Auto-dimming Power-adjustable Mirrors

These available auto-dimming side mirrors are designed for superior visibility, heated to keep the glass surface clear and foldable to prevent damage in tight spaces. The mirrors are also aerodynamically sculpted to reduce wind noise and help fuel efficiency. For vehicles equipped with the optional Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) system, the LED indicators are relocated on the mirror housing for even better visibility. The Limited and Premier trim levels also have an auto-tilt feature for the passenger-side mirror that kicks in when reversing.

Panoramic Sunroof

This generation of the Forester features an available large power sunroof and more headroom than on previous generations. This means that even the tallest passengers can feel free to enjoy the panoramic view of the sky above and the fresh air rolling in. For extra-hot days, a manual sunshade blocks the sun and helps keep the cabin cool.

Power Liftgate

Featured on the Touring trim level and above, the power liftgate can be operated via the key fob, allowing for quick and easy access to the cargo area. This innovative design also features an auto-close function, an integrated safety sensor that detects objects in its path and a stop-position memory function to set the opening height. On the Sport trim level and up, there’s also an LED cargo light on the liftgate, allowing you to see more clearly at night.

Aluminum Alloy Wheels

There are five distinctive aluminum alloy wheel packages available on the 2023 Subaru Forester. The Convenience and Touring trim levels feature daring 6-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish. The Sport trim level features bold and adventurous 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with dark metallic paint. The Forester Wilderness™ showcases rugged 5-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with a matte black painted finish. The Limited trim level has stunning 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with machined finish. Lastly, the Premier trim level rolls on spectacular 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a black and machined finish.

LED Headlights

These LED headlights, newly redesigned with a much bolder look, are standard equipment on all Forester trim levels. On the automatic setting, these headlights turn on under low-light conditions by themselves. LED headlights cast a whiter and brighter beam for greater visibility under all conditions. All models also feature Steering Responsive Headlights, which follow the direction of the vehicle while cornering.

Fog lights

There's no debating this point: The better your lights, the more you see. On the Convenience, Touring and Limited trim levels, multi-reflector halogen fog lights cut through murky conditions, improve nighttime discernibility and boost levels of active safety. The Sport trim level features vertical LED fog lights, the Premier trim level has round LED fog lights with two bulbs and the new Forester Wilderness™ gets round LEDs with six bulbs in a hexagonal shape. All LED fog lights feature a brighter and broader beam for improved visibility.

SUBARU STARLINK^® Connected Services is an in-vehicle technology system that connects your Subaru Forester to the world around you, bringing added safety, security, comfort and convenience to every drive. Utilizing an on-board cellular connector and linked to the MySubaru App via your enabled smartphone, the system allows you to control and monitor your Forester at all times, helping you experience confidence in motion like never before.

SUBARU STARLINK^® Connected Services^† features include Remote Engine Start, Advanced Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Customizable Vehicle Alerts and Concierge Services. This unique suite of services is available on a free three-year trial subscription on the Convenience trim level and up.

^† Subscription required

This standard AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA infotainment system utilizes a 6.5-inch, high-resolution, capacitive touchscreen and the Subaru STARLINK^® multimedia integration system. Additional standard features include dual USB ports/iPod^® control, auxiliary audio input, steering wheel-integrated controls, and Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^TM functionality. The Forester 2.5i comes fitted with this system and four speakers, while the Convenience trim level receives two additional speakers, dual USB ports for the rear seat, and a free three-year subscription to SUBARU STARLINK^® Connected Services^†. A free 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio^† is included, along with SiriusXM^® Advanced Audio Services^†.

^† Subscription required

Available on the Touring, Sport and Wilderness trim levels, this premium AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA infotainment system features an 8-inch, high-resolution, multi-gesture capacitive touchscreen and the Subaru STARLINK^® multimedia interface. The system also includes Bluetooth^® mobile phone connectivity and streaming audio, six speakers, dual USB ports/iPod^® control for the front seat and dual USB ports for the rear seat, auxiliary audio input and steering wheel integrated controls. The system is Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^TM compatible and includes a free three-year subscription to SUBARU STARLINK^® Connected Services. A free 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio^† is also part of the picture.

^† Subscription required

This premium AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA infotainment system with voice-activated GPS navigation, available on the Limited and Premium trim levels, features an 8-inch, high-resolution, multi-gesture capacitive touchscreen. This system incorporates Bluetooth^® connectivity, SMS text messaging capability, dual USB ports/iPod^® control for the front seat and dual USB ports for the rear seat, auxiliary audio input and steering wheel integrated controls. The system, which is Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto^TM compatible, includes a free three-year subscription to Subaru STARLINK^® Connected Services^†, a Harman Kardon^® amplifier and nine speakers. A free 3-month trial subscription to SiriusXM^® Satellite Radio^† includes SiriusXM^® Traffic^† and SiriusXM^® Travel Link^†.

^† Subscription required

The perfect travelling companion, this available information screen reveals the time, temperature and, for models equipped with navigation, turn-by-turn instructions. The centrally mounted display also features an inclinometer that shows the degree of a climb or a descent, and an advanced environmental efficiency gauge that can track fuel economy on-the-fly or compare the fuel-efficiency for different trips.

The current-generation Forester features a cargo area design that’s both wider and bigger than previous generations. The cargo opening is wide enough to accommodate a tour-sized golf bag, the 60/40-split flat-folding rear seats fold much flatter, and there are four tie-down hooks, two upper cargo hooks and four utility hooks to better secure any loose items. An integrated drive unit for the available power liftgate frees up even more cargo space, and the liftgate itself now has available automatic closing and locking functions. The Sport, Wilderness, Limited and Premier trims also feature an LED cargo light on the liftgate for added convenience.

The passenger cabin of the Forester features more than space for the whole crowd. There’s ample shoulder room for the driver and co-driver, while those riding in the back will enjoy plenty hip- and legroom. All the seats offer elevated levels of support, especially important on those long drives. The available heated seats feature a wide coverage area to better comfort you; the Limited and Premier trim levels also have rear outboard heated seats. On the Convenience trim level and up, the driver gets a 10-way power seat with lumbar support. Finally, the Limited and Premier trim levels include 10-way power driver seats with memory function while the co-driver enjoys 8-way power seats.

Standing on guard, driving with confidence

All versions of the 2023 Subaru Forester come standard with class-leading active safety systems, including Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD, Active Torque Vectoring, Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamics Control and EyeSight^®◊ Driver Assist Technology. These systems are supported by striking agility, superior visibility and, on select trims, the available DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System. This advanced approach to active safety brings greater levels of confidence into sharp focus.

Superior Visibility

The Forester is designed and engineered for exceptional visibility. The A-pillar and partition windows are integrated into the front doors to reduce the size of blind spots. The side mirrors are placed on the door panels instead of the windows to improve visibility, forward and back, and they feature a large glass surface area. The windshield, windows and rear hatch are all large as well, giving the passenger cabin a greenhouse effect. These decisions, combined with the classic high seating position, create a supremely confident feeling behind the wheel.

Rearview Camera

Then the Forester is in reverse, this standard rearview camera projects a crystal-clear image of what’s behind the vehicle onto the centre console screen. A washer system helps ensure that camera lens is always clear of dirt, mud and grime, making this safety feature an invaluable addition in all sorts of everyday driving conditions.

EyeSight^® Driver Assist Technology

The next-generation version of the award-winning EyeSight^® system is standard on all trim levels. This system features two stereo cameras mounted behind the windshield that capture a wide angle view of the road, help identify potential danger ahead and provide assistance to the driver when needed most. Utilizing improved recognition software and control software, the new EyeSight® incorporates: Adaptive Cruise Control with Vehicle Hold, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Centring Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. When equipped with EyeSight®, previous versions of the Subaru Forester have earned the highest possible front-crash prevention ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Subaru DriverFocus^® – Distraction Mitigation System (DMS)

Available on the Limited and Premier trim levels, this award-winning system utilizes a camera angled at the driver’s face and facial recognition software to monitor fatigue or lack of attention. When the driver begins to lose focus, DriverFocus^® sends out a helpful alert, like an automated co-driver. For the new model year, the system can now adjust climate control settings by reading hand gestures. DriverFocus® also stores the preferences for up to five drivers, including the position of the seats and side mirrors, climate control settings and gauge readouts on the multi-function display.

Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection (SRVD) System

Available on the Touring trim level and up, SRVD has three distinct and very useful functions. Blind Spot Detection identifies vehicles behind the C-pillars and in other blind spots. When changing lanes, Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles coming from behind. Lastly, when reversing out of a parking space or driveway, Rear Cross Traffic Alert signals the driver of any vehicles or pedestrians approaching from either your left or right.

The legendary SUBARU BOXER^® engine

The naturally aspirated 2.5L SUBARU BOXER^® 4-cylinder is lighter than the previous engine and incorporates direct injection for superior horsepower, torque, driveability and fuel efficiency. All trim levels are equipped with the SI-DRIVE^® engine management system with the eco-friendly Intelligent (I) mode. Most trim levels also feature the Sports (S) mode, while the Sport and Wilderness™ trim levels feature the Sport Sharp (S#) mode. This advanced engine management system places control in the driver’s hands and helps to extract maximum performance, efficiency and sheer fun at all times.

Lineartronic^® CVT + Symmetrical Full-Time AWD

The Forester comes equipped with a well-engineered and efficient Lineartronic^® CVT that’s been tuned to showcase the strengths of the SUBARU BOXER^® and the Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD system. This design delivers predictable handling at all times and under all conditions, shifting engine torque to the wheels with grip under hard acceleration or in low-traction conditions. Available paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel and the optional manual shift mode deliver even more control and crisp response. The Forester Wilderness™ comes equipped with a CVT oil cooler to boost towing capacity and tackle more ambitious adventures.

Enhanced X-MODE^®

There are two versions of the advanced X-MODE^® system, which allows you to tackle the steepest of inclines with increased confidence. On the standard version, the dial controls the operation of the VDC and X-MODE system. On the available dual-function version, this dial lets you select between two settings tailored to specific driving conditions—namely, snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. The dual-function X-MODE is available on the Sport model trim and up, including the all-new Forester Wilderness™.

Hill Descent Control

With either version of the X-MODE^® system activated, Hill Descent Control automatically maintains a constant driver-selectable speed when driving down steep hills. With the Hill Descent Control system maintaining control of your speed and braking, the driver is free to focus on steering and negotiating curves in the road ahead.

Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH)

Standard on all trim levels, Auto Vehicle Hold automatically holds the Forester in place when stopped—for example, at traffic lights. This feature helps reduce driver fatigue, ensures that every start on a steep incline is free from concerns of rolling backwards and helps reduce the chance of incidents occurring at intersections.

Rock-solid chassis engineered for adventure

The fifth-generation Forester features a lightweight, super-strong chassis that delivers superior levels of handling, stability, comfort and quietness. The track is wide to create superior stability and the fully independent suspension system has been designed for increased refinement. The Forester also features a quick steering ratio, impressive ground clearance and impressive capability overall, making this authentic SUV equally at home on twisty tarmac or along a cottage trail. The new Forester Wilderness™ features higher ground clearance and a revised suspension system geared towards even more rugged adventures.

Subaru Global Platform

The Subaru Global Platform (SGP) is incredibly strong and rigid, the result of an advanced design and the liberal use of high-tensile steel throughout. The design helps reduce vibrations and resonance felt in the body, floor, seats and steering wheel—and set the stage for a smoother and more comfortable ride. The SGP is also engineered to better absorb impact energy coming from all directions. All of these qualities, combined with the well-tuned suspension system and low centre of gravity, give the Forester precise steering, superior straight-line stability, responsive handling and impressive safety overall.

Front Suspension

The proven MacPherson^® front strut-type suspension system has been tuned to provide superior stability, direct response and essential feedback to the driver. The k-shaped cross members, more commonly found on sports cars, slashes lateral forces and vibration. This suspension design works well with the generous ground clearance and wide track to give the Forester crisp steering, remarkable handling and genuine go-anywhere capability. For the Forester Wilderness™ and its higher ground clearance, the suspension has been further tuned to preserve these characteristics.

Rear Suspension

This double-wishbone suspension system has been designed to reduce vibration, increase stability and boost control overall. More rigid than before and featuring a rear stabilizer bar mounted directly to the body, this design slashes body roll by 50% compared to the previous-generation model. Expertly balancing sporty handling with sheer refinement, the Forester handles rough roads and sharp corners with equal poise and precision. On the Forester Wilderness™, the rear suspension system has been custom-calibrated to accommodate its higher ground clearance and more off-road ready nature. .