2023 Subaru Forester Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Chevy on July 2, 2024

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..

Jeff & Julie on April 21, 2024

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.

Paula Slack on January 25, 2024

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.

Jan on December 23, 2023

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.

GEORGE DINGFELD on November 21, 2023

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.

David G on September 25, 2023

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.

Mike on September 14, 2023

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.

Larry on September 8, 2023

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.

sfkzoo on September 6, 2023

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!

Subie newbie on August 11, 2023

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.