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CR Says The New Subaru Forester Is Your Best Small SUV Choice For 2 Reasons

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good choice for compact SUV shoppers? Consumer Reports says it's your best pick for two reasons. Check out CR's ten top models here.

Why did Consumer Reports pick the 2023 Subaru Forester as the best choice for compact SUV shoppers? CR gives two reasons why it's your best choice now. The Forester gets excellent fuel mileage and sells slightly over the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Because the Forester is in demand, Subaru retailers could charge much more than the MSRP sticker price, but they aren't, according to a new study from Consumer Reports.

2023 Subaru Forester
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

CR says, "Given the limited car inventory and heightened interest in efficient models (like the Forester), all of the recommended models on its list have sold for between 2 and 6 percent over MSRP. That's as good as it gets right now."

In addition to the 2023 Subaru Forester, the ten best models recommended by CR are the Lexus RX, Lexus ES, Nissan Leaf, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Camry, Lexus UX, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, and Honda Civic.

2023 Subaru Forester
photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Consumer Reports picks the 2023 Subaru Forester as the only mainstream (non-luxury) compact SUV. They rank the Forester the number one of twenty-seven compact SUVs. Forester is selected for fuel mileage and pricing but also for its performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and top safety scores.

Consumer Reports says the 2023 Subaru Forester price range is $26,395 - $36,495. CR's MPG: Overall 28 mpg and 20/38 City/Highway mpg.

What Forester trim level is the best value for SUV shoppers?

CR picks the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium trim level with an MSRP of $29,395. The average spent over MSRP is $1,592, and the average transaction price is $30,987.

What is the 2023 Subaru Forester MSRP?

All 2023 Forester trim levels increased by $550 in price, including destination and delivery. Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,620, Premium ($30,620), Sport ($32,190), Limited ($34,300), Wilderness ($35,245), and Touring ($37,720). Pricing includes dealer fees ($1,225).

What is Forester's EPA-estimated fuel mileage?

The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 29 combined mpg and 26/33 city/highway mpg. The Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine.

The EPA says the new Forester Wilderness gets an estimated 25/28 city/highway mpg and 26 combined mpg.

What are Forester's safety scores?

The 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2023 Subaru Forester arrives now at Subaru of America retailers, and Consumer Reports says it's the best choice for compact SUV shoppers. It's the top compact SUV pick for fuel mileage, pricing, performance, reliability, owner satisfaction, and top safety scores.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Comments

djt (not verified)    November 23, 2022 - 12:45AM

I wanted a plug-in Subaru Crosstrek... Was willing to fly to CA to buy it since NONE are available in the Great Plains. The CA dealer was... oh by the way... going to add $3,000 to the cost because I lived outside their county.... I won't buy a Subaru... now or in the future....