The Subaru Forester is well-known for being a durable crossover SUV that can handle not just your daily driving, but rough terrain and adverse weather conditions with ease. This is due in part to the incredible flat-four BOXER® engine under every hood and the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive; together this set-up delivers incredible power and better balance and traction than an ordinary SUV. It's the perfect go-to vehicle for your off-road excursions with its standard 8.7-inch ground clearance. If you're looking for something a little more rugged and adventurous, the 2023 Forester Wilderness has answered your call. With a higher ground clearance and the ability to tow up to 3,000 lbs, this is your perfect weekend companion. At Byers Airport Subaru, we understand that even if you've narrowed your new-car search to the Subaru Forester, there are still decisions to be made. With six impressive trim levels to choose from, including the Wilderness model, it can be a difficult choice. This is why we've assembled this handy comparison page below so you can take a deep dive into the features of the 2023 Forester and the 2023 Forester Wilderness and decide which one checks all your boxes.
The 2023 Forester and 2023 Forester Wilderness both boast standard 17-inch wheels and while the Forester comes standard with all-season tires, the Wilderness delivers standard all-terrain tires to make your off-roading excursions even more safe. The Forester Wilderness also comes with a higher 9.2-inch ground clearance while you'll get the standard 8.7-inch ground clearance on the rest of the Forester lineup. LED steering responsive headlights are standard fare on both SUVs. LED fog lights, heated side mirrors, and a power moonroof are all available on the Forester while they come as standard fare on the Forester Wilderness. Raised roof rails are standard across the Forester lineup but only the Forester Wilderness offers a static capacity of up to 800 lbs, perfect for your roof-top tent or to carry your kayak or bikes.
The comfort of you and your passengers is one of the top priorities for Subaru and the 2023 Forester and 2023 Forester Wilderness are prime examples. You'll find heated front seats available on all Forester trim levels above the base, including the Forester Wilderness but only the Forester Touring model offers heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel. While leather-trimmed upholstery is available on higher trim levels of the Forester, only the Forester Wilderness offers standard StarTex® water-repellent upholstery so no matter where the road takes you, your vehicle will stay newer-looking longer.
The STARLINK® Multimedia Plus infotainment system is standard fare in both the Forester and Forester Wilderness, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, and Bluetooth® for hands-free phone connectivity. The Forester comes standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen display while the Forester Wilderness offers a standard 8.0-inch display. Navigation is standard only on the Forester Touring model but optional for the Forester Wilderness.
Both the 2023 Forester and the 2023 Forester Wilderness are powered by a 2.5L horizontally-opposed BOXER® engine under the hood that generates a solid 182 horsepower and 176 lb/ft of torque. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and SI-DRIVE® are standard fare on both vehicles while the Forester offers up to 33 MPG on the highway versus 28 highway MPG from the Forester Wilderness. Both SUVs are paired to a Lineartronic® CVT with adaptive control but only the Forester Wilderness offers an 8-speed manual mode and up to 3,000 lbs of towing capacity.
While the 2023 Forester Wilderness wasn't rated separately, the NHTSA awarded the 2023 Forester an overall 5-star safety rating and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. The EyeSight® suite of driver assist technology is standard fare across the board and includes Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and much more. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as well as Reverse Automatic Braking are available on the Forester but standard on the Forester Wilderness. You'll only find the innovative DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System on the Forester Touring model.
These two crossover SUV models provide a range of features that cater to your daily needs. The 2023 Subaru Forester delivers a slightly more spacious interior and better fuel efficiency, making it the ideal choice for urban driving or weekend getaways, with a starting MSRP of just $26,395. With a starting MSRP of only $34,020, the 2023 Forester Wilderness is a more robust option, featuring a higher ground clearance and additional safety features to turn every adventure into a memorable experience. You can feel the difference between these two crossover vehicles first-hand by visiting Byers Airport Subaru today. Feel free to contact us online or by phone to set up a test drive, or simply come into our showroom to talk to any of our friendly, dedicated team members.
| 2023 Subaru Forester |
|
2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness |
| $26,395 | Starting MSRP* | $34,020 |
| 2.5-Liter Subaru BOXER 4-Cylinder | Standard Engine | 2.5-Liter Subaru BOXER 4-Cylinder |
| Standard | Symmetrical All Wheel Drive | Standard |
| 1,500 Lbs | Standard Towing Capacity | 3,000 lbs. |
| Standard | Auto Stop-Start System | Standard |
| Standard | LED Steering Responsive Headlights | Standard |
| 26 MPG / 33 MPG | Standard Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25 MPG / 28 MPG |
| STARLINK 6.5-Inch Multimedia Plus | Standard Infotainment System | STARLINK 8-Inch Multimedia Plus |
| 5/5 Stars | NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | Not Rated |
| Standard | EyeSight Driver Assist Technology | Standard |
*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
