2023 Subaru Forester Review: The Ultimate Outdoor Family SUV

2023 Subaru Forester proves that practicality and capability still matter in a segment increasingly focused on flashy styling and oversized screens. While many compact SUVs are designed primarily for urban commuting, the Forester continues to prioritize all-weather confidence, family-friendly versatility, and genuine outdoor capability. It may not be the most fashionable crossover in its class, but it remains one of the most useful and dependable.

The Forester has earned a loyal following over the years because it understands exactly what its buyers want. Families appreciate its spacious cabin, excellent visibility, and strong safety credentials. Outdoor enthusiasts value its standard all-wheel drive system, generous ground clearance, and ability to handle rough trails without requiring expensive upgrades. Few compact SUVs manage to satisfy both groups as effectively as the Forester.

For 2023, Subaru continues to refine a formula that has already proven successful. Every Forester comes with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a feature that many competitors still reserve for higher trims or optional packages. The result is a crossover that feels prepared for rain, snow, dirt roads, and weekend adventures before you add a single option.

The Forester’s appeal goes beyond capability. Its upright design creates one of the roomiest cabins in the segment, while large windows provide exceptional outward visibility. At a time when many SUVs sacrifice practicality for styling, the Forester remains refreshingly honest about its mission. Every design choice serves a purpose.

The introduction of the Wilderness trim has further strengthened the Forester’s identity. While rivals often market rugged styling packages with limited functional improvements, the Wilderness model adds meaningful upgrades that enhance the vehicle’s ability to travel beyond paved roads. It transforms the Forester from a capable crossover into a genuinely adventurous companion.

The 2023 Subaru Forester may not deliver sports-car excitement or luxury-brand prestige, but it offers something arguably more valuable: confidence. Whether you’re commuting through bad weather, loading camping gear for a weekend trip, or simply transporting your family safely and comfortably, the Forester remains one of the most dependable choices in the compact SUV segment.

Our Take

The 2023 Subaru Forester succeeds because it stays true to its purpose. While many compact SUVs attempt to be everything to everyone, the Forester focuses on practicality, safety, versatility, and capability. That focus makes it one of the most complete everyday vehicles available today.

What separates the Forester from competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Hyundai Tucson is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and outdoor-focused personality. It feels comfortable in the city, but it truly shines when the pavement ends. Few vehicles in this price range inspire the same level of confidence during bad weather or outdoor adventures.

The Forester is not the quickest, most luxurious, or most stylish compact SUV on the market. However, for buyers seeking a dependable family vehicle that can comfortably handle road trips, camping weekends, snowy commutes, and daily errands, it remains one of the smartest purchases in its class.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive on every trim
• Excellent visibility and spacious cabin
• Outstanding safety ratings and driver-assistance technology
• Impressive cargo capacity for outdoor gear and family use
• Genuine off-road capability, especially in Wilderness trim
• Comfortable ride quality for long-distance travel

Cons

• Road noise can become noticeable on coarse pavement
• Engine performance is adequate rather than exciting
• CVT transmission lacks engagement during hard acceleration
• Interior design is functional rather than upscale
• Infotainment system feels dated compared with some rivals

What’s New for 2023

Following the significant updates introduced for the previous model year, Subaru made only a handful of changes to the 2023 Forester. Rather than redesigning an already successful formula, the company focused on refining safety and comfort while preserving the qualities that have made the Forester one of the most popular compact SUVs among active families and outdoor enthusiasts.

The most notable update involves rear-seat safety improvements designed to meet the latest crash-testing requirements. Subaru revised the rear head restraints and made additional adjustments that helped the Forester maintain its strong reputation in independent safety evaluations. This continues the brand’s long-standing commitment to passenger protection, which remains one of the vehicle’s biggest selling points.

The rugged Wilderness trim also returns for 2023 after making a strong impression the previous year. Featuring increased ground clearance, upgraded off-road hardware, unique styling elements, and enhanced X-Mode settings, the Wilderness continues to give buyers a more adventure-focused alternative without requiring them to step up to a larger SUV.

Exterior Design

The 2023 Subaru Forester does not try to impress buyers with dramatic styling or coupe-inspired proportions. Instead, it embraces a design philosophy built around functionality. Every major design element serves a practical purpose, which helps explain why the Forester has remained popular among buyers who prioritize usability over fashion trends.

Its upright shape immediately distinguishes it from many competitors. While vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson rely on sharp creases and aggressive styling details, the Forester adopts a cleaner and more straightforward appearance. The tall roofline, large windows, and squared-off rear section maximize visibility and interior space while giving the SUV a confident and purposeful stance.

The Wilderness trim adds a more adventurous personality to the design. Additional body cladding, unique wheels, copper-colored accents, and revised bumpers help communicate its off-road intentions. Unlike many appearance packages offered by competitors, these upgrades are backed by genuine mechanical improvements that support real-world exploration beyond paved roads.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the Forester’s design is that it ages exceptionally well. It may never be the most eye-catching crossover in a crowded parking lot, but its practical shape delivers benefits that owners appreciate every day. Excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and generous cargo capacity all begin with the vehicle’s intelligently designed exterior proportions.

Driving Experience

The driving experience of the 2023 Subaru Forester reflects the vehicle’s overall mission. Rather than prioritizing sporty handling or rapid acceleration, Subaru engineered the Forester to provide confidence, comfort, and capability in a wide variety of driving conditions. That approach may not generate headlines, but it creates a crossover that owners quickly learn to trust.

Around town, the Forester feels remarkably easy to drive. Large windows, thin roof pillars, and an elevated seating position provide outstanding visibility in every direction. Parking lots, narrow streets, and busy intersections become less stressful because drivers can clearly see their surroundings. This is an increasingly rare advantage as many modern SUVs sacrifice visibility for styling.

The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system plays a major role in defining the Forester’s personality. Unlike many competitors that operate primarily as front-wheel-drive vehicles until traction is lost, Subaru’s system continuously distributes power to all four wheels. The result is a planted and predictable feel on wet roads, gravel surfaces, snow-covered highways, and uneven terrain.

Ride quality is another highlight. The suspension absorbs bumps, broken pavement, and rough roads with impressive composure. While some competitors pursue a firmer setup to create a sportier feel, the Forester prioritizes passenger comfort. Long highway journeys become less tiring, and rough backroads are handled with confidence that many compact crossovers struggle to match.

The Forester’s greatest advantage becomes clear when the pavement ends. Dirt trails, forest roads, rocky paths, and muddy conditions are all environments where the Subaru feels completely at home. Ground clearance, AWD capability, and Subaru’s X-Mode traction management system work together to provide a level of off-road confidence that few compact SUVs can approach. For many owners, this capability means reaching remote campsites, hiking trails, and outdoor destinations without needing a dedicated off-road vehicle.

The Wilderness model pushes those abilities even further. Increased ground clearance, specialized gearing, all-terrain tires, and improved approach and departure angles allow it to tackle more challenging terrain than the standard Forester. While it is not intended to replace a dedicated rock crawler, it offers enough capability to satisfy the vast majority of outdoor enthusiasts.

What ultimately separates the Forester from rivals is not speed or excitement but confidence. Whether navigating a snowstorm, carrying camping equipment into the mountains, or simply handling the daily school run, the Forester consistently feels prepared for whatever conditions lie ahead. That sense of security and versatility is the reason so many owners remain loyal to the model year after year.

Performance & Acceleration

The 2023 Subaru Forester relies on a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. On paper, those figures may not stand out in a segment where several competitors now offer turbocharged powertrains, but Subaru’s goal was never outright speed. Instead, the focus remains on predictable performance, reliability, and all-weather capability.

During everyday driving, the engine provides adequate acceleration for commuting, highway merging, and family road trips. Throttle response is smooth and easy to control, making the Forester feel approachable for drivers of all experience levels. It may not deliver the strong surge of power found in turbocharged rivals, but it rarely feels overwhelmed during normal use.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) works to keep the engine operating efficiently while delivering power smoothly. Subaru has refined this transmission over the years, and while it still lacks the engagement of a traditional automatic gearbox, it performs its job effectively. Simulated shift points help reduce the rubber-band sensation often associated with older CVT designs.

Buyers looking for excitement may find the Forester somewhat conservative compared with turbocharged alternatives like certain versions of the Mazda CX-50 or Hyundai Tucson. However, for drivers who prioritize dependability, smooth operation, and confidence in varying weather conditions, the Forester’s powertrain remains a well-matched companion.

Ride Comfort & Cabin Refinement

Comfort has always been one of the Forester’s strongest attributes, and the 2023 model continues that tradition. Subaru’s suspension tuning focuses on absorbing imperfections rather than creating an artificially sporty driving experience. As a result, the Forester feels relaxed and composed on a wide variety of road surfaces.

Broken pavement, expansion joints, potholes, and uneven rural roads are handled with impressive confidence. The suspension isolates occupants from many of the harsh impacts that can make long journeys tiring. Families traveling long distances will particularly appreciate how well the Forester maintains its composure over rough surfaces.

Highway comfort is equally impressive. The cabin remains stable at cruising speeds, and the seats provide excellent support for extended trips. The upright seating position helps reduce fatigue while also improving visibility, creating a more relaxed driving experience during long-distance travel.

Road and wind noise are generally well controlled, although some tire noise can become noticeable on coarse pavement. Even so, the overall refinement level remains competitive within the segment and feels entirely appropriate for a vehicle with genuine off-road capability.

One of the Forester’s greatest strengths is its versatility. It feels comfortable during weekday commuting, relaxed on long road trips, and capable on rough trails. Very few compact SUVs manage to balance these different roles as successfully as the Forester, which helps explain its enduring popularity among active families.

Interior & Practicality

Step inside the 2023 Subaru Forester, and the emphasis on practicality becomes immediately apparent. Unlike some competitors that prioritize dramatic styling at the expense of usability, the Forester’s cabin is designed around the needs of real owners. Every major control is easy to reach, visibility is excellent, and the overall layout feels intuitive from the moment you sit behind the wheel.

The upright body design pays significant dividends inside the cabin. Front-seat passengers enjoy generous headroom and shoulder room, while rear-seat occupants benefit from surprisingly good legroom for a compact SUV. Large door openings make entry and exit simple, a feature that families with children will quickly appreciate.

Material quality is solid throughout the cabin. While the Forester may not deliver the near-luxury feel of a Mazda CX-30, it compensates with durability and functionality. The controls feel robust, the seating surfaces are designed to withstand daily use, and the interior is built to handle years of outdoor adventures.

Storage solutions are plentiful. Door pockets, cupholders, center-console storage areas, and practical cargo compartments make it easy to organize everyday items. Subaru clearly understands that many owners use the Forester for camping trips, sports equipment, family vacations, and outdoor activities.

The Forester’s combination of passenger space, excellent visibility, and practical design makes it one of the most family-friendly vehicles in its class. It may not have the most luxurious cabin, but it is undoubtedly one of the most useful.

Technology & Infotainment

Technology in the 2023 Subaru Forester focuses on functionality rather than visual gimmicks. Subaru’s infotainment system is straightforward, easy to learn, and designed to minimize distractions while driving. While some rivals chase ever-larger screens, the Forester prioritizes usability.

Most trims feature an intuitive touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Smartphone integration works seamlessly, allowing drivers to access navigation, music, messaging, and other familiar applications without a steep learning curve. The system may not be the most advanced in the segment, but it performs its core functions effectively.

The menu structure is logical, physical controls remain available for many commonly used functions, and visibility of the display is generally good in varying lighting conditions. This combination creates an experience that feels practical and user-friendly during daily ownership.

Higher trims add premium features such as upgraded audio systems, larger displays, additional connectivity options, and advanced convenience technologies. While competitors may offer flashier presentations, the Forester succeeds by delivering technology that works consistently and supports the vehicle’s adventure-focused mission without becoming unnecessarily complicated.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy has never been the primary reason buyers choose the Subaru Forester, yet the 2023 model delivers efficiency that remains highly competitive within the compact SUV segment. Subaru has managed to balance all-wheel-drive capability, respectable ground clearance, and everyday practicality without creating a vehicle that feels expensive to operate.

Most Forester models achieve EPA estimates of up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Those figures compare favorably with many direct competitors, particularly considering that every Forester comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Many rivals achieve similar numbers only when equipped with front-wheel drive.

The more rugged Wilderness model sacrifices some efficiency in exchange for additional off-road capability, but the difference is relatively minor. For most owners, the Forester strikes an appealing balance between fuel economy, capability, and real-world usability, making it an excellent choice for both daily commuting and weekend adventures.

Cargo Space & Outdoor Utility

Cargo space is one of the areas where the 2023 Subaru Forester truly separates itself from many competitors. While some compact SUVs prioritize sleek styling and coupe-like rooflines, Subaru focused on maximizing usable space. The result is a vehicle that feels larger and more practical than its exterior dimensions might suggest.

Behind the rear seats, the Forester offers a generous cargo area capable of handling everything from groceries and luggage to sports equipment and camping gear. The wide opening and low load floor make loading heavy items significantly easier than in many competing crossovers. Owners who regularly transport bulky equipment will appreciate how accessible the cargo area feels.

Fold the rear seats down, and the Forester transforms into an impressively versatile hauler. The flat load floor creates enough space for bicycles, outdoor equipment, furniture, and supplies for extended road trips. Families who enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, or other outdoor activities will quickly discover how useful the Forester can be.

The Forester’s outdoor-friendly design extends beyond the cargo area itself. Durable roof rails allow owners to mount cargo boxes, bicycles, kayaks, and rooftop tents. The Wilderness trim further enhances this capability with reinforced roof-rack capacity designed to support more demanding adventure setups.

Perhaps most importantly, the Forester’s utility feels purposeful rather than theoretical. Many SUVs advertise active lifestyles, but the Forester is genuinely engineered for them. Whether you’re carrying camping gear into the mountains, loading sports equipment for the weekend, or preparing for a family road trip, the Forester consistently proves why practicality remains one of its greatest strengths.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety has long been one of Subaru’s defining strengths, and the 2023 Forester continues that tradition with an impressive collection of active and passive safety technologies. Families shopping for a compact SUV will find plenty of reassurance in the Forester’s outstanding safety credentials.

Every Forester comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and other advanced driver-assistance features. Unlike some competitors that reserve these technologies for expensive trims, Subaru makes them widely available throughout the lineup.

One of the most impressive aspects of the EyeSight system is how naturally it operates. Alerts and interventions generally feel smooth and predictable rather than intrusive. The technologies work quietly in the background, helping drivers maintain awareness and avoid potential hazards without becoming a distraction themselves.

The Forester also benefits from excellent crash-test performance. Strong structural engineering, advanced airbag systems, and Subaru’s long-standing commitment to safety have helped the vehicle earn top ratings from major safety organizations. These results reinforce the Forester’s reputation as one of the safest compact SUVs available.

Combined with outstanding visibility, confident all-wheel-drive traction, and advanced driver-assistance systems, the Forester provides a level of security that few competitors can match. For many families, that peace of mind alone is enough to justify placing the Subaru near the top of their shopping list.

Competitors Worth Considering

The compact SUV segment is filled with strong alternatives, and buyers considering the Subaru Forester should also examine several key competitors. The Honda CR-V remains one of the most practical and efficient family SUVs on the market, while the Toyota RAV4 continues to attract buyers with its reputation for reliability and broad model range. The Mazda CX-5 offers a more premium interior and a more engaging driving experience, making it an excellent choice for shoppers who prioritize refinement and road manners.

What separates the Forester from these rivals is its standard all-wheel-drive system, exceptional visibility, and stronger connection to outdoor lifestyles. While the CR-V, RAV4, and CX-5 excel in specific areas, the Subaru combines practicality, safety, capability, and all-weather confidence into a uniquely balanced package. Buyers who frequently travel in snow, rain, or rural environments may find the Forester particularly appealing.

For shoppers who like Subaru’s philosophy but need something different, the brand’s own lineup offers compelling alternatives. The Subaru Crosstrek provides similar rugged character in a smaller and more affordable package, while the all-electric Subaru Solterra targets buyers looking to transition to EV ownership. Those needing additional cargo flexibility and long-distance touring comfort should also consider the Subaru Outback, which blends wagon practicality with SUV capability and remains one of the most versatile vehicles Subaru has ever built.

Which Trim Does Cardrav Recommend?

For most buyers, the Forester Sport represents the sweet spot of the 2023 lineup. It delivers a more distinctive appearance than the lower trims, adds useful convenience features, and avoids the higher price tags attached to the Limited and Touring models. The Sport trim also introduces unique styling details that help the Forester look more modern without sacrificing any of the practicality that makes the vehicle appealing in the first place.

The Sport strikes an excellent balance between value and equipment. Buyers receive upgraded technology, enhanced interior materials, larger wheels, and additional comfort features while keeping ownership costs relatively reasonable. For families looking for a single vehicle that can handle commuting, road trips, and weekend adventures, the Sport trim is difficult to beat.

However, there is one important exception. Buyers who regularly travel on dirt roads, visit remote campsites, tow small trailers, or spend significant time exploring the outdoors should seriously consider the Forester Wilderness. The additional ground clearance, improved off-road hardware, all-terrain tires, and upgraded roof-rack capability make it far more than a cosmetic package. It genuinely expands what the Forester can accomplish away from pavement.

If we were spending our own money, the Sport would be our recommendation for the average driver, while the Wilderness would be our choice for anyone who views outdoor adventures as a regular part of life rather than an occasional weekend activity.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The 2023 Subaru Forester succeeds because it understands its purpose better than many competitors. It does not attempt to be the fastest compact SUV, the most luxurious, or the most fashionable. Instead, it focuses on delivering safety, practicality, comfort, and capability in a package that works exceptionally well for everyday life.

What makes the Forester stand out is its ability to handle situations that many competitors simply are not designed for. Standard all-wheel drive, generous ground clearance, outstanding visibility, and proven off-road capability create a level of confidence that few compact SUVs can match. Whether the challenge is a snow-covered highway, a muddy trail, or a family road trip, the Forester feels prepared.

Its spacious cabin and versatile cargo area further strengthen its appeal. Families will appreciate the room, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the utility, and commuters will appreciate the comfortable ride quality. While rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5 each excel in certain areas, the Forester combines a broader range of strengths into a single well-rounded package.

The Forester is not perfect. Some buyers may want stronger acceleration, a more upscale interior, or more advanced infotainment technology. Yet these compromises feel relatively minor when viewed against the vehicle’s long list of strengths.

For drivers seeking an SUV that prioritizes real-world usefulness over marketing gimmicks, the 2023 Subaru Forester remains one of the smartest choices in the segment. It may not be the vehicle that attracts the most attention in a showroom, but it is often the one owners appreciate more with every passing year.

FAQ

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good SUV for families?

Yes. The Forester is one of the best family-oriented compact SUVs on the market thanks to its spacious cabin, excellent visibility, strong safety ratings, comfortable ride, and versatile cargo area. Its practical design makes daily family life noticeably easier than in many style-focused competitors.

Is the Subaru Forester better than the Toyota RAV4?

The answer depends on priorities. The Toyota RAV4 offers more powertrain choices, including hybrid models, while the Forester provides standard all-wheel drive, better visibility, stronger off-road capability, and a more outdoor-focused personality. Buyers who frequently encounter bad weather or rough roads often prefer the Subaru.

What is special about the Subaru Forester Wilderness?

The Wilderness trim adds increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, revised gearing, upgraded roof-rack capacity, skid-plate protection, and enhanced off-road capability. It is one of the most capable compact SUVs available without moving into the dedicated off-road category.

Does every 2023 Subaru Forester come with all-wheel drive?

Yes. Unlike many competitors that charge extra for AWD, every 2023 Subaru Forester comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This is one of the vehicle’s biggest advantages and a major reason for its popularity in regions with challenging weather.

Which is better for outdoor adventures: Subaru Forester, Crosstrek, or Outback?

The Forester offers the best balance of interior space, cargo capacity, visibility, and off-road capability. The Crosstrek is smaller and more affordable, while the Outback provides greater cargo flexibility and long-distance comfort. For most families who enjoy outdoor activities, the Forester remains the most balanced choice of the three.