Used 2023 Subaru Forester for Sale nearHamilton, ON

How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 11.42% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 235 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2023 Subaru Forester earns a 4.6/5 user rating and a 7.33/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its safety features, reliable performance, and overall value. They also highlight the smooth driving experience, comfortable interior, and AWD capability, with the rugged design appealing to outdoor-minded buyers.

The trade-offs are familiar: the engine is underwhelming, the CVT can be a drawback for some, and limited power remains part of the package. In practical terms, that means the Forester makes the most sense if you value everyday usefulness, winter confidence, and utility over excitement.

Listings with good or great pricing make up 28.1% of the market, so there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.6/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to reliable performance, and the model is also described as a dependable choice with good reliability over time. The expert assessment reinforces that view by noting Subaru’s expectation of good reliability over time and by framing the Forester as a vehicle you can count on for practical daily use.

The cost-effectiveness commentary also points to strong ownership value, which helps offset some of the Forester’s compromises. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the same traits that make it practical — modest power, a CVT, and some comfort shortcomings — may remain part of the ownership experience.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Subaru Forester?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim is the most stripped-down version, and it misses blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add more convenience and safety equipment, while the Premier stands out for its upscale interior touches and 8-inch touchscreen.
• Powertrain: Every Forester uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. It is tuned for everyday usefulness rather than strong acceleration, and there is no turbocharged or electrified option.
• Safety package: EyeSight is standard, with adaptive cruise control included. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all trims except the Base, and models with blind-spot monitoring also add Automatic Emergency Steering.
• Infotainment: The Base trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen is available on higher trims, along with navigation and Harman Kardon audio.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert test recorded 9.1 L/100 km, while the official combined rating is 8.2 L/100 km.

Which 2023 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2023 Subaru Forester is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the value-focused entry point if you want standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight, and the core Forester formula without paying for extras. It is the trim to consider if your priority is keeping the purchase price down, but you should be aware that it misses blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Touring: This trim is for shoppers who want a more comfort-oriented Forester without moving too far up the price ladder. It should suit you if you want a better-equipped daily driver while staying within the mainstream side of the lineup.
• Sport: This is the best fit if you want the most capability-oriented mainstream trim, since it adds Deep Snow and Mud settings to the X-Mode system. It makes sense if you regularly deal with rough weather or unpaved roads.
• Wilderness: Choose this if you want the most off-road-focused Forester. It adds all-terrain tires and other modifications that make it the most capable version when the going gets tough.
• Limited: This is a strong middle-to-upper choice if you want more comfort and convenience, plus the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. It is a sensible step up if you want more features without going all the way to the top trim.
• Premier: This is the most upscale Forester, with the best-looking exterior treatment in the lineup, brown leather trim, an 8-inch touchscreen, and premium audio. It is the right pick if you want the most polished version of the Forester and are willing to pay for it.

The safety package is strongest on trims above the Base, since blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard there, and DriverFocus is reserved for the Limited and Premier.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so it rewards comparison shopping more than impulse buying.

• Deal availability: 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 235 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.42% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,589 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $29,861 CAD sits slightly below last year's $33,712 CAD.

That price movement suggests the Forester has become more accessible for used buyers, which can help support demand in the near term. For a future seller, it also means you may need to be realistic about pricing if you want to stay competitive. The good news is that the model’s practical reputation and broad appeal should help it remain easy to shop and sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.6/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2023 Forester earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, along with five-star ratings across the board from NHTSA, plus a four-star rollover resistance rating.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard safety suite is Subaru’s next-generation EyeSight collection of collision avoidance and driver-assist technologies, and adaptive cruise control is standard. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable on the Base trim but standard on all other trims, and models with blind-spot monitoring also add Automatic Emergency Steering. Rear Automatic Braking is included above the Base trim as well.

There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. The IIHS also gave the Forester an Acceptable rating in a side-impact test and a Marginal rating in a small-overlap frontal test, so its crashworthiness is not flawless despite the strong overall score.

Should I buy a 2023 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 28.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.42% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• This year brings next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,231 CAD, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $29,861 CAD average.
• It was updated with fresh design details, an upgraded EyeSight package, and improved utility features.

The bottom line: The 2023 is the better all-around pick if you want the latest safety and infotainment updates, especially since pricing has already softened. If your budget is tighter, the 2022 remains a smart alternative because it delivers many of the same practical strengths for less money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.