Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD. This is a super popular compact SUV, and for good reason! It's known for its reliability, safety features, and, of course, that legendary Subaru all-wheel-drive system. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the specs and features to the pros and cons, so you can decide if this is the right ride for you. Let's get started, shall we?

What's New for 2023?

So, what's changed for the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD? Well, Subaru tends to make subtle, yet effective, updates year over year. The 2023 model saw some minor tweaks, but it largely carries over the successful formula from previous years. There were a few adjustments to the features and trim levels, aiming to keep the Forester competitive in a crowded market. Specifically, the Premium trim, which is the focus of our review, received some updates to its infotainment system and driver-assistance technologies. While not a complete overhaul, these refinements make the 2023 Forester even more appealing, offering a more modern and user-friendly experience. For those of you who are looking for a car that offers practical usability, good fuel economy, and strong resale values, the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD is something you should definitely consider. The updates aim to enhance the overall driving experience, ensuring that the Forester remains a top contender in the compact SUV segment. Subaru has focused on improving the features of the car rather than making any drastic changes to the vehicle's core components. They know the formula works, and they’re sticking to it, which is great news for fans of the Forester who will be able to enjoy the updates to an already excellent car. These updates aim to improve both comfort and convenience for the driver and passengers alike.

Key Updates in the 2023 Model

• Infotainment Enhancements: The infotainment system received minor upgrades to its software and user interface, making it more intuitive and responsive. This means a smoother experience when using features like navigation, audio streaming, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is something that really makes a difference day to day. A better, more responsive system means less time fiddling with the car’s controls and more time enjoying the drive. This is always a plus in my book.
• Driver-Assistance Tech: Subaru is renowned for its EyeSight driver-assist technology, and the 2023 model benefits from some updates in this area. These advancements include improved performance of features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The goal is always to make the driving experience safer, and these features definitely contribute to that. Subaru understands the importance of driver safety and continues to invest in technology to protect its customers. This commitment to safety is a huge selling point for the brand.
• Trim Level Adjustments: Subaru often tweaks the features and packages available on each trim level. The Premium trim, in particular, may have seen some changes in standard equipment or optional packages. These adjustments are aimed at keeping the Forester competitive with other vehicles on the market, by providing a better value proposition for consumers. Subaru wants to provide the most features at the best possible price. The trim-level adjustments are subtle, but they help to maintain the Forester's appeal and ensure it meets the evolving needs and expectations of buyers.

Performance and Handling

Okay, let's talk about what makes the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD move! Under the hood, you'll find a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's not a powerhouse, generating around 182 horsepower. However, it's more than adequate for everyday driving, like commuting to work, running errands, or taking a weekend trip. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps maximize fuel efficiency. Speaking of which, the Forester gets pretty good gas mileage for an SUV in this class. You can expect around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Of course, that depends on your driving style, but it's still a respectable figure. And we can't forget the star of the show: the all-wheel-drive system. This is what sets Subaru apart. It provides excellent traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or even just a rough road, the Forester's AWD system will give you the confidence to get where you need to go. If you need a vehicle that is great in the snow, this is the car for you.

Driving Experience

The Forester offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned for everyday driving, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road well. The steering is light and easy, making it maneuverable in tight spaces. While it's not a sports car, it handles well for its size and provides a sense of security on the road. The Forester is a great choice for those seeking a practical, reliable, and versatile vehicle. It's easy to drive, offers good visibility, and provides a comfortable interior for both the driver and passengers. This makes it perfect for a wide range of drivers, from young professionals to families. The ride quality is something that stands out in this SUV, providing a smooth and comfortable experience on the road. The Forester's handling characteristics make it easy to maneuver in both city and highway driving conditions. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence, especially in challenging weather. The Forester’s focus is on practicality, reliability, and everyday usability, which makes it a standout choice in its class.

Interior and Comfort

Let's step inside the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD. The interior is functional and well-designed, with a focus on practicality. The materials are mostly of good quality, and everything is put together nicely. You get a good amount of space for passengers and cargo. Even tall adults will find plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. The cargo area is spacious, making it easy to haul groceries, luggage, or even outdoor gear. The Premium trim includes features like heated front seats, which are a welcome addition on cold mornings. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a touchscreen display and easy-to-use controls. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long drives a breeze. The cabin is well-insulated from road noise, so you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing ride. The interior is designed to be practical, comfortable, and accommodating for both drivers and passengers. The layout is intuitive, and the controls are easy to find and operate. The Forester’s interior prioritizes comfort and usability, ensuring a pleasant experience on every journey.

Key Interior Features

• Spacious Cabin: Plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice for families and individuals alike. The Forester’s interior space is one of its standout features, offering excellent headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. This makes it ideal for long trips and ensures that all passengers travel comfortably. The cargo area is also generous, providing ample space for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. The design emphasizes maximizing interior space, which is a major advantage for its class.
• Comfortable Seating: The seats are supportive and designed for comfort, especially on long drives. The seats are well-cushioned and provide good support, ensuring a comfortable experience for the driver and passengers. The Premium trim offers heated front seats, adding to the comfort level, particularly during colder weather. Subaru puts a lot of focus on comfort and ergonomics, making the Forester a great choice for everyday use and extended journeys. The seats are designed to reduce fatigue and provide a pleasant driving experience.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a touchscreen display and smartphone integration. Subaru has focused on creating an infotainment system that is simple and easy to navigate. The system includes features like a touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and easy-to-use controls. This makes it easy for drivers to access navigation, audio, and other features. The goal is to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience, enhancing overall driving enjoyment. The infotainment system is a key aspect of modern cars and the Forester excels in this area.
• Practical Design: The interior is designed with practicality in mind, with plenty of storage spaces and well-placed controls. The layout is well-organized, with easy-to-reach controls and plenty of storage compartments. The design emphasizes usability, making the Forester a practical and functional vehicle for everyday use. Subaru understands the needs of its customers and designs the interior to meet those needs. This includes features like cup holders, storage pockets, and easy-to-access controls. This makes the Forester a great choice for busy families and individuals.

Safety Features

One of the biggest selling points of the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD is its safety. Subaru is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the Forester is packed with features to keep you and your passengers protected. The EyeSight driver-assist system is standard on all Foresters. This includes features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. These features use cameras and sensors to monitor the road and can help prevent accidents. The Forester also has a high safety rating from the IIHS and NHTSA, which is a testament to its safety performance. This is one of the safest vehicles in its class, which makes it a popular choice for families. Subaru's safety record speaks for itself, and the Forester is a prime example of their commitment to safety. You can rest assured knowing that the Forester is designed to protect you and your passengers in various driving scenarios.

Key Safety Technologies

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Standard on all models, including features like pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EyeSight system uses cameras and sensors to monitor the road and detect potential hazards. These features can help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of impacts. The EyeSight system is one of the most advanced driver-assist systems available, providing a high level of safety and protection.
• High Safety Ratings: The Forester consistently receives high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, demonstrating its excellent crashworthiness and safety performance. These ratings provide reassurance to consumers, indicating that the Forester is a safe and reliable vehicle. Subaru's commitment to safety is evident in the Forester's outstanding safety record. This recognition confirms the Forester's status as a top-tier safety choice.
• Advanced Airbag System: The Forester is equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, providing enhanced protection in the event of a collision. The airbag system is designed to deploy rapidly and effectively, minimizing the risk of injury. Subaru goes above and beyond to provide all the safety features possible. This advanced airbag system is another example of Subaru's commitment to safety.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2023 Subaru Forester is available in several trim levels. Here’s a quick overview of the main ones: the base Forester, the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. The Premium trim, which we're focusing on, sits in the middle of the lineup, offering a great balance of features and value. It adds features like a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Pricing will vary depending on the trim and any optional packages. It's always a good idea to check the Subaru website or your local dealer for the most up-to-date pricing information. Considering its features, reliability, and safety, the Forester offers good value for the money. You're getting a lot of car for your investment, especially when you factor in the all-wheel-drive system and Subaru's reputation for quality.

Trim Level Overview

• Base Forester: The entry-level model offers a solid foundation of features and value, providing essential amenities and the standard Subaru safety and performance. This trim level is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable SUV. It comes equipped with all the essential features and is a great starting point.
• Premium: This trim level adds additional features and upgrades, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience. The Premium trim offers a great balance of features and value, making it a popular choice. Upgraded features include heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• Sport: The Sport trim adds a sporty aesthetic and features, including unique exterior styling elements and performance enhancements. This is a good option for those looking for a sportier look and feel. The Sport trim offers a unique exterior and interior design, as well as some performance-oriented features.
• Limited: The Limited trim includes upgraded features and luxurious amenities, such as leather-trimmed upholstery and advanced technology options. This trim offers premium features and a refined driving experience. The Limited trim focuses on luxury and comfort, making it a great choice for those seeking a more upscale vehicle.
• Touring: The top-of-the-line Touring trim provides the highest level of features and luxury, including premium materials and advanced technology. This is the top of the line model. The Touring trim provides the most luxurious experience, offering all the available features and amenities.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's sum up the good and the not-so-good of the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD.

Pros:

• Standard All-Wheel Drive: This is a major advantage, especially if you live in an area with inclement weather. The AWD system provides excellent traction and stability, increasing your confidence on the road. This is a game changer for many people and a great feature for the price.
• Excellent Safety Features: The EyeSight system and high safety ratings make the Forester a safe and reliable choice. This is an important consideration for many buyers, and the Forester excels in this area. Safety is a priority for most of us and the Forester takes it to heart.
• Spacious and Practical Interior: The Forester offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a versatile choice. You can haul all your stuff with ease, while enjoying a comfortable ride. The Forester’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, making it a functional and accommodating vehicle.
• Good Fuel Economy: The Forester offers good gas mileage for an SUV in its class, helping you save money on fuel costs. The fuel efficiency is great, especially when considering the all-wheel-drive system. Subaru has managed to provide good fuel economy, further enhancing the Forester's value.

Cons:

• Engine Performance: The 2.5-liter engine isn't the most powerful, and acceleration can be a bit sluggish. However, if you're not in a hurry, it's perfectly adequate for daily driving. While the engine provides sufficient power for everyday driving, it may not satisfy those seeking thrilling acceleration. This is only a downside if you really want some extra get up and go.
• Infotainment System: Some reviewers have noted that the infotainment system could be more user-friendly. While it’s improved over the years, there are other systems on the market that are better. It works, but it could be more intuitive. Some users find the infotainment system’s interface less intuitive than competing systems.
• Styling: While the Forester's styling is functional, it might not be the most exciting in the segment. It prioritizes practicality and utility over flashy design. The design is utilitarian, which may not appeal to those seeking a more stylish vehicle. The exterior design focuses on practicality and functionality, which is a trade-off for its core strengths.

The Verdict

So, is the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium AWD a good buy? Absolutely! It's a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a safe, reliable, and versatile SUV. The standard all-wheel-drive, excellent safety features, and spacious interior make it a standout in its class. While the engine isn't the most powerful, and the infotainment system could be improved, these are minor drawbacks compared to the Forester's many strengths. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the Forester Premium AWD should definitely be on your list. It's a well-rounded vehicle that offers a great combination of practicality, safety, and value. Go test drive one today; I think you'll be impressed!