Used 2023 Subaru Forester Consumer Reviews
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It’s Awesome!
BarbT, 04/01/2023
updated 10/03/2024
2023 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
63 of 63 people found this review helpful
My first Subaru. I bought the 2023 Forester Touring model. There are remarks about the acceleration being lackluster but I find nothing wrong with it and I’ve been driving a big engine truck. Gas mileage is very good. It is extremely comfortable and a pleasure to drive! Six months and 4000 miles in and I still love it!
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Subaru number 7
Donald S, 07/03/2023
2023 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
61 of 61 people found this review helpful
Ordered my 2023 Forester Premium from the factory , on 3/22/2023 and it was delivered on 5/22/2023. I custom ordered the way I wanted it, color, packages and accessories. Every review I read has the engine underpowered. Not true, it pulls mountains with no effort, you can go as fast as you wish. The engine runs at 1,500 RPM @ 60 MPH and gets 35.6 MPG. Love the styling inside and outside, and all the safety features that come standard.
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2023 Subaru Forester for sale near you
3 of 65 listings
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $32,99832 mi away
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $23,99932 mi away
- Wilderness 4dr SUVMSRP: $28,99164 mi away
See all 65 listings
Visibility Champion
Jeff, 08/29/2023
2023 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
90 of 91 people found this review helpful
I test drove several compact SUVs including a CR-V, HR-V, Corolla Cross, Crosstrek, CX-5. I limited it to these models as reliability was an ultimate consideration to me; it has to last >200k miles. I'm not getting a new vehicle every 5 years, try 10-15. I didn't expect to like the Forester so much, I saw so many older ones on the streets and they looked too boxy. These newer ones are nicer, still not as sexy as the CX-5 or something. But then I drove it...SO much visibility. My wife, daughters are going to drive this thing and sitting up straight, having great visibility is key. I don't know what the reviewers are talking about underpowered, it was zippy enough enough especially in 'S' mode. I test drove an HR-V too and THAT describes underpowered. FWIW, my other cars are an older Matrix, Sienna, daughter's Yaris, not exactly drag racers sooo maybe expectations are different here. I love all the newer safety features, the EyeSight stuff is great and I got the blind spot monitor too. All the safety stuff I wanted. Never had automatic steering before, so that takes some getting used to. There are enough fun controls to satisfy my inner geek. The sunroof is crazy big. Haven't gotten a chance to drive it in snow or mud, but of course AWD and good clearance were important as this is our daily driver for any weather. I liked the CR-V, definitely a close second, but this is just a little better in some ways to my estimation. Better visibility for smaller stature drivers like my wife and kids for sure, and honestly I really love it too. I think a lot of reviewers miss the difference talking about vehicles and the importance of situational awareness for them. It's a big deal...when I went to the dealership I thought the Crosstrek looked better from the outside, but inside is where it counts for driving and the Forester is better than all I tested. I like the better clearance, more refined AWD for poor weather. I'm not denigrating any of the others I tested, but this just meets more of my needs. Great cargo space while still maintaining decent fuel efficiency, great reliability, safety features, and superior visibility.
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28K miles and 18 months later
NP, 02/23/2023
updated 08/29/2024
2023 Subaru Forester Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
85 of 86 people found this review helpful
I think I did a fair amount of research before buying. And I actually physically looked at the competition in the category. No Buyers remorse here! The Forester feels so much bigger than all the rest with a more open cabin feel instead of “cock-pit” feel. The back seat is super roomy with loads of leg room even with the front seats fully in the back position and is positioned so that you have a full view thru the windows since the seat is set higher. With wider doors on both the front and back, entry into the vehicle is much easier. And the finish details on our Touring model far outstripped others. It has a more elegant feel and is real leather compared to synthetic materials. Packed with technology and great stability it has been a delight to drive. Aug 2024 - UPDATE. I watch and read a lot of the "professional" reviews on YouTube etc - many compare the 0-60 acceleration rate. Most of the comparable models only differ by a couple of seconds and who buys a compact SUV to race!!? It has plenty of power to merge and pass and I haven't had any problems. (My last car was an Infiniti G35S with a V6, 305 HP so I know what a fast car can be!) After 18 months of ownership still am convinced I bought the right vehicle! Solid construction and details on how they put together trim pieces and other finishes makes Subaru a great choice. City MPG is less than stated but highway MPG is consistently higher especially at 60-65 MPH when I can get up to 38 MPG. Comparable models with similar technology and AWD will cost thousands more. And I really like the integrated screen instead of an iPad stuck on the dash!
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Nice SUV - Great power
Gus, 04/12/2023
2023 Subaru Forester Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
50 of 51 people found this review helpful
I just got my new 2023 forester 2.5i. It is georgeus, great power and nice features. The CVT gearbox rides smooth and the paddle shifts simulate nicely the different gears if you want to feel the car in a manual drive mode. The drive position and the feeling is great. Better that others I tested before the purchase. The engine is powerful enough and you feel good power on roads. I drove it almost 500 kms on mountains and it feels peppy to pass other cars. I love it. Great purchase, roomy and a lot of safety features. Great car overall.
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