Been driving Foresters since 2007. Just bought a used 22’ Wilderness model. I tow a 1000 lb boat and go on hunting trips in the woods all the time. Never had any issues off road.
I've got one of these. It's definitely not fast but it's not slow. This car can do almost anything and it's super comfortable. It's also got the best visibility of the road I've ever seen in a car. I don't know how they made the pillars so thin and still pass the rollover tests but I'm not complaining!
Have this exact year and color. Took it on a road trip from Reno to Anaheim recently and got 35 MPG. 4 people and all our luggage with zero issues. LOVE my Fozzie!!!!
I still will never fully understand people calling it super weak. I traded in my 2012 Yukon Denali for it, and I think the power is fine. It's not _fast_ per se, but it's not bad either. My Yukon had well over 400 HP (cold air intake & exhaust), and I didn't think the Forester had garbage acceleration after driving my Yukon for over a year.
Yes! The Forester is a completely capable vehicle for most folks and I personally enjoyed it as well. Unfortunately, you know the sentiment these days....if it isn't EV or pumping out more HP than the year before, it gets left behind 😅
Well....Americans drive fast and walk slow.......I pass Them ALL when I am walking...Am 80.......And get passed by Them all when I'm driving........I never let My Mazda get over 2000 rpm as I consider that abusive behaviour..................Paul
I just purchased 2023 Forester sport and am smazed with the technology in these newer vehicles! This vehicle has unbelievable handling and I love the fact it has apple carplay
I feel the same way. I've been driving used (older) vehicles for most of my life. As much as I appreciate the "raw" experience from older cars, I cannot deny the comfort and technology that comes with newer vehicles...and something like carplay is such a game changer haha glad you're loving the new car!
What is car play..........I have no idea......I am 80.......The only feature I have found and appreciate on new cars is the back-up camera/back up warning...........Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 Hey Paul - Carplay is a software application that helps connect your phone to the vehicles infotainment system. It's much more user-friendly and efficient than the built-in system that most cars come with (and often times charge for). Using things like Google Maps or playing music from your library is much easier! 👌
@brianmwirigi200 The orange strips and sport theme interior is only for the sport versions. The sporty seats with partial leather are still great. Sport models also get sport # mode too.
Anyone have experience with how this fabric does with dog hair? Is it easy to clean? I've heard mixed reviews on the Subaru leather seats including that the leather is prone to cracking and may not handle dog toe nails etc. as well as the fabric options. Any thoughts from those with experience?
If you activate the AVH at a stop and have your foot off the brake and the auto engine stop/start has turned off the engine, what fires up the engine when you want to get going? Push of the gas pedal?
Yes. The gas pedal is the default "make car go" when the auto start stop feature is activated, even with the AVH button/pulltab is enabled. It's a means to be completely in control of the feature without having to keep your foot on the brake with pressure. If you want to test it out. Go for a test drive and then sit in a parking lot testing the scenarios out. Due to the engine needing a split second to start up again you do have a delay from telling the car to go and it actually having the ability to go. But if you're not stupid, and a horrible judge of objects around you that split second isn't an issue.
Hey! I think it's got enough "get up and go" for everyday driving. The negative comments usually arise from when folks are launching the Forester 0-60mph (myself included) 😂 Its a proper SUV and plenty quick for what it offers.
It definitely accelerates not as fast as your brains wants. But it’s very comfortable drive. The interior is poverty soft touch. Hardly any cheap plastic. Its a good value for your money, especially the reliability and safety. Its not an exciting car though.
I find that using the paddle shifters gives you a bit more "umpf" when you're accelerating. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and it has mostly the same engine/transmission set up as the Forester. The Sport also has a "Sport" setting that raises your revs to give you that "Sporty" feeling. How many times can I say "Sport" in a sentence...?
I see what you're saying. These vehicle tend to be quite boxy and tall....I'm wondering if the size to wheel ratio is what's also emphasizing that overhand?
I watched another reviewer mention that the overhang may have more to do with the boxter engine since it's hung lower and the pistons are horizontal rather than vertical. Not sure this is right, but it sounds possible...
Hey Brian, they do not. They want you to jump into their "Premium" trim level for that which is roughly +$2000 and comes with other premium upgrades (sound, infotainment etc)
@@brianmwirigi200 I've just bought a 2023 Forester Sport which has a 2.5 lt engine. Now I'm in New Zealand and its quite obvious that the specs for USA models are quite different from those for other countries. In NZ there are three petrol models available - Base, Sport and Premium, in ascending order of price and specs - the differences between the Sport and Premium are mostly cosmetic with the latter having leather seats . All have the same engine and drivetrain. There are also a couple of hybrid versions. I haven't stretched my vehicles legs yet (its only done 500kms) and haven't tried the Sport mode, but sure, compared to my previous car - a Nissan Murano with a 3.5lt V6 - it's going to feel different!
I wanted to buy a Sport, but after 33 years of Gloomy Grey or Boring Black interior colors, I wanted to vomit 🤮. Ultimately I chose the Touring model with the Saddle Brown leather interior
The Saddle Brown interior gives off a classier/luxury look on these Foresters. I'm not a fan of grey either...but they gave it a fighting chance with the texture, pattern and orange accents to make it more appealing.
@@jeffnaval4894 sorry but the gloomy grey interior stopped me. My dad had a 1972 Opel GT with the same interior (white in color), but in 72 we called it Vinyl. We keep our Subie’s on the road and on back roads. For serious Off Roads, we use our 4X4 pickup
That is what I have on order............Paul........PS....The 25' is going to be great with a high output Hybred in the works along with a totally revamped body......Should be like, but better than RAV4...........Paul
Surprisingly, I was actually hovering around the 29 mpg until I started mashing the pedal to experience the "CVT performance"..at which point it dipped down to 26 mpg. That said, it could be attributed to me not carrying additional passengers or cargo during the drive.
Been driving Foresters since 2007. Just bought a used 22’ Wilderness model. I tow a 1000 lb boat and go on hunting trips in the woods all the time. Never had any issues off road.
Just bought this car. I pick it up on the 25th. I can't wait! Great review!
I'm getting one Oct 22. How do you like yours?
@@benbendingrodriguez5572 just got mine Friday and I’m in loveeeeee❤
I've got one of these. It's definitely not fast but it's not slow. This car can do almost anything and it's super comfortable. It's also got the best visibility of the road I've ever seen in a car. I don't know how they made the pillars so thin and still pass the rollover tests but I'm not complaining!
Have this exact year and color. Took it on a road trip from Reno to Anaheim recently and got 35 MPG. 4 people and all our luggage with zero issues. LOVE my Fozzie!!!!
I still will never fully understand people calling it super weak.
I traded in my 2012 Yukon Denali for it, and I think the power is fine.
It's not _fast_ per se, but it's not bad either.
My Yukon had well over 400 HP (cold air intake & exhaust), and I didn't think the Forester had garbage acceleration after driving my Yukon for over a year.
Yes! The Forester is a completely capable vehicle for most folks and I personally enjoyed it as well. Unfortunately, you know the sentiment these days....if it isn't EV or pumping out more HP than the year before, it gets left behind 😅
@@Auto-Minute Yep, absolutely right. The Forester zips around just fine 😊
Because it’s only 3400lbs cs 4400-5000 lb suvs
i have Sport 2021 . the weak point is the CVT transmisdion,the oil hit in worm temps i added cooler oil gearbox the temps dropped by 20% atleast.
Well....Americans drive fast and walk slow.......I pass Them ALL when I am walking...Am 80.......And get passed by Them all when I'm driving........I never let My Mazda get over 2000 rpm as I consider that abusive behaviour..................Paul
Thanks for the brief but thorough overview-we need more reviews just like this one. Four and a half minutes is perfect.
Thanks! Will definitely keep this in mind for the next one :) Cheers!
Much better looking than the current gen. One thing to look out for is the TCV issue that affected the 2019-2021 models.
I just purchased 2023 Forester sport and am smazed with the technology in these newer vehicles! This vehicle has unbelievable handling and I love the fact it has apple carplay
I feel the same way. I've been driving used (older) vehicles for most of my life. As much as I appreciate the "raw" experience from older cars, I cannot deny the comfort and technology that comes with newer vehicles...and something like carplay is such a game changer haha glad you're loving the new car!
What is car play..........I have no idea......I am 80.......The only feature I have found and appreciate on new cars is the back-up camera/back up warning...........Paul
@@paulholterhaus7084 Hey Paul - Carplay is a software application that helps connect your phone to the vehicles infotainment system. It's much more user-friendly and efficient than the built-in system that most cars come with (and often times charge for). Using things like Google Maps or playing music from your library is much easier! 👌
I love my ‘22 forester sport.
Woohoo!
Me too!
EXDELLENT REVIEW. MY NEXT VEHICLE, the SUBARU FORESTER is EXCELLENT BANG FOR THE BUCK.
Thanks Clarence!
Great review
Nice review! 👍👍
SOA did good on the new front facia. Looks so much better. The Wilderness is a nice ride to.
I really want to try out the Outback Wilderness next. It's a great looking car in the blue w. gold accents.
love my subaru forester 2019 sport. looks identical to this 2023. Highly recommend this SUV
very minor 2023 cosmetic differences like the more angular headlights (which I don't like) but yup you're right nearly identical
How I wish they offered the orange strips in the touring trim level .OR Allowed one to option leather seats in the sport
A bit surprising for sure, but they're trying to keep that touring trim looking "upscale" I guess.
@brianmwirigi200 The orange strips and sport theme interior is only for the sport versions. The sporty seats with partial leather are still great. Sport models also get sport # mode too.
Anyone have experience with how this fabric does with dog hair? Is it easy to clean? I've heard mixed reviews on the Subaru leather seats including that the leather is prone to cracking and may not handle dog toe nails etc. as well as the fabric options. Any thoughts from those with experience?
If you activate the AVH at a stop and have your foot off the brake and the auto engine stop/start has turned off the engine, what fires up the engine when you want to get going? Push of the gas pedal?
Yes.
The gas pedal is the default "make car go" when the auto start stop feature is activated, even with the AVH button/pulltab is enabled.
It's a means to be completely in control of the feature without having to keep your foot on the brake with pressure.
If you want to test it out. Go for a test drive and then sit in a parking lot testing the scenarios out.
Due to the engine needing a split second to start up again you do have a delay from telling the car to go and it actually having the ability to go.
But if you're not stupid, and a horrible judge of objects around you that split second isn't an issue.
Is that Fremont? That neighbor looks so familiar.
Right!? Looks like the Cabrillo area, near Patterson.
Yup!! Exactly.@@anthonyfrombelow
I just bought the 2023 Forester Sport, same color as yours. Did yours come with all weather floor mats? Mine didn’t come with them.
how you liking the car man?
My 2024 did! Just got it today :)
I can live without the gaudy red trim and will not have any black wheel on any thing I own......Paul
It's Subaru's way of appealing to the newer generation 😁. I like the look of black rims, but hate the part of keeping it clean ha!
I’ve heard the foresters don’t accelerate well, does the sport?
Hey! I think it's got enough "get up and go" for everyday driving. The negative comments usually arise from when folks are launching the Forester 0-60mph (myself included) 😂 Its a proper SUV and plenty quick for what it offers.
It definitely accelerates not as fast as your brains wants. But it’s very comfortable drive. The interior is poverty soft touch. Hardly any cheap plastic. Its a good value for your money, especially the reliability and safety. Its not an exciting car though.
I find that using the paddle shifters gives you a bit more "umpf" when you're accelerating. I have a 2019 Crosstrek and it has mostly the same engine/transmission set up as the Forester. The Sport also has a "Sport" setting that raises your revs to give you that "Sporty" feeling. How many times can I say "Sport" in a sentence...?
The only thing I don't like about the Forester, maybe all Subaru, is the excessive front overhang, way too much.
I see what you're saying. These vehicle tend to be quite boxy and tall....I'm wondering if the size to wheel ratio is what's also emphasizing that overhand?
@@Auto-Minute I think it is the symmetrical AWD driveline layout needs the long overhang. The box engine is in front of the front axle.
Also, the narrow tracks make them look a little tippy.
@@chuckwalla2967 the narrowest SUV is last gen Mitsubishi Outlander.
I watched another reviewer mention that the overhang may have more to do with the boxter engine since it's hung lower and the pistons are horizontal rather than vertical. Not sure this is right, but it sounds possible...
Underrated? NO.. Just undiscovered.
Can one get get Forester sport with leather seats?
Hey Brian, they do not. They want you to jump into their "Premium" trim level for that which is roughly +$2000 and comes with other premium upgrades (sound, infotainment etc)
@@Auto-Minute If 2.4l engine is offered in the Forester, would you pick it over the outback?
@@brianmwirigi200 I've just bought a 2023 Forester Sport which has a 2.5 lt engine. Now I'm in New Zealand and its quite obvious that the specs for USA models are quite different from those for other countries. In NZ there are three petrol models available - Base, Sport and Premium, in ascending order of price and specs - the differences between the Sport and Premium are mostly cosmetic with the latter having leather seats . All have the same engine and drivetrain. There are also a couple of hybrid versions. I haven't stretched my vehicles legs yet (its only done 500kms) and haven't tried the Sport mode, but sure, compared to my previous car - a Nissan Murano with a 3.5lt V6 - it's going to feel different!
Underpowered not underrated. The Outback gets the 2.4 but not the Forester? I'll keep my 2018 XT Touring thank you.
I wanted to buy a Sport, but after 33 years of Gloomy Grey or Boring Black interior colors, I wanted to vomit 🤮.
Ultimately I chose the Touring model with the Saddle Brown leather interior
The Saddle Brown interior gives off a classier/luxury look on these Foresters. I'm not a fan of grey either...but they gave it a fighting chance with the texture, pattern and orange accents to make it more appealing.
should've went for wilderness.
@@jeffnaval4894 sorry but the gloomy grey interior stopped me.
My dad had a 1972 Opel GT with the same interior (white in color), but in 72 we called it Vinyl.
We keep our Subie’s on the road and on back roads.
For serious Off Roads, we use our 4X4 pickup
@@Doc1855 i see.
That is what I have on order............Paul........PS....The 25' is going to be great with a high output Hybred in the works along with a totally revamped body......Should be like, but better than RAV4...........Paul
Really tired of “sport” models from any male where it’s only looks, no performance.
agree lol
I like to say it's a normal Forester but with a track suit on.
Waiting for the new model due next year. This is now looking outdated.
Me too. Rumor is that they're going to add the 11 inch screen like the ones in the Crosstreks and Outbacks. Imma wait just in case. 😂
Damn APR rates gonna go up another 2% by then and you can get these on discounts currently
Nothing Sport about it other than cosmetics.
The "Sport" badge adds 1 horsepower :D
It has X mode as well as the "Sport" setting. Otherwise its a regular Forester with a track suit on.
underrated? more like overpriced lel
Everyone's gone wild with pricing. What's your pick?
@@Auto-Minute probably AsiansGoneWild
@@LicPlate8VPL158grow up
Not 29mpg combined, try 24mpg
Surprisingly, I was actually hovering around the 29 mpg until I started mashing the pedal to experience the "CVT performance"..at which point it dipped down to 26 mpg. That said, it could be attributed to me not carrying additional passengers or cargo during the drive.
@@Auto-Minute We live in a very mountainous area. The higher the elevation is, the worse the mpg becomes
@@Doc1855 That'll do it. I'm practically at sea level which is probably the most ideal conditions for these EPA :D