Used 2023 Subaru Forester for Sale nearVictoria, BC

How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 11.94% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 187 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for shoppers 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.

Drivers consistently praise its safety features, reliable performance, and overall value, and they also like the smooth driving experience and comfortable interior. The Forester’s AWD capability and rugged design come up often as reasons it suits outdoor-oriented buyers.

The trade-offs are its underwhelming engine and limited power, along with a CVT that some owners mention as a downside. For shoppers who want a practical compact SUV for daily use, errands, family duties, and hauling gear, that balance makes sense.

Good and great deals account for 22.5% of listings, which gives you 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 a reliable, dependable, and trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers saying they feel confident counting on it over time. The expert assessment also describes it as a vehicle expected to deliver good reliability over time.

The powertrain is straightforward and proven, which can help reduce long-term ownership risk for used buyers, especially if maintenance records are complete.

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, while higher trims add more comfort, convenience, and safety equipment. The Premier stands out for its upscale interior touches, but the base model leaves out some useful features.
• Powertrain: Every Forester uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a CVT and standard all-wheel drive. It is tuned for everyday usability rather than strong acceleration, and the engine is described as merely adequate.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the standard driver-assistance suite, with adaptive cruise control included. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not available on the Base trim, and they also unlock Automatic Emergency Steering.
• Infotainment: The Base trim gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. An 8-inch touchscreen is available, along with navigation and Harman Kardon audio, but wireless smartphone charging is absent.
• Fuel efficiency: The Forester returned 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in testing, versus an official combined rating of 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 entry point, and it gives you standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight, and the core infotainment setup. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Forester, but you give up blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Touring: This trim adds more comfort and convenience equipment than the Base, making it a better fit if you want a more polished daily driver without jumping to the top of the range.
• Sport: This is the best-value choice if you want the most useful extra capability, because it adds Deep Snow and Mud settings to the X-Mode system. It suits buyers who expect to use the Forester in tougher weather or rougher conditions.
• Wilderness: Choose this if you want the most off-road-focused Forester. It adds all-terrain tyres and other modifications that make it notably more capable when the going gets tough.
• Limited: This trim adds more upscale equipment and includes DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which is aimed at buyers who want extra convenience and monitoring features.
• Premier: This is the most upscale version, with the best-looking exterior treatment, brown leather and trim, an 8-inch touchscreen, and available premium audio and navigation. It is the right pick if you want the most refined Forester experience.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on all trims except the Base.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 22.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 187 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.94% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,486 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 $29,486 CAD sits slightly below last year's $33,483 CAD.

That softer pricing can be good news if you are buying now, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market if prices stay under pressure. A lower entry price today can help support demand, especially for shoppers who value practicality and all-wheel drive.

The Forester’s strong value reputation should help it remain appealing to used buyers, even if resale gains are more modest than in a rising market. 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 Subaru Forester earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and it receives 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 EyeSight suite includes updated software and cameras with a wider field of view, 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.

There are caveats, though: the IIHS gives it an Acceptable rating in a side-impact test and a Marginal rating in a small-overlap frontal-impact assessment. Rear Automatic Braking is also standard above the Base trim, but it can be intrusive in some situations.

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:

• 22.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.94% 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 $29,638 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $29,486 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 at a slightly lower average price. If you are shopping strictly on value, the 2022 remains worth a look, but the 2023 gives you the stronger case for most used buyers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.