Subaru is achieving record-breaking sales of the Forester. The compact crossover SUV class is the most popular segment in the market. Even during the 2020 season, which was slowed down by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese company managed to sell an equal number of vehicles to the previous season. Now, they redesigned the crossover for 2022 YM, meaning the 2023 Subaru Forester will arrive unchanged.
Well, we are speaking about the styling. On the other hand, there is plenty of room for improvement. The company should focus on the drivetrain system. The SVT transmission is not so smooth. Drivers are not happy with it, especially fans of the Boxer engine. The towing capacity is also below par for the class. Nevertheless, if you need more hauling potential, then there are Ascent and Outback. Finally, the 2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid would be a logical upgrade and the thing the vehicle needs to stay competitive.
Highlights of the upcoming crossover are the fresh styling, flat-four Boxer engine, safety, and cool standard equipment. But, there is room for more. Besides a hybrid drivetrain, the company might expand the lineup with the 2023 Subaru Forester XT Turbo unit. Finally, if you are a fan of off-road drive, the Wilderness model is enhancing skills on the toughest terrains. There are five more trim levels available as well.
Boxer Specifications
Under the hood of the 2023 Subaru Forester is a 2.5-liter flat-four engine. The Boxer unit has a low center of gravity, delivering a unique driving impression. Once tested, the Forester becomes the favorite vehicle. The system is good for 182 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission is the weakness of the engine system. Still, Subaru sticks to this combo. The company makes it up with good off-road skills. The Forester is sitting 8.7 inches above the ground and gains extra 0.5 inches with the Wilderness edition. The gas mileage is impressive, having in mind that all crossovers are equipped with the 4×4 system. The output reaches 34 mpg on highways.
2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid and Turbo Engine
Still, the lack of optional engines is the downside. That is why fans are bidding about the best possible upgrade of the lineup. The most logical choice should be the 2023 Subaru Forester Hybrid. The configuration should boost the power output, as well as the gas mileage. That will definitely make the crossover more competitive, especially against leaders in this segment, sitting above 40 mpg.
The 2023 Subaru Forester Turbo is also an option. The XT model was the part of the lineup in the past. But, with the arrival of the latest generation in 2018, the company discontinued the turbo engine. Slow sales is the main reason. But, it is a mystery why buyers were not after this setup, especially having in mind that all owners praised the Forester XT Turbo. Engineers have to improve the system, especially the CVT transmission. If the Forester Turbo comes back, it will be tuned to around 250 horsepower.
Standard Packages
Wide choice of options is what makes the crossover so special. The base price is higher, but have in mind that 4×4 is in the standard package. Besides that, the entry-level version is going to offer 17-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, Starlink infotainment with the latest services for smart devices, and an automatic climate. The EyeSight safety package includes lane departure alert and lane keep assist, as well as the adaptive cruise control.
The Premium model upgrades the offer with alloy wheels, fog lights, roof rails, and a panoramic sunroof. The all-weather package is also included, with floor mats, heated seats and a steering wheel. Blind-spot monitors improve safety. This package also delivers power tailgate and drive modes.
You can recognize the 2023 Subaru Forester Sport thanks to the set of 18-inch wheels, while leather wraps seats and steering wheel inside the cockpit. With the Sport package, buyers will be eligible to add premium audio, navigation, and automatic brakes for reverse. In the Limited package, you are getting a larger touchscreen display and leather upholstery. Touring it the high-end trim. Memory settings for the driver’s bucket and power-adjustable passenger seat are notable upgrades. The company is going to develop further the driver monitoring system, that detects fatigue.
2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness
The star of the lineup will be the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness. The company is going to enhance off-road skills with unique upgrades. First of all, the Wilderness model will be lifted by 0.5 inches, creating a total gap of 9.2 inches under the body. No other compact crossover can beat this ground clearance. Special wheels and all-terrain tires are standard, as well as numerous body cladding. Wheel arches, hexagonal lights, and skid plates are just some of the elements you will find on the 2023 Forester Wilderness.
Source: Motor Authority
2023 Subaru Forester Prices
The MSRP for the 2023 Subaru Forester starts at $27,000. It is above the competition. However, 4WD is included, and it will cost you about $2,000 on those crossovers priced below the Forester. Premium package is the best-buy at $30,000. Add $3,000 more, and the Sport model becomes available. Limited and Touring will cost $2,000 and another $2k above that.
