Used 2023 Subaru Forester for Sale nearWaterloo, ON

How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 10.39% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 241 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 7.3/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its safety features, reliable performance, and overall value, while also appreciating the smooth driving experience and comfortable interior. The Forester is also especially appealing if you want AWD capability and a rugged design for outdoor use.

The trade-offs are familiar: the engine is underwhelming, and the CVT and limited power can leave you wanting more. In practical terms, this is a smart fit if you value everyday usefulness, winter confidence, and utility over excitement.

Good and great deals account for 33.2% of listings, which is a healthy sign of market availability.

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, overall value, and a smooth driving experience, with many owners describing it as a vehicle they can count on. The expert assessment also supports that view, noting good reliability over time and a strong cost-effectiveness profile.

That said, used buyers should still pay attention to the CVT, since it is one of the recurring ownership concerns mentioned by shoppers.

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 and convenience features. The Premier stands out for its upscale interior touches, including brown leather and trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents.
• 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 lack of a turbocharged or electrified option is part of the model’s character.
• Safety package: EyeSight is standard, with adaptive cruise control included. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are not available on the Base trim but are standard on all other trim levels. Automatic Emergency Steering is added on models equipped with blind-spot monitoring.
• 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.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert test route returned 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, but you give up blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the Forester lineup and can live with the simpler equipment list.
• Touring: This trim adds more comfort and convenience than the Base while staying on the practical side of the lineup. It suits you if you want a better-equipped Forester without chasing the most expensive versions.
• Sport: This is the trim to consider if you want the added Deep Snow and Mud settings in X-Mode. It is the better pick if you expect to use the Forester in tougher weather or rougher conditions.
• Wilderness: Choose this if you want the most off-road-capable Forester, with all-terrain tires and additional modifications for tougher terrain. It is the obvious choice for buyers who prioritise adventure use over on-road polish.
• Limited: This trim adds more upscale equipment and includes the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. It is a good middle ground if you want more technology and comfort without going all the way to Premier.
• Premier: This is the best-equipped Forester and the one that stands out for its 18-inch alloy wheels, satin chrome exterior trim, brown leather interior, and available premium audio and navigation. It is the best choice if you want the most refined version of the Forester.

Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable with the Base trim but standard on all other trim levels.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and deal activity to make comparison shopping worthwhile.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 241 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.39% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $29,591 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 $30,014 CAD sits slightly below last year's $33,494 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the Forester is currently more buyer-friendly than it was a year ago. For a future seller, that means you may not see the same pricing strength that existed previously, especially if market conditions stay soft.

Even so, the model’s practical reputation and broad appeal should help it remain competitive. Strong value perception can support demand when you eventually decide to 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 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 next-generation EyeSight suite is standard and includes updated software and cameras with a wider field of view. Adaptive cruise control is standard, and models with blind-spot monitoring add Automatic Emergency Steering. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are unavailable on the Base trim but standard on all other trim levels.

There are a couple of caveats to keep in mind. IIHS rated it Acceptable in the side-impact test and Marginal in the small-overlap frontal test, so its crashworthiness is not flawless.

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:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.39% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.6/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2023 adds next-generation EyeSight safety features and an improved standard infotainment system.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,164 CAD, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $30,014 CAD average.
• It was updated with fresh design details, an upgraded EyeSight package, and improved utility features.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced shopping opportunity, the 2023 is the stronger pick thanks to softer pricing, solid owner satisfaction, and updated safety and infotainment tech. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2022 is the better value-oriented alternative.

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 all-wheel drive, while the CR-V edges ahead on comfort and ride quality. If you want a more utility-first SUV, the Forester makes sense; if you care more about comfort and a slightly stronger overall score, the CR-V has the advantage.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.