2023 Subaru Forester

　　

2023 Subaru Forester Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Forester 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 2/24 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$131/mo  for Forester Base

　　Forester Base

　　4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 2/24 (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,395 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,495 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $29,695 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,265 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $33,375 MSRPWilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $34,320 MSRPTouring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $36,795 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　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 zzdcar' Expert Rating below.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　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 zzdcar' 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

8.0/10

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below