Used 2013 Subaru Forester Base for sale 

The Subaru Forester is offered in four trim levels and comes with a decent set of features right from its base trim. It is offered with two powertrain options and two transmission options as well. The XT trims get the turbocharged version of the base 2.5liter motor and generate more power and torque, delivering better performance. The 5-speed manual transmission is standard in the base trim while the 4-speed automatic is offered as standard from the Limited trim level. The price for the base trim starts at $21,295 and offers full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone & audio connectivity, a four-speaker sound system, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Premium trim further adds rear privacy glass, upgraded exterior trim, roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, an eight-way power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a reclining rear seat. The top-end Touring trim offers xenon headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, a one-touch folding rear seatback, upgraded gauges, and a subwoofer for the six-speaker sound system. 

We Recommend

We would suggest you the XT Premium trim for a better experience and a punchy performance from the turbocharged motor.

The Subaru Forester is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5liter H-4 motor that has been Subaru’s favorite application in several vehicles from its stable. The motor is tuned to generate a maximum of 170 horsepower and 174lb-ft of torque. In general, the motor is adequately powerful for performing daily activities and occasional outing into the wilderness thanks to its permanent AWD layout.

The turbocharged unit of the motor in the XT trims is more punchy undoubtedly, but the base motor is not a slouch. The 5-speed manual transmission is quite sleek in nature and provides effortless gear shifts.

The Ford Escape has lower power and torque ratings and gets an FWD layout by default. The GMC Terrain obliterates the competition with a superior horsepower rating but has a comparable torque output.

The fuel economy of the Subaru Forester is nothing impressive but isn’t terrible either. The SUV has a city mileage of 21mpg and a highway mileage of 27mpg. The combined mileage is rated at 23mpg.

The Ford Escape has marginally better mileage ratings than the Forester owing to its lower power figures. The GMC Terrain impresses with its mileage ratings considering its power figures.

The interior of the Subaru Forester is highly functional but quite budget-oriented in both design and quality aspects. The fir and finish levels are mediocre and the overall design is straightforward. Apart from all these, the cabin is one of the most spacious ones in the segment, a rarity in the class.

The front seats are adequately comfortable while the rear seats are thickly padded with a high seating position, offering excellent under-thigh support. The cargo capacity is decent at 30.8 cu-ft and could’ve been better.

The Ford Escape has a spacious cabin too with better cabin materials along with better fit and finish levels than the Subaru Forester. The GMC Terrain has a robust cabin with adequate comfort levels paired with good headroom and legroom for both the front and rear passengers.

Interior features:

• Tilt-telescopic steering wheel
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Reclining rear seat
• Heated front seats
• Leather upholstery

Infotainment

In its basic form, the Subaru Forester has a decent infotainment system with all the basic and necessary entertainment features fitted in. The features include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The Plus Package includes a touchscreen audio interface and the Tom Tom navigation can also be fitted into it. The Touring trim gets a subwoofer for the six-speaker sound system for a better audio experience.

Infotainment features:

• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Player
• MP3 Player
• Satellite Radio (Optional)
• Premium Sound System (Optional)

The Subaru Forester has developed into a handsome crossover SUV with a practical and upright design with classic styling. The SUV surely lacks the aggressive styling cues found on some of its rivals but its upright styling has a nice appeal to it.

It has a capable street presence and looks always ready-to-go without a second’s delay.The tall windows allow for ample airiness inside the cabin but its well-proportioned roofline manages the tall dimensions brilliantly.

The Ford Escape has a heavily understated and restricted design language and the front end looks almost like a sedan, making it unappealing to those seeking that ruggedness or practical design in the segment. The GMC Terrain looks strictly American with its chunky fenders and boxy design language.

Apart from excellent practicality, the Subaru Forester is quite a safe vehicle too. In NHTSA crash testing, the crossover secured a 4-star out of 5 ratings and a best possible “Good” rating from the IIHS as well. The standard safety aids of the Forester include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags. Disappointingly though, the rearview camera is offered as an option. 

Safety features:

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Daytime Running Lights
• Child Safety Locks
• Traction Control

In a highly competitive market of crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester is still going strong as ever with its capable performance and excellent practicality. The SUV also appeals to performance lovers with its powerful XT trims and the practicality of the full-time AWD system makes the experience even better. Overall, it stands as a great choice for those who seek a practical crossover for multiple purposes at a pocket-friendly price tag.