2023 Subaru Forester - Base Model - Great Features! - Complete In-Depth Review

The 2023 Subaru Forester is an impressive vehicle in the class, but you vary rarely have a proper, in-depth review of the base model. In this review, I do my best to show you a number of features that you may not see in other videos, to help you decide if this Subaru Forester is best for you! Want to see this vehicle for yourself? Connect with the amazing team at Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals here: www.wheelsanddeals.ca/in-dept...

[@SebAnt]

I’ve watched about 4 dozen car videos in past month and this was hands down the BEST review.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@louispaxton8336]

@@PeterLoweOne I like base models, including the Forester. In U.S. base car has an "unfortunate" off white vinyl/light grey cloth interior..tough to keep nice. Car itself is great..good vision, comfortable seating, easy entry/exit, etc. The latest 2.5 DOHC engine is much quieter and smoother than its predecessors. A really good car, overall. You convinced me on the Kia K-5 LXS. sedan: smooth, snappy and beautiful in/out appearance. Not many on roads here in MI and closest dealer is inept at best. Local service on my Civic is almost perfect but very pricey. But it doesn't break, either! Keep up your very high quality presentations. Detailed, useful and you provide great vehicle compsrisons that help a buyer choose. Soon for me: A Tesla 3 base or a Prius L..with the government rebate abd recent Tesla discounts, prices are very close. Service..40 miles away should be comparable. This will be a tough choice..but I am highly committed to full electic or very hood hybrid. Would make a great feature comparison..I would welcome it!!

[@Thefilmyfamily786]

I own the base model Canadian 2022 Forester, and after a year I learnt about the SRH through your video. Thank you for making such an informative video. I feel Base model is the way to go. The only thing I miss are the tweeter speakers but they can be added easily and even the usb ports in the back can be added. I am 6ft 5 and it fits me easily. Thank you again 😊

[@skullTT]

how to add usb ports in the back?

[@Thefilmyfamily786]

@@skullTT it's easy, you can buy the ports from any subaru dealer and the instructions comes with it. It takes literally 10 mins to do it, and anyone can do it.

[@spawn11]

I respect Hindu people. Good choice bud

[@eggyman64]

thanks. we have owned several Subaru's over time and just bought the 2024 forester base model. you video was a nice overview of the base model and we completely agree with your conclusions

[@ditassaplan]

Thank you! I’ve always wanted to see a review of the base model.

[@davehumphries2337]

Went with convenience trim on model up from base 2015 Forster. Had everything we wanted but not other extras so good value for budget. Factory order 9 weeks but got colour silver we wanted. Strong great auto. 🇨🇦 also like your 🇨🇦 reviews.

[@cjwise7741]

Awesome review. The worst part about the base trim is the availability. It’s been very hard for me to find a base model forester or legacy. They just don’t keep them stocked unfortunately.

[@mollypage1549]

This was an awesome review. I can afford the base, maybe the premium, but my dream was the wilderness. problem is, need a new car now. this gave me the confidence that i'll be fine with the base model-- wilderness has a ton of things i really, realistically, don't need

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

No way bro its you again i luv this car so much a lot of leg rooms

[@ellenanderson193]

Thanks for making this!

[@louispaxton8336]

Another "out of the park" excellent review! Congratulations!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha. Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

[@TheSpiritoftheCosmos]

Excellent review. Thank you!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@BeccaB529]

Thanks for the review! Seems like all the good car review videos are Canadian here on YT. 🇨🇦 It is a shame that there are very very few “optionals” for this model. For example, if you want black cloth instead of grey you automatically have to go to the next level with things you might not want, like a spoiler and leather wheel. Same with fog lights. I wish these were a little easier to customize.

[@tchindkatane712]

Yes I want them with fog light

[@melanie-gabriellegagnon5572]

Wow, merci beaucoup pour cette vidéo ! Très pertinent !

[@PeterLoweOne]

Merçi!

[@johnm4010]

Really nice review! I just purchased a 23 Forester Premium for some of the reasons you mention at the end. I had the original 98 Forrester for 14 years and driving my 23 feels exactly the same.

[@JS-bp3up]

Interesting. I also had a 98 and loved how it drove and it was comfortable. Mine was plagued by the head gasket issue but it limped by until I sold it.

[@chriswilliams6568]

⁠@@JS-bp3upyes, we have a 2007 Forester and love it, we had to replace the head gasket about 4-5 yrs ago, cost CAD$3400.00. But it included doing other stuff while the engine was out. But as we love the car and intend to keep it longer, we felt it was worth it. We will probably get a new one in a few years. Thx

[@robertocipriani1]

Thank you, good description of the car.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I appreciate your support. Thanks.

[@agak61]

What a great video

[@sujanmj23]

Good video . We love base models.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Thanks for watching! I actually like reviewing base models. They don't tend to get a lot of views, but there's just so little information online about lower trim vehicles.

[@jasonupson]

I bought a used 2018 Baae Forester. I also rented every SuV before I bought the Subaru My favorite Suv Out of all of them. Visibility and the ability to slay Canadian Winters.I'm going to upgrade to the wilderness edition. Hands down best bang for your buck. Subaru owner for life.

[@lovestihlquality1369]

The Outback Base comes w allow wheels and roof rack bars. Apple Car Play and Android Auto which is standard on all Subaru. This gets you Navigation via phone maps..Should make that as key even Base models

[@mrugman]

Now I know why I haven’t seen any videos from the previous dealership 🙀. We made a new car decision, now waiting for it to come in. It was down to the Kia Sportage (ex hybrid) and Forrester (Sport). It came down to two things (comfort and reliability). So we are getting the Forrester 😁

[@PeterLoweOne]

Haha! Yeah, I moved on just over a year ago! Thanks for watching! I love Subaru vehicles too!

[@R56Cooper]

Wow! Congrats on locating a base model Peter! Question: how does Subaru Eyesight's lane centering and adaptive cruise compare with KIA/Hyundai's excellent Highway Driving Assist? I'm currently choosing between a Telluride or an Ascent and would like to know which lane centering/adaptive cruise system is superior for freeway driving/stop and go traffic. Thanks again!

[@PeterLoweOne]

They both behave similarly, the biggest difference is that Subaru's lane centering technology doesn't activate unless you are using cruise control. Kia's system is pretty rare in that you can use it separately from cruise control.

[@R56Cooper]

@@PeterLoweOne yes, I do really like that the lane following assist of KIA operates independantly of smart cruise! Very useful for helping the car stay centered. Does Subaru's lane centering stay reliably centered on the freeway? Thanks again!

[@karenhall2926]

I would rather have a key

[@timesaver3]

I have had four foresters and have an 23 on order. My 6'4" friend likes the forester better than my 97 crown victoria. I don't like that the side mirrors don't have the signal light on them on the touring

[@piyamitmahapo2310]

Is that high cost to maintenance forester in case of compare with another japan suv?...i need to hear from your idea

[@user-vb4nq6rk3t]

Do the back seats recline like in the higher up models ?

[@user-vb4nq6rk3t]

They do not, but they are quite comfortable.

[@bearsfather]

Good video Peter! I'm looking at getting the base model. I now have a shorter vehicle which makes it hard for my wife to get in and out of. Subaru dealerships where I live are far and few in between. I was able to find a Subaru dealership. The problem is that the salesperson was uncertain as to when the base model would be delivered to the dealership. He said if I ordered one now, I would be looking at getting it in 2024 or 2025. Not a good feeling. Do you have any suggestions for me. Thanks.

[@PeterLoweOne]

No, I'm considering trading my vehicle for a Subaru, and I'm having trouble finding what I'm looking for too. Hard to find if you want something immediately.

[@karenhall2926]

What about visor extensions?

[@BeccaB529]

Is it possible to turn the main center screen off? I find the light very distracting when driving at night. Also, no review mention air bags. Do most SUV have all the top/side air bags now? Also, please wear a top hat next time! 😂

[@johnbenvenuto7309]

You did not mention the following that I think is part of the original equipment of the 2023 base model Subaru Forester: The 6.5 inch entertainment system also incudes a compact disc player and 'real knobs' for tuning the radio and adjusting the volume. On many new cars today, you just cannot find those features. I live in the northeast USA, I bought the 2023 Subaru Forester Limited model in June 2023, and added the option for the heated steering wheel (for the cold winters) including the 8 inch screen for the infotainment system. It's a great car with luxury features and a down to Earth price when compared to the cars made by other automakers and marketed as luxury cars. Even the 2023 Subaru Forester base model will be a smart choice as shown in this video by the reviewer, if you do not want the higher level trim models or cannot afford those upper trim levels. The same will probably be true when the 2024 models become available.

[@paulbilger3782]

I just bought a 2023 base model here in Southern California, the roof rack was not included, $700 option

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah. I film in Canada. There will likely be some minor differences. Thanks for sharing!

[@Doc1855]

Yes, the Touring model has heated rear seats and heated steering wheel. It also has vents for the rear seat passengers.

[@mollyn.1635]

Is that really necessary?

[@Doc1855]

@@mollyn.1635 Yes. During our winter months our daytime temperatures are around 15-25 degrees F. My rear seat passengers should be just as comfortable as the front seat passenger

[@MothersLovingArmsNursery]

Hi Mr Lowe my mom is trying to decide between forester and honda crv, she wants a safe, dependable car. I think subaru is still the best to go with, what is your opinion?

[@PeterLoweOne]

She should check them both out and see which one feels best to her. I would choose the Subaru just because I quite like the quirky differences of that vehicle, but I think sales figures show that most would choose the Honda, and I don't think you could go wrong with either.

[@Thefilmyfamily786]

Subaru has way better visibility. I moved from a crv to Forester. Loved the crv as well but the visibility on Forester is just the best and it's very quiet even with cvt.

[@chriswilliams6568]

We have had our 2007 Forester since new and love it, we bought it based on the Consumer guide at the time stating it was the safest of cars then. She has been great, there are just the two of us, but on the odd occasion that we have anyone in the back, the leg room is not great. But that has been sorted since they revamped the Forester in 2009 and made them bigger all round. A wonderful car.

[@bradybernhart670]

No xmode DIAL on the 2023 base in the USA.

[@Doc1855]

The Base trim Doesn’t have tinted windows nor a rear window visor

[@skullTT]

very confused, some review has the heated seat and xmode, some doesn't

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada with Canadian vehicles. That may be the difference.

[@robertalexander7661]

What color would the interior be on an ivory exterior?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oooh. I'm actually not sure. I would check with the local Subaru website as they usually show those options on the website. I film in Canada, so the options may be different if you're not from Canada.

[@robertalexander7661]

@@PeterLoweOne Thank you for reaching out. We’re going to be looking at one this afternoon. If everything goes well, it’ll be our first Subaru. Thank you again.

[@BeccaB529]

@@robertalexander7661Did you end up buying one? Any regrets?

[@ofcbob6391]

It's strange that in Canada the base provides privacy glass but hub caps....and in the US no privacy glass but you get alloys. Geez.

[@BeccaB529]

Have you found a video review of the US base model, by chance?

[@ofcbob6391]

@@BeccaB529 Here's the base in US trim: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJ-4eXmpf52YqZY

[@BeccaB529]

@@ofcbob6391 Awesome; thanks!

[@giniolamy]

The base base model doesn't have the roof rails. I use to work for subaru

[@PeterLoweOne]

Are you Canadian? This is a Canadian vehicle. Trims are different around the world.

[@MiraBeverley1]

Subaru website says no heated seats in the base model 🤔

[@PeterLoweOne]

Is that the Canadian Subaru website? I film in Canada with Canadian vehicles.

[@Thefilmyfamily786]

In Canada only you get roofrails and heated seats as standard on base model.

[@miaeba]

No views from the back seat is there a back vent for air

[@PeterLoweOne]

It would likely have one under the seats, but I'd have to double check about one in the centre armrest between the front seats.

[@paulkuras18]

We caught the fish bowl

[@Kevin-qz4eq]

looks like a real single zone climate control but they just ran out of chips during the pandemic to display the temp

[@weaseldragon]

How about Subaru secret base model cheap-outs? * Lack of adjustability of rear seat compared to higher trim? Do the rear seats recline? * Lack of privacy glass? * Also, can base model buyers expect the same level of cabin noise as higher trims? I've read that higher trims have acoustic glass windshields. Is that the same for the base model? What else is missing that they're not telling us about?

[@PeterLoweOne]

If you read through the spec sheets, Subaru is pretty clear about what the higher trims get that the lower trims don't. I don't think there's any deception on Subaru's part.

[@weaseldragon]

@@PeterLoweOne I'm still curious. Which trim levels have acoustic glass and sound deadening? Which trim levels have tinted rear glass? Which trim levels have a back seat that reclines? Are the basic mechanical features of all the trims the same? e.g., (the base model Forester has smaller brakes) . You were reviewing the base model and it looks great, but there may be hidden compromises that are not publicized.

[@Thefilmyfamily786]

The brakes are the same on base unless you get wilderness

[@gloriagwenyeechow6447]

Thats why it’s the base model.

[@BeccaB529]

@@weaseldragonThe only reason to include more in the higher models is to make more money. People pay more money when they know what they are getting, not in the hopes of some secret safety upgrades. . .

[@wilchambers1401]

Are you still associated with Brantford Kia?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Hello! I left there just over a year ago. I'm still in touch with many people there, but I don't work there anymore. I decided to go on my own to give myself more opportunity to work on a variety of things that interest me. I run this channel now, but I'm also involved in a number of off camera things that I never would have had the opportunity to pursue if I was still working there. It's been great for me!

[@micah6811]

The massive moonroof is a must to have in a forester, besides cloth seats! Leather seats are so overrated!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I do like that moonroof. I wouldn't call it massive as many other manufacturers are now offering a panoramic roof in their small SUV's but where the Forester is great is that for the average person, the sunroof starts just in front of their head. On most SUV's it's often above or even behind your head because of the roofline. The Forester also doesn't tint the windshield as dark as most other manufacturers, and that makes it nice and bright inside. I love the moonroof on the Forester! Cloth or leather is always a personal choice, but Subaru's fake leather is very nice especially as it's designed to get wet without issues. Great for kayaking and other water sports.

[@BeccaB529]

@@PeterLoweOneCan you share more information about the fake leather, or maybe point out where it would be on the website? I am having a hard time picking a vehicle that works for me because I want some non-base features but no leather. If they use synthetic leather, this would be a game changer for me. Probably a Canadian thing only, but I will hold out some hope. You get Tim Hortons, Nanaimo bars, and poutine. . .can you at least share the fake leather?

[@Doc1855]

My wife and I are SO TIRED of gloomy, depressing, drab, boring 34 year old outdated Grey and Black interior colors that every automotive manufacturer have been shoving down everyone’s throats since 1990. So we bought her Outback with Ivory interior and my Forester Touring with saddle Brown Leather interior. Our 11 4WD pickup had gloomy grey and boring black interior so we had it reupholstered in Red with black stitching to match the custom 2 tone paint (Silver over Red metallic).

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

1st

[@mushtiar_Engineer]

I have Pakistani car or bike 🚳

[@chuckwalla2967]

Are you a used car salesman now?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Nope! Just covering out the lineup for Wheels and Deals. There will be a lot of new content coming to this channel very soon. Big changes happening! Stay tuned!

[@rustyshitbox]

I bet the alloys fit on the base model. If you really wanted leather, just wait till a more expensive one gets totaled. Put the seats in your car