The 2023 Subaru Forester is an excellent SUV for weekend adventures. But this compact crossover is also a capable and safe daily driver. Here’s an overview of the 2023 Subaru Forester, including its safety and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). 

2023 Subaru Forester trims

The 2023 Subaru Forester has six trims, but they all pack the same engine. It’s a 2.5-liter four-cylinder making 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is also standard on all trims. The base model starts at about $26,500. 

Then there’s the Premium trim, starting at about $29,500. After that is the Sport, priced at $31,000. Next is the Limited, which starts at $33,000. The second-most expensive trim is the Wilderness, starting at about $34,000. Subaru modified the Wilderness significantly. Although this trim has the same engine as the others, it gets lower gas mileage but double the towing capacity. 

Finally, the range-topping 2023 Subaru Forester is the Touring. It starts at about $36,500 and provides the most features. It also has a few exclusive perks, such as heated rear outboard seats. 

Every ADAS and safety feature on the 2023 Subaru Forester

No matter which model buyers choose, the 2023 Subaru Forester is a safe compact crossover with abundant safety features. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system is standard across all trims. It provides forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. These features can help drivers stay in their lane and avoid crashes.

High-beam assist is also standard on all trims. It works with EyeSight to adjust the Forester’s headlights automatically when the system detects oncoming traffic.

Blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert aren’t available on the base model, but they’re optional on the Premium and standard on the higher trims. These advanced safety features help drivers maintain their situational awareness. 

Reverse automatic braking — an ADAS that can help prevent backing into another object or person — is an option on the Sport and Limited trims. The feature is standard on the Wilderness and Touring trims but unavailable on the base and Premium models.

Last, Subaru’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation system can help keep drivers focused on the road. It uses an infrared camera to monitor head and eye position. But this ADAS is standard only on the Touring and unavailable on other 2023 Forester trims.

What is ADAS, and why does it matter?

ADAS refers to systems that use technology to help make driving safer. Many ADAS features require sensors to detect objects, so these systems typically employ cameras and radar.

Some ADAS features provide visual, audible, and/or tactile warnings, such as a vibration in the steering wheel. For example, Subaru’s DriverFocus sends a visual and audible alert when the system senses the driver might be falling asleep.

But other ADAS go beyond alerts to accomplish actions automatically. For example, automatic emergency braking applies the vehicle’s brakes if it detects no effort from the driver.

ADAS features are crucial because they can help avoid collisions, making roads safer.