Subaru Forester Compact SUV Is On Top Of The Hot Crosstrek For the First Time

The Subaru Forester is a top pick for compact SUV shoppers before it gets a remodel. Finally, Subaru of America (SOA) can deliver more new models to its U.S. customers. The Forester has been the hardest-to-find new model in the all-wheel-drive lineup, but the new model inventory is improving.

In May, SOA said the 2023 Subaru Forester compact SUV is second in its all-wheel-drive lineup and had better sales than the hot Crosstrek, with 10,456 sales in May. The Forester was up an impressive 92.5 percent, with 10,582 models sold compared with 5.496 in May 2022.

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Forester is now up 17.8 percent in the first five months of 2023. Forester has 50,641 models sold in 2023 vs. 42,984 models sold in 2022. But the Forester narrowly passed the Crosstrek in monthly sales for the first time in over a year. The top-selling Crosstrek still leads Forester for the first five months of the year by 11,687 more vehicles delivered to customers.

More Forester models are available for customers.

Why did Forester suddenly bounce back? In a recent interview with Automotive News (by subscription), new Subaru of America President and CEO Jeff Walters said inventory levels are finally improving. And they should get better as the year goes on. You can read the full interview here. U.S. customers will now see more new Forester models.

What's next for the Forester?

Should customers wait for the 2024 Subaru Forester or buy the 2023 model? Subaru has yet to announce the all-new sixth-generation Subaru Forester and if it will arrive as a 2024 model. However, customers waiting for the 2024 Subaru Forester should know it's likely to get a complete redesign with a new exterior, interior, and possible engine upgrades.

Subaru is tight-lipped about future product plans, and they have made no announcements about the 2024 Forester. Planet Subaru says the next-generation Forester will get new exterior styling, interior, infotainment, and safety features.

Like the 2024 Crosstrek, Forester will get the next-generation EyeSight driver assist safety technology, an updated Subaru Global Platform with improved driving dynamics and ride quality, a quieter cabin, updated infotainment, and a larger 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen.

Also, look for the new 2024 Forester to get more supportive front seats, a wireless phone charger, aerodynamic improvements, and possibly a heated steering wheel in the Forester Wilderness.

Will Forester get a new hybrid powertrain?

Subaru will likely offer a Forester hybrid engine with Toyota technology to meet ever-more-demanding emissions regulations. Subaru says they will have a new hybrid model by 2025, but they have yet to identify which Subaru vehicle it will be.

The good news for U.S. customers is that the 2023 Subaru Forester new model inventory is improving before it gets a remodel. As a result, more new Forester models will be available for U.S. customers in 2023.

You Might Also Like: The All-New Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Vs. Forester Wilderness - Why One Wins Easily

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Schumacher Subaru