2023 Subaru Forester Review

Name: 2023 Subaru Forester
Brand: Subaru

Price Range: $21,998 - $35,998

2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Aside from lackluster acceleration, there's a lot to like about the 2023 Subaru Forester. This crossover SUV delivers the feel and rugged attitude that buyers want, along with a comfortable cabin and plenty of features for the price.

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Average price: $28,667

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Appraise My 2023 Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester model years

Subaru Forester for Sale

Pros

Standard all-wheel drive
A full complement of driver assist features are standard
Enhanced off-road capability thanks to better-than-average ground clearance
Generous cargo capacity

Cons

Engine is underpowered
Modest tow rating limits maximum utility

What's new

Only minor changes to features and availability
Part of the fifth Forester generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Written by automotive expert Michael Cantu

5/5/2022

The Subaru Forester is one of the original compact crossover SUVs that hit the market in the late 90s. It's been one of Subaru's most successful models and has built a solid reputation for itself over the years. The Forester's standard all-wheel-drive system and generous amount of ground clearance have made it a popular choice for people living in cold climates, allowing it to tackle light off-road trails. It's one of four SUV offerings from Subaru, which include the smaller Crosstrek, the Outback and the three-row Ascent.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2,235 listings

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2023 Subaru Forester
Touring 4dr SUV
$24,297
great price
$3,108 below market
- 55,255 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, rental vehicle
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Apple Honda (40 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Ellicott City, MD
Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price! *FORD CERTIFIED*, *INCLUDES WARRANTY*, *CARFAX ONE OWNER*, *CARFAX ONE OWNER...NO ACCIDENTS*, *NAVIGATION/NAV/GP...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF2SKARC9PH536707
Stock: 599297
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-12-2026
Price Drop
2023 Subaru Forester
Limited 4dr SUV
$26,990
good price
$1,792 below market
- 23,100 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 33 Hwy MPG
- Passport BMW (34 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Suitland, MD
2023 Subaru Forester Limited Crystal White Pearl AWD Lineartronic CVT 2.5L 4-Cylinder DOHC 16Vharman/kardon 9-Speaker Audio System, Heated Steering ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (26 City/33 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF2SKAPC2PH496795
Stock: S96930A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-31-2026

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With the significant number of updates the Forester received for the 2022 model year, the 2023 Forester returns largely unchanged. Revisions are mostly limited to safety system software updates and a wider view angle for the forward-looking camera. The Wilderness trim also upgrades to a larger infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment.

There's more to the Forester than its off-road prowess. It has a roomy and comfortable cabin, a suite of standard advanced driver aids and plenty of available tech. But there are a couple of drawbacks that might make you consider the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue or Hyundai Tucson. For an in-depth review done by our test team, check out the Edmunds' Expert Rating below.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Subaru Forester on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the Forester drive? A largely gutless engine holds the Forester back. The four-cylinder engine and CVT automatic take their time getting up to speed. The Forester accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a slow 9.3 seconds during Edmunds' testing. Its steering, handling and braking, on the other hand, are more respectable. While the Forester isn't sporty, especially not compared to top rivals, it feels planted and changes direction with speed and confidence.

The Forester does shine on dirt roads or easy to moderate off-road trails. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance plus an available X-Mode drive setting that tailors the Forester's powertrain and traction control to driving on dirt. The Wilderness model is especially suited for getting out into nature thanks to its slightly higher ground clearance, upgraded suspension and all-terrain tires. In general, the Forester offers more off-road prowess than a typical small crossover SUV.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Forester? Whether you've got a long daily commute or a refreshing retreat on the horizon, the Forester will keep you riding in comfort. The front seats are well padded and have good bolstering and lumbar support, and the suspension easily smooths out bumps and ruts in the road.

Road noise is kept to a minimum. The Forester's tall profile does produce some wind noise, but it's a small price to pay for the commanding seat position and great visibility. Climate control knobs are right where they should be and easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The available automatic climate control works well, and most Foresters come standard with heated seats.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? All controls inside the Forester are clearly labeled and easy to reach. There's no fussing around or overdoing things. The available 8-inch center touchscreen is crisp and simple to navigate. Everything about the Forester seems to have been designed right. Getting in and out is aided by tall doors and an SUV-style ride height. There's enough room for four, and possibly five, seated adults. The driver's seat offers a wide range of adjustments, and the steering wheel has plenty of telescoping range.

Technology

8.5/10

How’s the tech? Subaru provides infotainment features that any owner, tech-savvy or not, can appreciate. The dual-screen center layout is attractive and easy to use. The navigation system is clear and takes voice commands well. If Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are more your flavor, Subaru has you covered by making both smartphone integration systems standard. Multiple USB ports are in both the front and rear.

We're especially fans of the driving aids included with Subaru EyeSight. The adaptive cruise control system works well, and lane keeping assist, now with lane centering, prevents the Forester from drifting out of its lane. Forward collision mitigation is also included and never activated when it wasn't needed in our test.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Forester is slightly lower in total storage capacity than competitors such as the Honda CR-V, but a high roof and clever cargo layout make the space usable for large items. Parents will find the Forester a little disappointing when it comes to installing child safety seats, however. The car seat anchors are buried deep in the rear seats, and fitting large rear-facing seats will be a squeeze.

Towing isn't the Forester's strong suit with a maximum capacity of just 1,500 pounds, though the Wilderness improves things with its rating of 3,000 pounds.

Fuel Economy

7/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the Forester at 29 mpg combined, which is near the top of the class. In testing, however, we found that the weak engine had us pinning the throttle more, which can make real-world fuel economy suffer a bit.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Forester a good value? The Forester gives buyers a lot of options depending on how much they want to spend and how fancy they like their cars. Interior build quality is high, and in general you'll feel like you got your money's worth. Subaru offers an average warranty for the class.

Wildcard

8/10

Acceleration is the Forester's only notable weak point. While it's a big one, it's certainly not enough to detract from all of the vehicle's standout areas. Everything else, from comfort to technology to driver aids to storage capacity to outdoor adventure credentials, is top-notch. Its upright style and rugged components lend the Forester a unique personality, and standard all-wheel drive with a strong ride height backs it up.

2023 Subaru Forester trim level differences

The 2023 Subaru Forester is available in six trim levels: base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited and Touring. As with nearly all Subarus, all-wheel drive is standard on all trims. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2023 Subaru Forester trim levels in-depth.

Which Forester trim does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest going with the Premium trim. It's the second most affordable trim yet offers an appealing mix of features. The Premium trim includes keyless entry with push-button ignition, a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. Those features come on top of the standard suite of advanced driver aids. You can add a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alerts and a power tailgate for a little extra.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$142/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

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Model

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Reliability

The 2023 Subaru Forester has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$525/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

1.07x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

15%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 23V754000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: WRP-23
Manufactured from:: 2023-09-04 to 2023-09-14
Number of vehicles affected:: 3732
Defect Description:: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Defect Consequence:: A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Subaru Forester Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

67 reviews

5(85%)

4(6%)

3(2%)

2(2%)

1(5%)

See all 67 reviews of the Subaru Forester

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 Subaru Forester video

Off-Road Tested: Kia Telluride X-Pro vs. Subaru Forester Wilderness | Just an Appearance Package?

We know, we know: The Kia Telluride and Subaru Forester are different classes of SUV and not directly comparable. But that's not the point of this comparison test! In this video, we put these two family SUVs' off-road trims — the Telluride X-Pro and the Forester Wilderness — to the test to see if they really do bring added capability or if they're just gussied-up…

2023 Forester Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$26,395
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$142/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Forester models:

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Helps prevent accidents, with features such as lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
Reverse Automatic Braking: Helps reduce collisions by applying the brakes if a vehicle is detected crossing the Forester's path while it's in reverse.
DriverFocus: Sounds an alert when the head-tracking system detects that you are distracted.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Marginal
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2023 Subaru Forester Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2023 Subaru Forester trim level differences

Which Forester trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Subaru Forester Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2023 Subaru Forester video

2023 Forester Features & Specs

Safety

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