2013 Subaru Forester

best car 2013 Subaru Forester

The 2013 Subaru Forester ranks 7 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Subaru Forester, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

A spacious back seat and standard all-wheel drive are among the 2013 Subaru Forester’s high points, though reviewers say some rival SUVs offer nicer interiors or better fuel economy.

The base Forester has a four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission and standard all-wheel drive. A more powerful, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a four-speed automatic transmission are also available. Most reviewers note that power is adequate with the base engine, though they generally prefer the turbocharged engine’s extra power. On the downside, a few complain that the automatic transmission is outdated, and that the Forester’s fuel economy and acceleration suffer as a result. The base Forester gets an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg city/highway, which isn’t horrible, but it’s still easily beaten by newly-introduced SUVs like the Ford Escape, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru’s own XV Crosstrek. Despite these concerns, test drivers approve of the Forester’s sporty handling and comfortable, car-like ride. They also like the Forester’s standard all-wheel drive system, which they say is capable and reassuring on snow-covered roads or dirt trails.

The Forester stands out with useful cargo and passenger space that auto writers appreciate. They say that the back seat is particularly spacious, and that the Forester offers plenty of head- and legroom. Wide door openings also make entry and exit a breeze in the 2013 Forester. However, a few reviewers mention that the Forester’s interior materials aren’t as nice as they’d like, and that overall build quality seems better on rivals like the Honda CR-V. For 2013, the Forester gains a standard USB port, as well as Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, which should quell some reviewer complaints that the 2012 model didn’t offer a competitive list of standard features. Optional features include dual-zone climate control, navigation, heated front seats, a backup camera and a panoramic moonroof.