If you’re interested in purchasing a new compact crossover, the 2023 Subaru Forester is an excellent choice. It’s widely considered a very reliable option and stands out above other popular models for some experts. However, there are a few trim levels, so deciding on one is challenging. To make the decision easier, we have three reasons to buy the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium trim over other models in the lineup.

Buy the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium for the All-Weather package

First, the 2023 Subaru Forester base model comes with plenty of equipment. According to Edmunds, for the lowest price in the lineup, it has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and more. However, one step up to the Premium model adds even more valuable equipment. None are more valuable than what comes with the All-Weather package.

Every Forester Premium has the All-Weather package as standard. It contains heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a windshield wiper de-icer. Although it’s only a few things, it packs a lot of value into the low price of a Forester. Other amenities included with this trim level offer owners a big step up from the Base model.

It’s the cheapest Forester with premium features

When you think about premium features, the ones that come to mind are standard with the 2023 Subaru Forester Premium. As a result, it’s easy to recommend buying it over cheaper and more costly models. The second-cheapest trim in the lineup gains a panoramic sunroof, push-button start, keyless entry, tinted rear windows, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-speaker audio system, roof rails, foglights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Moreover, the Forester Premium costs $30,620. Although it isn’t the cheapest in the lineup, it’s only $3,000 more and packs a punch. With this much additional equipment, it’s difficult to argue against the upgrade.

Compared to higher models, the Premium trim is much cheaper, which increases the value even more. For example, the Limited trim is another $4,000 and only adds 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a power liftgate. That isn’t much additional value over the Sport or Premium trim.

Forester Premium has multiple drive modes

Finally, the last reason to buy a 2023 Subaru Forester Premium is its multiple drive modes. Although the lineup features an off-road specific model, the Wilderness trim, it’s far more costly. Wilderness buyers owe $35,245, a $5,000 increase over the Premium model. For off-road driving, it gets all-terrain tires, higher ground clearance, and a front skid plate. Since all Forester models have standard all-wheel drive, it isn’t much of an upgrade over the Premium trim.

The best Forester trim has multiple drive modes, allowing drivers to use its improved traction on specific surfaces or in certain weather conditions. As a result, the Premium model is the cheapest way to be just a little safer during mild off-roading or harsh weather conditions. Since most compact crossover buyers aren’t tackling trails or crawling over boulders, it’s more than enough without the ground clearance and skid plates.

Reasons to buy a Forester Premium

In conclusion, there are a few significant reasons to buy a 2023 Subaru Forester Premium. Although it isn’t the most luxurious model in the lineup, it has many advantages. In particular, it beats the Base model because of the essential All-Weather package, it beats higher trims because it’s cheaper but still has premium features, and it beats the off-road Wilderness model because it has multiple drive modes without breaking the bank for unnecessary features.