Subaru Forester Could Be Scary Good With 2 New Upgrades

As the 2023 Subaru Forester waits for a remodel, the compact SUV is still among the best-selling models for Subaru of America, but it could be the top model. In June, the Forester continued with another impressive sales increase. Subaru of America's upward trend for the year's first half is because the entire model lineup is up in sales performance for June. 

The Forester led in one special category and is good enough for many buyers, but it could be better. 

Forester gains momentum. 

In June, the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV is third in SOA's lineup. The Forester was up 34.2 percent, with 10,669 models sold compared with 7,953 in June 2022. Forester is still behind the comeback model Outback midsize SUV and the hot Crosstrek subcompact SUV, but the compact SUV leads in one category. 

Forester has 61,310 models sold in the first half of 2023, Outback is number one with 81,403 models, and Crosstrek is number two with 76,130 models sold through June 2023.

Even though the Forester needs a complete remodel, it's not preventing customers from buying the compact SUV. The aging Forester is now up 20.4 percent in the first six months of 2023, the most of any all-wheel-drive Subaru SUV. While the Outback is only up 5.3 percent, Crosstrek gained 8.7 percent through June 2023. 

Subaru Forester could be the top model with two new trim levels. 

The Forester is in the competitive compact SUV category and performs well but needs improvement. The Forester needs something to get customers excited about. Two new trim levels would raise the Forester's game. 

A turbocharged engine would make a difference in the Forester Wilderness. The Outback Wilderness, with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, is a top model for outdoor enthusiasts. The Forester Wilderness is languishing in sales and badly needs an upgrade. 

Also, a new Forester hybrid trim level with improved fuel mileage would impress many buyers. With gas prices rising, new hybrid models from the competition are selling well. But Subaru doesn't have a Hybrid SUV. New hybrid and electric models are coming, but Subaru is behind the curve. 

Will Forester get a new hybrid powertrain?

Subaru will likely offer a Forester hybrid engine with Toyota technology to meet ever-more-demanding emissions regulations. Subaru says they will have a new hybrid model by 2025, but they have yet to identify which Subaru vehicle it will be.

The Forester is getting recognition, a positive for the compact SUV. Where is the Forester doing well? 

The Subaru Forester scores one of the highest segment rankings in the new J.D. Power 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS).

The J.D. Power IQS asked owners 223 questions based on nine vehicle categories, infotainment, features, controls and displays, exterior, driving assistance, interior, powertrain, seats, driving experience, and climate control.

The 2023 Subaru Forester is one of the top three models in the Compact SUV segment. The Chevrolet Equinox scores number the one model, followed by the GMC Terrain and the Subaru Forester and Jeep Wrangler tie for third place.

What's next for the Forester?

Should customers wait for the 2024 Subaru Forester or buy the 2023 model? Subaru has yet to announce the all-new sixth-generation Subaru Forester and if it will arrive as a 2024 model. However, customers waiting for the 2024 Subaru Forester should know it's likely to get a complete redesign with a new exterior, interior, and possible engine upgrades.

Subaru is tight-lipped about future product plans, and they have made no announcements about the 2024 Forester. Planet Subaru says the next-generation Forester will get new exterior styling, interior, infotainment, and safety features.

Like the 2024 Crosstrek, Forester will get the next-generation EyeSight driver assist safety technology, an updated Subaru Global Platform with improved driving dynamics and ride quality, a quieter cabin, updated infotainment, and a larger 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen.

Also, look for the new 2024 Forester to get more supportive front seats, a wireless phone charger, aerodynamic improvements, and possibly a heated steering wheel in the Forester Wilderness.

Forester leads all Subaru SUVs in the percentage of increase for the first six months of the year. The Forester is good enough for many buyers but could be better. Two new Subaru Forester models would propel the compact SUV to new heights and take it from good to great.

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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