The 2022 Forester has just arrived and it comes with lots of updates. Logically, we are talking about the fourth production year of the generation, which is the time when Subaru usually makes mid-cycle updates. Those who are familiar with Subaru’s policy know very well what to expect from the 2023 Subaru Forester, which will represent the fifth and the last model year of the current generation. In other words, we expect to see no notable updates, with familiar design characteristics and features.
In other words, you may count on a versatile crossover, which still has a lot of great things to offers. We like its spacious and practical cabin, which is also very well-built. Furthermore, there is a long list of safety features, while the familiar 2.5-liter flat-four engine delivers an adequate amount of power. Naturally, AWD is standard, while the ground clearance is also pretty good for the class.
Considering that there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Subaru Forester will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2022.
2023 Subaru Forester Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Subaru Forester will represent the final production year of the generation. Therefore, we don’t expect to see any particular change for the next year. The overall layout will remain the same, which means you may count on a design that’s based on the company’s new modular architecture, which is used for pretty much all models in the lineup. This SUV doesn’t have any sporty pretensions, but the handling is pretty good. At the same time, the vehicle is comfortable and easy to drive.
Visually, you may count on all the novelties that were introduced for the 2022 model year, which include subtle changes at the front end, new color options, wheels etc. Also, there is a new version called Wilderness, which adds a bit of off-roading flavor in aesthetics and also brings a couple of mechanical upgrades, mostly in terms of suspension and higher ground clearance.
Interior
The same thing goes for interior design. Not many things have changed since the initial launch and we don’t expect that anything will change for the 2023 Subaru Forester either. That’s actually not a bad thing. This crossover features a well-built cabin, which looks very nice in all trim levels. The materials are really good, while the build quality is also great. We also like the ergonomics, while the driving position is high and ensures good visibility in all directions.
When it comes to interior space, this is one of the class leaders. Both rows are very generous with leg and headroom, while the front seats are massive and supportive. The cargo area offers some of the highest ratings among compact crossovers. You may count on up to 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 76.1 in total, which is more than you get in Toyota RAV4 but slightly less compared to Honda CR-V.
Features
Once again, we don’t expect bigger changes. The list of standard equipment should remain pretty much the same as in the current model, which comes standard with goodies like automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch touch screen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth, and four speakers.
You can find a lot of interesting upgrades in the offer. Some of the highlights are things like an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, two additional USB ports, navigation, panoramic roof, dual-zone climate control etc.
When it comes to safety features, all models should come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, and lane keep assist.
2023 Subaru Forester Engine
The 2023 Subaru Forester will continue with a familiar 2.5-liter flat-four, which comes in pair with a CVT gearbox. This naturally-aspirated engine is good for about 182 horsepower. It doesn’t have sporty pretensions but driving dynamics are quite decent. The Forester needs around 8.5 seconds to hit 60 mph, which seems enough for most drivers.
More importantly, you may count on Subaru’s famous all-wheel-drive system, as well as on pretty impressive fuel economy. This SUV returns 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. That is better than most 2WD rivals and, generally, a pretty impressive rating for a compact SUV.
2023 Subaru Forester Release Date and Price
Since there are no bigger changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Subaru Forester will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of 2022. The base price should go around 26.000 dollars. Some of the key competitors are models like Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, Chevy Equinox, etc.
