Subaru gave its popular and best-selling crossover a thorough interior and exterior makeover for the 2022 model year. It?s the reason why the 2023 Subaru Forester is getting no significant changes except for higher base prices. The Forester joins a bandwagon of new vehicles with higher acquisition costs, no thanks to a lingering pandemic, a European war, and burgeoning chip shortages.

The entry-level 2023 Forester now starts at $27,620 (including the $1,225 destination fee), about $1,300 more than the 2022 Forester. It?s worth noting that Subaru implemented a mid-year price hike for 2022, adding $500 to Forester?s base price. The outdoor-ready Forester Wilderness is making a comeback for 2023 and continues to offer 9.2-inches of ground clearance, rugged suspension, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain rubber.
2023 Subaru Forester: Engine & Transmission

The 2023 Subaru Forester remains motivated by a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder gas engine with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft. of torque. The numbers may look good on paper, but we sorely miss the fire-breathing turbocharged Boxer-fours from Foresters of yore, particularly the rally-ready STi versions from the early 2000s. Typical of a Subaru (except the BRZ), all Foresters have symmetrical all-wheel drive, while a Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the only gearbox option.

Despite the lack of oomph, the 2023 Forester delivers good fuel economy. EPA-estimate...