from the dash board area. It isn’t always there, but is present enough to bother me. Aside from that it is an excellent vehicle and value for the money!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By James Patrick from Delhi NY
    Owns this car
    June 12, 2025

    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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Chevy
    Owns this car
    July 2, 2024

    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
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jeff & Julie from Naperville, IL
    Owns this car
    April 21, 2024

    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
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Paula Slack from Valparaiso, IN
    Owns this car
    January 25, 2024

    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?
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  • By Jan from Toms River
    Owns this car
    December 23, 2023

    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?
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  • By GEORGE DINGFELD from TUCKERTON NJ
    Owns this car
    November 21, 2023

    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?
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  • By David G from Ocala, FL
    Owns this car
    September 25, 2023

    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?
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  • By Mike from Opelika, AL
    Owns this car
    September 14, 2023

    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?
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  • By Larry from Ocean City
    Owns this car
    September 8, 2023

    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?
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  • By sfkzoo from Kalamazoo, Michigan
    Owns this car
    September 6, 2023

    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?
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  • By Subie newbie from Tacoma, WA
    Owns this car
    August 11, 2023

    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
See all reviews

Latest Forester stories

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Subaru dealers near you

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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 21 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.9
  • Interior: 4.9
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 5.0

Subaru Forester history

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