3 Reasons the 2023 Subaru Forester Is So Popular

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 13: Subaru Forester SUV car at Brussels Expo on January 13, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 13: Subaru Forester SUV car at Brussels Expo on January 13, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images) /
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The 2023 Subaru Forester is a contender for best small SUV. Additionally, it’s one of the most popular options on the market for a few key reasons. Though not the fastest, it delivers solid performance and is actually pretty fun to drive. Luckily, this is also an SUV that drivers can trust for years to come. There may be more exciting compact SUVs than the Forester, but it delivers exactly what many drivers want – a balanced and stable experience.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offers stable performance

By no means is the 2023 Subaru Forester the best small SUV regarding speed. However, what it does offer is exceptional overall performance. According to Edmunds, the 2023 Subaru Forester has a 2.5-liter engine with a maximum output of 182 hp. It’s an all-wheel drive SUV with a continuously variable transmission.

Regarding speed, the 2023 Forester is decently swift for its class. According to road tests, it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 8.5 seconds. This speed is similar to the 2023 Toyota RAV4, which takes about 8.3 seconds to get from 0 to 60 mph. The 2023 Toyota RAV4 also has a 2.5-liter engine.

In addition to offering stable performance, the 2023 Forester is also pretty good for off-roading. It’s not the best for this activity, but it gets the job done on entry-level trails. The Wilderness trim is perhaps the best version of the Subaru Forester for off-roading.

The 2023 Forester has an arguably better interior than the 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Subaru Forester is a contender for best small SUV because of its interior. It may not be as exciting as the Mazda CX-5, but it’s both attractive and functional. This SUV’s cabin will work best for people who like a more straightforward approach to interior design. It’s also great because it includes high-quality materials that will last for years to come.

This is also one of the best small SUVs for space despite there not being a three-row option. It fits about 11 suitcases with the seats up, but up to about 23 if someone folds them. Though not by much, this Subaru SUV offers more interior space than the 2023 Toyota RAV4. Regarding technology, it comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, but advanced trims can add an 8.0-inch display.

This is a safe small SUV

What also makes the Subaru Forester among the best small SUVs is its safety rating. Not only is it a Top Safety + pick by the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, but it has been for about nine years now. This is more than any of its competitors, which means people can feel safe in the Forester. Additionally, it’s also one of the most reliable options in its class.

The Subaru Forester is an overall solid SUV. Of course, there’s much to appreciate about the 2024 model, but this outgoing edition still has much to offer. It may not be the fastest, but it provides more than most casual drivers and some off-roading enthusiasts will need.