Auto Guide
2023 Subaru Forester
Used

Review and specifications

2023 Subaru Forester

Over its various iterations, Subaru has had a winning formula with the Forester. The 2019 redesign builds upon that and is even better. This popular small SUV delivers a combination of roomy interior, excellent visibility, commendable fuel economy, simple controls, comfortable ride and responsive handling. The 2.5-liter four cylinder, combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission yielded 28 mpg overall, which is among the best in class. But acceleration isn't exhilarating and the engine's noise isn't the most pleasant. The cabin is roomy with a particularly generous rear seat and very easy access. The controls are simple to use including the infotainment system which is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The EyeSight suite of forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist is standard. Updates for 2020 include a standard rear-seat reminder system. A mild freshening for 2022 includes a revised exterior and the addition of an off-road oriented Wilderness trim with additional ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

Market value
$24,950
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
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Model year 2023
Owner rating 4/5
Reliability 4/5
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
CVT
Category
Compact SUVs
Generation began
2019

Pricing

Current retail median
$24,950
Retail value range
$20,725 - $26,875
Original MSRP range
$26,395 - $36,795
Trade-in range
$19,245 - $26,065

Ratings

Road test score
90/100
Owner satisfaction
4/5
Would buy again
78%
Reliability
4/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
26 MPG
EPA highway
33 MPG
EPA combined
29 MPG
Tested city
20 MPG
Tested highway
38 MPG
Tested overall
28 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,395
Cruising range
465 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.7 sec
0-60 mph
9.2 sec
60-0 mph braking
130 ft
Avoidance speed
53 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
183 in
Width
72 in
Height
68 in
Wheelbase
105 in
Weight
3,485 lb
Maximum load
900 lb
Towing capacity
1,500 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5 in
Front leg room
43 in
Rear head room
3 in
Rear leg room
30 in
Cargo volume
36.5 cu ft

Owner feedback

Comfort
4/5
Driving
5/5
Styling
4/5
Value
2/5

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
7/10
Greenhouse gas score
6/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Subaru

Subaru is known for no-nonsense SUVs with standard full-time all-wheel drive. Its cars frequently rank near the top of Consumer Reports’ Owner Satisfaction and reliability ratings, making some used Subarus a good choice. Along with all-wheel drive, Subarus are known for using a “boxer” style four-cylinder engine with opposing pistons that move horizontally. The design reduces vibration and gives the vehicle a low center of gravity. No Subaru would be considered luxurious, but most have options like heated seats and leather upholstery. Unfortunately, blind spot warning (BSW) and rear cross traffic warning (RCTW) are often optional, so buyers must pay extra for important safety features. Subaru hasn’t offered a hybrid since the plug-in hybrid Crosstrek was discontinued in 2024. The Solterra, a pure EV based on the Toyota bZ4x, charges slowly and has short range. Popular sports cars like the WRX and BR-Z show the brand’s wilder side.

Vehicle ID: 25832 First published: October 21, 2022 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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