Used 2023 Subaru Forester for Sale nearVictoria, BC

How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 10.17% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 284 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 7.3/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Drivers consistently praise its safety features, reliable performance, and overall value, and many also like the smooth driving experience and comfortable interior. The AWD capability and rugged design come through as recurring positives, especially if you want a practical SUV for outdoor use.

The trade-offs are clear: the engine is underwhelming, and the cabin can be let down by poor voice recognition and limited rear-seat comfort. That said, the Forester’s practical, family-friendly focus makes sense if you value usefulness over excitement.

With 34.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still a healthy share of attractive pricing in the market.

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’s reputation is reinforced by comments about dependable, trouble-free ownership and confidence over time. The expert review also describes it as a vehicle that should deliver good reliability over time.

Its standard AWD and practical design support the sense that it is built for long-term use, though used buyers should still weigh the usual wear-and-tear risks that come with a compact SUV.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim is the main feature gap to watch, since blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable there. Higher trims add more convenience and safety equipment, and the Premier brings an upscale interior with brown leather and trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents.
• Powertrain: Every Forester uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and a CVT, plus Subaru Intelligent Drive SI-Drive and standard AWD. It is tuned for confidence and everyday usability rather than strong acceleration.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the core driver-assistance suite, with adaptive cruise control standard. 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 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, and 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, but you give up blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It makes sense if you want the Forester’s core practicality and standard AWD at the lowest price.
• Touring: This trim adds more comfort and convenience than the Base while staying close to the Forester’s practical mission. It suits you if you want a nicer daily driver without chasing the top end.
• Sport: This is the best fit if you want the added Deep Snow and Mud settings from X-Mode, plus a more adventurous edge. It is the trim to consider if you expect to use the Forester in tougher conditions.
• Wilderness: Choose this if you want the most off-road-focused Forester, with all-terrain tyres and additional capability-oriented changes. It is the clear pick for buyers who prioritise rough-road use.
• Limited: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, and it also gets the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. It is a strong middle-to-upper choice if you want more equipment without going all the way to Premier.
• Premier: This is the most upscale version, with the best-looking exterior treatment, brown leather and trim inside, and the available 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and Harman Kardon audio. It is the right choice if you want the most polished 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 market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to compare options and enough price softness to reward patience.

• Deal availability: 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 284 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.17% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,493 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 $29,992 CAD sits slightly below last year's $33,389 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can make the Forester more appealing to used buyers today. For a future seller, it also means there may be less upside than there was a year ago if prices continue to soften.

Even so, the Forester’s practical reputation and strong owner satisfaction should help support demand. Buyers who want a dependable, all-weather compact SUV tend to keep this model on their shortlist.

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 adaptive cruise control, and Subaru says the updated cameras and software improve its field of view. Models with blind-spot monitoring also add Automatic Emergency Steering, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable on the Base trim but standard on all other trims.

There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. The IIHS gave it an Acceptable rating in a new side-impact test and a Marginal rating in a small-overlap frontal-impact assessment. Rear Automatic Braking is also standard only above the Base trim, and the system defaults to on each time you restart the engine.

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:

• 34.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.17% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 brings next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,456 CAD, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $29,992 CAD average.
• It was updated with fresh design details and improved utility features.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped and more current choice, the 2023 is the stronger pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is worth a look, especially if you find one in good condition.

How does the 2023 Subaru Forester compare to the 2023 Honda CR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Subaru Forester:

• Pros: Standard all-wheel drive, Spacious interior, Exceptionally practical.
• Cons: Underwhelming engine, Poor voice recognition, Uncomfortable back seat.

2023 Honda CR-V:

• Pros: Comfortable, Plenty of cargo space, Great ride and handling.
• Cons: Irritating transmission, Uninspired styling, Lacks technological innovation.

Our experts score the 2023 Subaru Forester 7.3/10 and the 2023 Honda CR-V 7.8/10. The Forester leans harder into practicality and standard AWD, while the CR-V edges ahead on overall expert score and feels more comfortable and polished. If you care most about all-weather confidence and straightforward usefulness, the Forester makes a strong case; if you want a more refined drive, the CR-V has the advantage.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.