2023 Subaru Forester Owner’s Manual

The Subaru Forester does precisely what is promised, but nothing more. If you are looking for a compact crossover that will wow you in any department, this isn’t it.

Instead, the Forester offers a reliable and practical option with passable features and a modest driving experience that will respond to all your requests without protest. Plus, since the nameplate underwent a styling refresh with the 2022 model, the new Subaru Forester carries over the formula from the previous year with no changes.

The one department where the Subaru Forester does put up a decent fight for top contention is its onboard storage and roominess.

Since this nameplate is not offered with a third-row option, every trim comes with generous legroom, even with its back-row bench seat, creating guaranteed comfort for back passengers on longer road trips.

You also get ample storage space (especially with the rear seat stowed) that rivals the Honda CR-V and beats most of the competition in its weight class. There is also an abundance of well-placed storage cubbies around the rest of the cabin that boosts the Forester’s practicality further, as well as a setup that makes hauling gear either behind or atop the SUV super easy.

However, while the 2023 Subaru Forester does its best to impress by endearing itself to outdoorsy folks, it might be a letdown for those who prefer spruced-up interiors. While the interior on the range-topping Touring model is a step above with caramel-themed leather seats and paneling, most other trims will be far too spartan for most.

The 2023 Forester also retains the same lazy flat-four 2.5-liter engine from last year that outputs 182 horsepower paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and Subaru’s ubiquitous all-wheel-drive system.