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    2023 Subaru Forester

    Used from

    $37,890 excl. on-roads

    8

    CarExpert Rating

    Safety Rating

    5

    Warranty

    5 year

    Fuel Efficiency

    6.7 - 7.4 L / 100km

    About the Subaru Forester

    Last updated Dec 18, 2024

    The 2023 Subaru Forester has had its asking prices increased, alongside a couple of minor specification adjustments.

    Orders are now open at Subaru dealers and 2023 model year Forester deliveries are “anticipated to commence” in the fourth quarter of 2022.

    All 2023 Subaru Forester models have had prise rises ranging between $1900 and $2150, depending on the variant, which Subaru Australia claims are due to “an increase in the costs associated with production and logistics”.

    Select variants have had some minor specification changes, with the high-spec Forester 2.5i Sport, 2.5i-S and Hybrid S all now getting an auto-dimming rear-view mirror as standard.

    Further, the outgoing range’s Dark Blue Pearl exterior paint option has been replaced Sapphire Blue Pearl.

    Pros

    Cons

    See Subaru Forester models from other years

    Subaru Forester News

    2023 Subaru Forester Price

    Premium

    ConfigurationPrice From*
    2.5L, Automatic, 5-door SUV, Petrol, 4x4$43,090

    Base

    ConfigurationPrice From*
    2.5L, Automatic, 5-door SUV, Petrol, 4x4$37,890

    Sport

    ConfigurationPrice From*
    2.5L, Automatic, 5-door SUV, Petrol, 4x4$44,840
    *excl. on-roads

    2023 Subaru Forester Specs

    See our comprehensive details for the Subaru Forester

    Base

    • Air conditioning
      • Air Conditioning Type: Fully-auto
      • Climate Control Number Of Zones: 2
    • Airbags
      • Number Of: 7
    • Anti collision system
      • Activates Brake Lights
      • Automatic Emergency Braking
      • Brakes At Low Speed: Front
      • Emergency Driver Intervention Inc Park
      • Operates Above 50 Kph/30 Mph
      • Operates Below 50 Kph/30 Mph
      • Pedestrian & Cyclist Avoidance System
      • Visual/acoustic Warning
    • Audio system
      • Colour Screen
      • Digital Radio
      • In-dash Cd
      • Radio: Am/fm
      • Touch Screen
    • Autonomous drive
      • Active Lane Control
      • Highway Assist
      • Level: 2 - Partial Automation
    • Black trim
      • Around Side Windows
    • Blind spot monitor
      • Active Without Turn Signal
      • Buzzer
      • Manufacturer's Code: Blind Spot Monitoring (bsm)
    • Bluetooth
      • Includes Music Streaming
      • Includes Phone Control
    • Cargo area cover/rear parcel shelf
      • Type: Flexible
    • Connection to ext.entertainment devices
      • Usb Connection Front
      • Total Number Of Usb Connections Front: 2
      • Total Number Of Usb Connections Rear: 2
    • Cruise control
      • Adaptive Cruise Control (acc)
      • Stop/go Function: Stop & Go
    • Display screen
      • Concealable Screen: No
      • Orientation: Fixed
      • Screen Size (in): 4.20
      • Screen Size (in): 6.30
      • Screen Size (in): 8.00
      • Touch Screen
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Black
      • Type: Electrically Adjustable
    • Electrical system
      • Voltage (v): 12
    • Facial/gesture control
      • Location: Front
    • Front seat
      • Height Type: Manual
      • Number Of Electrical Adjustments: None
      • Reach Type: Manual
      • Reclining Type: Manual
      • Type: Bucket
    • Head rests
      • Number: 3
    • Headlight control
      • Directional Headlights
      • Dusk Sensor
      • Height Adjustment: Automatic
    • Headlights
      • Bulb Type (high Beam): Led
      • Bulb Type (low Beam): Led
      • Lens Type: Ellipsoidal
    • Internal dimensions
      • Headroom Front (in): 41.4
      • Headroom Front: 1052
      • Headroom Rear (in): 39.8
      • Headroom Rear: 1012
      • Hip Room Front (in): 53.9
      • Hip Room Front: 1369
      • Hip Room Rear (in): 53.0
      • Hip Room Rear: 1346
      • Leg Room Front (in): 43.0
      • Leg Room Front: 1093
      • Leg Room Rear (in): 36.8
      • Leg Room Rear: 935
      • Shoulder Room Front (in): 57.0
      • Shoulder Room Front: 1448
      • Shoulder Room Rear (in): 56.5
      • Shoulder Room Rear: 1434
    • Lane departure warning
      • Activates Steering
      • Maximum Speed Kph For Operation: 145
      • Maximum Speed Mph For Operation: 90
    • Luxury trim
      • On Centre Floor Console: Alloy Look
      • On Dash: Alloy Look
      • On Gear Selector: Piano Black
    • Mobile Integration
      • Android Auto
      • Android Number Of Months Subscription: 999
      • Apple Carplay
      • Apple Number Of Months Subscription Inc: 999
    • Paint
      • Type: Mica
    • Parking distance system
      • Type: Camera
    • Power locks
      • Operation: Card Key
    • Rear cross traffic collision avoidance
      • Type: Sensor
    • Rear door
      • Type: Lifting Gate
    • Rear seats
      • Folding: 40/60
      • Folds Electrically
      • Reclining Type: Manual
      • Remote Folding
      • Seating Capacity: 3
      • Type: Bench
    • Rear window
      • Type: Fixed
      • Wipers: Intermittent
    • Remote audio controls
      • Type: Steering Wheel Mounted
    • Seat upholstery
      • Additional Seat Material: Cloth
      • Main Seat Material: Cloth
    • Seating
      • Seating Capacity: 5
      • Seating Configuration: 2+3
    • Smart card / smart key
      • Includes Keyless Entry
      • Includes Keyless Start
    • Spare wheel
      • Rim Type: Steel
      • Type: Fullsize
    • Speakers
      • Number Of: 6
    • Steering wheel
      • Height Adjustment
      • Multi-function
      • Telescopic Adjustment
      • Type: Leather Covered
    • USB charging port
      • Number: 2
    • Vanity mirror
      • Illuminated
    • Ventilation system
      • Digital Display
      • Engine Heater
    • Voice activating system
      • Includes Audio Player
      • Includes Phone Functions
      • Virtual Assistant: Other
    • Warranty anti-corrosion
      • Distance: Unlimited Km
      • Duration (months): 60
    • Warranty powertrain - OEM
      • Distance (km): Unlimited Km
      • Duration (months): 60
    • Warranty powertrain - Total
      • Distance: Unlimited Km
      • Duration (months): 60
    • Warranty roadside assistance
      • Distance: Unlimited Km
      • Duration (months): 12
    • Warranty whole vehicle - OEM
      • Distance (km): Unlimited Km
      • Duration (months): 60
    • Warranty whole vehicle - Total
      • Distance: Unlimited Km
      • Duration (months): 60
    • Windscreen wipers
      • Intermittent Wipe: Automatic
      • Rain Sensor

    L

    Adds to Base:
    • Anti collision system
      • Brakes At Low Speed: Front And Rear
      • Driver Monitor
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Alloy
      • Colour: Painted
      • Indicator Lights
    • Driver modes
      • Includes Engine Mapping
      • Includes Traction Control
    • Electric Power source
      • Battery Amp-hour (ah): 4.8
      • Battery Cell Count: 32
      • Battery Supplier: Panasonic
      • Battery Type: Lithium Ion
      • Battery Voltage (v): 118
      • Battery Voltage (v): 118.0
      • Manufacturer's Name: Panasonic
      • Max Wireless Charging Kw: 0.0
      • Maximum Battery Kilowatt Hour (kwh): 0.60
    • Electric motor
      • Electric Motor Type: Ac Perm Magnet Synchronous
      • Max Torque Motor Nm: 66
      • Power Output Motor Hp/ps: 16.5
      • Power Output Motor Kw: 12.3
    • Energy recuperation
      • Engine
    • Front seat
      • Heated
    • Headlight control
      • Active High Beam
      • Matrix
    • Hybrid type
      • Hybrid Type: Mild Hybrid
    • Parking distance system
      • Type: Sensor & Camera
    • Secondary engine power
      • Maximum Power Hp/ps: 150
      • Maximum Power Kw: 110
      • Maximum Torque Nm: 196
      • Rpm For Maximum Power (low): 6000
      • Rpm For Maximum Torque (low): 4000
    • Spare wheel
      • Rim Type: Alloy
    • Warranty battery
      • Distance (km): 160,000 Km
      • Duration (months): 96
    • Warranty electric systems
      • Distance (km): 160,000 Km
      • Duration (months): 96
    Removes from Base:
    • Anti collision system
      • Brakes At Low Speed: Front
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Black
    • Spare wheel
      • Rim Type: Steel

    Premium

    Adds to L:
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Dipping For Reversing: Automatic
    • Front seat
      • Electrically Adjustable
      • Height Type: Electric
      • Height Type: Memory
      • Number Of Electrical Adjustments: 4
      • Reach Type: Electric
      • Reach Type: Memory
      • Reclining Type: Electric
      • Reclining Type: Memory
    • Memorized adjustment
      • Door Mirror Position
    • Navigational systems
      • Controls: Touch Screen
      • Information Type: 3d And Voice
      • Screen Size (in): 8.00
      • Traffic Info
    • Rear seats
      • Electrically Adjustable
    • Seat upholstery
      • Additional Seat Material: Upgraded Cloth/velour
      • Main Seat Material: Upgraded Cloth/velour
    • Smart card / smart key
      • Includes Memory Seat Adjustments
    • Voice activating system
      • Includes Navigation System
    Removes from L:
    • Black trim
      • Around Side Windows
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Alloy
    • Electric Power source
      • Battery Amp-hour (ah): 4.8
      • Battery Cell Count: 32
      • Battery Supplier: Panasonic
      • Battery Type: Lithium Ion
      • Battery Voltage (v): 118
      • Battery Voltage (v): 118.0
      • Manufacturer's Name: Panasonic
      • Max Wireless Charging Kw: 0.0
      • Maximum Battery Kilowatt Hour (kwh): 0.60
    • Electric motor
      • Electric Motor Type: Ac Perm Magnet Synchronous
      • Max Torque Motor Nm: 66
      • Power Output Motor Hp/ps: 16.5
      • Power Output Motor Kw: 12.3
    • Energy recuperation
      • Engine
    • Front seat
      • Height Type: Manual
      • Number Of Electrical Adjustments: None
      • Reach Type: Manual
      • Reclining Type: Manual
    • Hybrid type
      • Hybrid Type: Mild Hybrid
    • Seat upholstery
      • Additional Seat Material: Cloth
      • Main Seat Material: Cloth
    • Secondary engine power
      • Maximum Power Hp/ps: 150
      • Maximum Power Kw: 110
      • Maximum Torque Nm: 196
      • Rpm For Maximum Power (low): 6000
      • Rpm For Maximum Torque (low): 4000
    • Warranty battery
      • Distance (km): 160,000 Km
      • Duration (months): 96
    • Warranty electric systems
      • Distance (km): 160,000 Km
      • Duration (months): 96

    Sport

    Adds to Premium:
    • Black trim
      • Around Side Windows
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Black
    • Rear view mirror/camera
      • Auto-dimming
    • Sunroof
      • Operation: Electric
      • Type: Glass
    Removes from Premium:
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Painted

    S

    Adds to Sport:
    • Audio system
      • System Power (w): 440
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Alloy
      • Colour: Toned
      • Heated
    • Electric Power source
      • Battery Amp-hour (ah): 4.8
      • Battery Cell Count: 32
      • Battery Supplier: Panasonic
      • Battery Type: Lithium Ion
      • Battery Voltage (v): 118
      • Battery Voltage (v): 118.0
      • Manufacturer's Name: Panasonic
      • Max Wireless Charging Kw: 0.0
      • Maximum Battery Kilowatt Hour (kwh): 0.60
    • Electric motor
      • Electric Motor Type: Ac Perm Magnet Synchronous
      • Max Torque Motor Nm: 66
      • Power Output Motor Hp/ps: 16.5
      • Power Output Motor Kw: 12.3
    • Energy recuperation
      • Engine
    • Hybrid type
      • Hybrid Type: Mild Hybrid
    • Internal dimensions
      • Headroom Front (in): 40.0
      • Headroom Front: 1015
      • Headroom Rear (in): 37.5
      • Headroom Rear: 952
    • Luxury trim
      • On Dash: Synthetic Leather
    • Seat upholstery
      • Additional Seat Material: Leather
      • Main Seat Material: Leather
    • Secondary engine power
      • Maximum Power Hp/ps: 150
      • Maximum Power Kw: 110
      • Maximum Torque Nm: 196
      • Rpm For Maximum Power (low): 6000
      • Rpm For Maximum Torque (low): 4000
    • Speakers
      • Brand Name: Harman/kardon
      • Number Of: 8
      • Subwoofer
    • Terrain type selection
      • Includes Tr/esp Adjustment
    • Warranty battery
      • Distance (km): 160,000 Km
      • Duration (months): 96
    • Warranty electric systems
      • Distance (km): 160,000 Km
      • Duration (months): 96
    Removes from Sport:
    • Black trim
      • Around Side Windows
    • Door mirrors/cameras
      • Colour: Black
    • Internal dimensions
      • Headroom Front (in): 41.4
      • Headroom Front: 1052
      • Headroom Rear (in): 39.8
      • Headroom Rear: 1012
    • Seat upholstery
      • Additional Seat Material: Upgraded Cloth/velour
      • Main Seat Material: Upgraded Cloth/velour
    • Speakers
      • Number Of: 6
    See all 2023 Subaru Forester Specs

    New Subaru Forester deals

    Special Edition Subaru Forester 2.5i Luxury AWD

    Driveaway deal

    Subaru Forester 2.5i Luxury AWD now available from $43,990 Drive Away*.

    CarExpert driveaway from
    $43,990
    You save from
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    Special Edition Subaru Forester STI Sport AWD - From $52,990 driveaway*

    Driveaway deal

    For generations, Subaru has been a celebration of sport meets style, and our special edition Subaru Forester STI Sport AWD is the ultimate expression of this legacy. And now you cna get one now from $52,990 driveaway* Imagine the SUV that’s always been trusted by Australian families now adds sport handling and a sleek look to every adventure. And you can be one of the first to experience it with us.

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    2023 Subaru Forester Dimensions

    1730mm
    1815mm
    4640mm

    The dimensions shown above are for the base model.

    See all 2023 Subaru Forester Dimensions

    2023 Subaru Forester Boot Space

    Boot space with the rear seats upright is 498L in petrol models and 509L in the hybrid variants.

    This expands to 1779L in the hybrid variants, while that figure is 1768L in all regular petrol models except for the Sport and 2.5i-S where it’s 1740L.

    2023 Subaru Forester Exterior

    Subaru refreshed the exterior design of the Forester for the 2022 model year which brought a revised front bumper and grille, as well as new headlights and fog lights, among other minor design changes.

    2023 Subaru Forester Interior

    You are treated to a practical, sensible interior with plenty of space for the whole family.

    The seats are trimmed in what feels like high-quality leather, and neatly balance softness with support. With heating and electric adjustment, you couldn’t ask for much more.

    Facing the driver is a leather-trimmed steering wheel featuring plenty of buttons. There are 17 on the wheel, and that doesn’t include the paddle shifters. Bundle in controls for the active safety down by the driver’s right knee, as well as a trip reset button behind the wheel, and there’s a bit going on.

    The rear seats were a strong point when this Forester generation launched, and time hasn’t changed that. With a tall, boxy roofline and massive windows, it feels much brighter back there than in some of its more style-focused rivals.

    Even with a panoramic sunroof fitted the Forester has enough headroom for tall teens, and legroom is good behind taller adults. The bench itself is plush, and is wide enough for three people to sit across without too much trouble.

    You get air vents, two USB ports, a fold-down armrest, and two-tiered pockets behind the front seats, along with door pockets that comfortably swallow a water bottle.

    Speaking of the rear doors, the fact they open to almost 90 degrees makes it easier to load a child seat into the Forester than some of its rivals.

    2023 Subaru Forester Infotainment

    the infotainment system is functional. Wireless smartphone mirroring would be nice, given it’s rolling out in the Forester’s rivals, but you still get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the factory system blends a logical layout with bright, crisp graphics.

    It also has factory mapping. The shortcut buttons and volume/tuning dials below the screen are both welcome in a world that’s going touch-only, but the taller screens in the new Outback and WRX make the dash in the Forester look a bit old.

    Like the Outback and WRX, the Forester has a facial recognition system. It can remember up to five drivers, and moves the seats and configures the infotainment system when it works out who’s behind the wheel. It also chimes when you take your eyes off the road, which sounds good in theory but tends to jump at shadows in practice.

    The clear analogue dials flank a 4.2-inch trip computer with a huge range of layouts, including a digital speedo. At just shy of $50k though, they’re old-fashioned compared with the digital options Hyundai and Kia offer in their mid-sized SUVs.

    It partners a horizontal display atop the dashboard, capable of showing fuel economy, media information, a breakdown of your active safety systems, or details about your all-wheel drive system.

    The hybrid also features displays showing what’s happening with your petrol engine and e-motor, which usually serves to show you how little the electric bits are doing… but more on that later.

    They’re both useful, but both have their quirks. You lose your dash-top display in favour of an EyeSight graphic when cruise is engaged, for example, and unless you’re particular with how you set the screens up it’s easy to have the same information on show in three places.

    2023 Subaru Forester Safety Rating

    ANCAP awarded the Subaru Forester with a five-star safety score in 2019, based on scores of 94 per cent for adult occupant protection, 86 per cent for child occupant protection, 80 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 78 per cent for safety assist.

    Standard safety equipment on all 2023 Subaru Forester models includes:

    • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
    • Blind-spot monitoring
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Lane-keep assist
    • Lane centring
    • Autonomous emergency steering
    • Adaptive cruise control

    All bar the base 2.5i come standard with a facial recognition camera to detect driver drowsiness or distraction, as well as rear AEB.

    2023 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy

    The 2023 Subaru Forester consumes 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle, or 6.7L/100km in the hybrid.

    All Foresters run on 91RON regular unleaded fuel. The regular petrol models have a 63L fuel tank while the hybrid has a 48L tank.

    Subaru ForesterFuel TypeCombined
    2.5L, Automatic, 5-door SUV, Petrol, 4x4Unleaded7.4 L/100km
    See all Subaru Forester Fuel Economy

    Cost of ownership

    What are the running and servicing costs of a Subaru Forester?

    For non-hybrid models they cost $1277.90 and $2422.38 respectively, while the Hybrid’s cost $1288.24 and $2439.60.

    How does the 2023 Subaru Forester drive?

    Our expert take on Subaru Forester drivability.

    Non-hybrid variants of the 2023 Subaru Forester are powered by a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four engine producing 136kW of power and 239Nm of torque. This is mated to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.

    Hybrid variants of the 2023 Subaru Forester are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 100kW and 196Nm with an electric motor producing 12kW and 66Nm, and a lithium-ion battery pack. This is also mated to a CVT with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.

    2023 Subaru Forester Colours

    What colours are available for the Subaru Forester

    The 2023 Subaru Forester is available in the following exterior paint colours, depending on variant.

    • Crystal White Pearl
    • Ice Silver Metallic
    • Brilliant Bronze Metallic
    • Crimson Red Pearl
    • Autumn Green Metallic
    • Horizon Blue Pearl
    • Cascade Green Silica
    • Magnetite Grey Metallic
    • Crystal Black Silica
    • Sapphire Blue Pearl (NEW)

    2023 Subaru Forester Warranty

    The 2023 Subaru Forester has a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, plus an eight-year and 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid’s lithium-ion battery.

    Subaru offers three- and five-year servicing plans.

    Should you buy the 2023 Subaru Forester

    Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.

    Subaru Forester FAQs

    The cheapest Subaru Forester is the Base that starts from $37,890.

    The most expensive Subaru Forester is the S that starts from $49,340.

    The best towing capacity of a Subaru Forester is 1800 kg offered by the following variants: Base, L, Premium, Sport and S.

    The largest Subaru Forester is the Base which measures 1815mm wide, 4640mm in length and sits 1730mm tall.

    The most powerful Subaru Forester is the Base which has 136kW of power from its 2.5L PETROL DIRECT INJECTION engine.

    The Subaru Forester is built in Japan and shipped to Australia.

    The heaviest Subaru Forester is the Base which weighs 2223 kg (kerb weight).

    The Subaru Forester uses unleaded.