Subaru Forester 2023: price increase in Australia, release date set for Q4 this year

---

After stock shortages, Subaru Australia has confirmed the 2023 Forester midsize SUV range will restart customer deliveries some time between October and December this year.

Subaru Australia has made some minor spec tweaks to the Forester, which placed third in the recent Chasing Cars midsize SUV megatest, while increasing the price of entry to $37,890 before on-road costs for the base 2.5i variant – a bump of $1900.

At the other end of the spectrum, the range-topping petrol-electric Forester Hybrid L now starts $2150 higher at $49,340 before on-road costs. A full price list can be found at the end of this article.

The Forester becomes the latest model in Subaru’s stable to cop a price increase, with the Outback lifted wagon, XV small SUV and Impreza hatch all seeing increases last month. 

Subaru Australia has cited increased material, logistics and production costs as pressures leading to the price increase.

Slight spec increases partially offset Forester price increase

Subaru Australia has made some slight tweaks to the Forester. An auto-dimming rear-view mirror for up-spec 2.5i Sport, 2.5i L, and Hybrid L Forester grades.

A new paint colour – Sapphire Blue Pearl – is available on the adventure-focused Sport grade that features water-repellent upholstery. 

Aside from those minor tweaks the Forester continues with the choice of a 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre flat-four engine across the range. 

A hybrid powertrain that produces 110kW and 196Nm continues to be available on S and L grade Foresters.

All Foresters utilise a CVT transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system. 

Subaru Australia is taking orders for the 2023 Forester now, with customer deliveries estimated to begin in the fourth quarter (October-December) 2022. 

Subaru Forester 2023: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 2.5i: $37,890 (up $1900)
• 2.5i-L: $40,290 (up $1900)
• 2.5i Premium: $43,090 (up $1950)
• Hybrid L: $43,290 (up $1900)
• 2.5i Sport: $44,840 (up $2150)
• 2.5i-S: $46,340 (up $2150)
• Hybrid L: $49,340 (up $2150)