How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 4.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,642 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $26,965.39, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Subaru Forester earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its safety features, reliable performance, and overall value, and they also like the smooth driving experience and comfortable interior. The Forester’s standard AWD capability and rugged design come through as recurring positives, especially if you want an SUV that fits outdoor use and everyday errands. In practical terms, it suits you best if you value usefulness, confidence in bad weather, and a roomy cabin more than excitement. Good and great deals account for 33.2% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. User feedback also points to reliable performance, and the expert review describes Subaru’s cost-effectiveness as supporting good reliability over time.

The Forester’s standard AWD setup and practical, confidence-inspiring road manners reinforce that dependable character. Subaru also tunes the drivetrain and chassis for trustworthy handling, which helps the SUV feel composed in everyday use. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that some of the model’s weaknesses — especially the engine’s limited punch and the CVT — may matter more as mileage climbs.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Subaru Forester?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not guaranteed. Prioritize a thorough inspection of the drivetrain, cabin condition, and any signs that the vehicle has been used hard off pavement. Focus on whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you’re considering, since equipment changes meaningfully across the lineup.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base trim leaves out blind-spot monitoring, and the cabin is simpler than higher trims with more upscale materials and features.
• Powertrain: Every Forester uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT; it is adequate, but not quick, and there is no turbocharged or electrified option.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the standard driver-assistance suite, and blind-spot monitoring is unavailable on Base, optional on Premium, and standard on all other trims. Automatic Emergency Steering comes with blind-spot monitoring.
• Infotainment: Base trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto; an 8-inch screen is available, and Premium adds satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services.
• Fuel efficiency: The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on the test route, and the official EPA combined rating is 29 mpg.

Which 2023 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2023 Subaru Forester is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: It gives you the essentials, but you miss blind-spot monitoring and the more upscale cabin touches found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: Premium is the best value if you want a stronger feature set, including blind-spot monitoring availability, X-Mode, and more connected-tech capability.
• Premium/top trim: Touring is the most luxurious choice, with the 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, Harman Kardon audio, Saddle Brown leather, and DriverFocus.
• Off-road trim: Wilderness is the one to choose if you want the most capability, but it is the least natural fit for typical daily driving.

EyeSight is standard, and blind-spot monitoring is unavailable on Base, optional on Premium, and standard on all other trims.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting deep distress pricing.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,642 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 89.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,965.39, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $27,430 sits slightly below last year's $28,620.

That softer pricing can help you buy more carefully now, but it also suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation. For a future seller, that means your resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim desirability rather than just model-year freshness. The Forester’s practical reputation should help sustain demand, especially among shoppers who want standard AWD and a roomy cabin.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2023 Forester earns a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and five-star ratings across the board from NHTSA, plus a four-star rollover resistance rating.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard EyeSight suite is the big safety story this year, with updated software and cameras that widen the field of view. Subaru also adds Automatic Emergency Steering when blind-spot monitoring is equipped, and blind-spot monitoring itself is unavailable on Base, optional on Premium, and standard on the rest of the lineup. The Touring trim adds DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, while Rear Automatic Braking comes on Wilderness and Touring and is optional on Limited. IIHS also notes weaker results in side-impact and small-overlap frontal testing, so you should weigh that carefully if safety is your top priority.

Should I buy a 2023 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 89.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.16% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,897, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $27,430 average.
• It adds fresh design details, upgraded EyeSight tech, and improved utility features.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of updated safety tech, broad practicality, and current-market inventory, the 2023 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the Forester’s core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.