Your Guide to the 2023 Subaru Forester Trim Lineup

Subaru is an automaker well known for making rugged vehicles that are practical both on-road and off and come with an array of standard features, often including the celebrated Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Forester is a great example of what this iconic brand offers: an SUV that’s spacious, comfortable, and ready to take you on your next adventure. If you’re looking for a Subaru Forester for sale near Woodbridge Township, NJ, you’ve come to the right place. Here at Richard Lucas Subaru, we’re proud to offer this exceptional vehicle in a variety of different trim levels.

From affordable to off-road-ready to luxurious, the Forester’s trim lineup offers drivers a wide variety of options. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, read on to learn more about what each trim offers. No matter your driving habits, style, or budget, there’s a Forester that’s perfect for your needs. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team is here to walk you through our extensive inventory and help you narrow down a few options that are sure to fit your unique needs.

The Base

Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD comes standard on every Forester, including the affordable Base model. That means you’ll get extra traction, whether you’re driving to a campsite or tackling a Nor’easter. The EyeSight driver assist technology suite makes it even easier to drive confidently no matter where you’re going with features like a Pre-Collision Braking system, Lane Keep Assist, and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control. Other standard safety features include High Beam Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Brake Assist, Traction Control System, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

The Forester doesn’t make you pay extra to unlock its most powerful engine. All trims, including the Base, come standard with a 2.5L BOXER engine that produces up to 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. On the Base and Premium models, that engine pairs with a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission with adaptive control that gives you a smooth ride. Like all trim levels except for the Wilderness, the Base has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches and a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, so you can clear obstacles on uneven ground and bring a trailer or boat along for the ride.

It may be an outdoorsy vehicle, but the Forester offers a comfortable interior with plenty of tech as well as a rugged exterior. An automatic climate control system comes standard, so you can stay cool during the summer and warm in the winter. The infotainment system is controlled by a high-resolution 6.5-inch touch-screen display and comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration so that you can control your favorite smartphone apps through the Forester’s interface.

The Premium

Upgrade to the Premium, and you’ll get everything the Base model offers, plus a few extra features that can bring your driving experience to the next level. A panoramic power moonroof can give you extra views of nature if you’re driving through the great outdoors or bring in more natural light no matter where you are. Keyless access with push-button start means that you can leave your keyfob in your pocket, bag, or backpack for added convenience. The Premium also comes with a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat instead of the six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat that comes standard on the Base. That means you can get your position just right and stay comfortable even on longer rides.

The Sport

Accents like 18-inch black finish alloy wheels and two-tone upholstery with bold orange contrast stitching give the Forester Sport a unique look, inside and out. Body-color folding side mirrors feature integrated turn signals that are both stylish and functional. The trim’s sporty look is backed up by paddle shifters on the steering wheel that allow you to manually switch between seven speeds, giving you extra control over your drive. But if you can’t drive a manual, don’t worry. It still uses a continuously variable automatic transmission that can be left alone to do its thing if that’s what you prefer.

The Sport also comes standard with a pair of rear USB charging ports, so backseat passengers can keep their devices fully charged while en route. A cargo-area rear gate light helps you pack or unpack your gear at night, which can definitely come in handy while camping. A removable cargo area tray gives you even more options for loading and unloading. There’s also more standard safety tech on this trim and the levels above it, including Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

The Wilderness

If you’re looking to stray off the safety of paved roads, the Forester Wilderness is calling your name. This trim has several unique features you won’t find on any other Forester, including a maximum towing capacity of 3,000 lbs, an extra high ground clearance of 9.2 inches, and a standard set of all-terrain tires with a full-size spare. Raised roof rails with integrated tie-down points come standard on every trim but the Base, but only the Wilderness has rails with anodized copper-finish accents and a higher maximum capacity of 220 lbs while in motion or 800 lbs while static. Inside, you’ll find StarTex water-repellent upholstery that’s easy to keep clean, even if you’re not afraid to get dirty while you’re out in the great outdoors. The Wilderness is also the only trim to come with a 180-degree front-view monitor that lets you stay aware of your surroundings while tackling difficult off-road terrain.

On top of that, the Wilderness trim also unlocks some features included on higher trim levels. One-Touch Folding Rear Seatbacks make it easy to switch between passenger space and extra room for cargo. Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control lets the driver and front passenger each set their own ideal temperature. A larger 8.0-inch multimedia display also makes seeing information and camera feeds at a glance easier.

The Limited

Those looking for an extra touch of class will appreciate the features the Limited brings to the table. Like the top-tier Touring, this trim comes standard with leather-trimmed upholstery for an inviting interior. A power rear gate also comes standard on the Limited and Touring, so you can open and close the gate even when your hands are full. Thanks to the height memory function, you can set it to open just enough that it’s never out of reach. You’ll also get several features from the Wilderness level, like Dual-Zone Climate Control and One-Touch Folding Rear Seatbacks, without paying extra for off-road features you may not be interested in using.

The Touring

For the top-of-the-line Forester Touring, Subaru pulls out all of the stops. This trim has plenty of exclusive features unavailable on any other level. This includes styling touches like satin chrome side mirrors with integrated turn signals and aluminum-alloy wheels with a dark gray machine finish. It also includes interior upgrades like a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated front and rear outboard seats, and a heated steering wheel. Two-position memory for the driver’s seat and mirror settings makes it easy to share your Forester with a partner or family member without having to manually adjust the settings every time you switch drivers. The nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system is also great for audiophiles who want their music to come through loud and clear.

Which Forester Is the Right Fit?

To decide which trim is right for you, you need to consider both your driving habits and budget. If you’re an outdoorsy driver looking for the most capable trim, the Wilderness is the obvious choice. If you’re looking for an entry-level model that won’t break the bank, then you’ll be happy to know that the Base offers plenty of great standard features at a reasonable price. If you want the most luxurious lineup of features possible, then it’s worth upgrading to the Touring. Whichever trim is a good fit for you, we can help you get behind the wheel of the Forester here at Richard Lucas Subaru. Reach out today so we can get you ready for your next big adventure.