Used 2018 Subaru Forester for SaleNationwide

Compare 2018 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2018 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for versatile driving.

• Starting at $14,134
• Best MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Most Popular: 2.5i Premium

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

Missing data displayed as "—".

Trim Deep Dives

2.5i — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i is the pick for shoppers who want essential features without paying for extras. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,134 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 699 listings
• View 2.5i listings

2.5i Premium — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Premium is the pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded SUV with advanced features without stepping up to the Limited. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup by a wide margin.

• Avg. market price: $15,565 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 1,903 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 2.5i Premium listings

2.5i Limited — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Limited is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features without going for the top-tier Touring. It offers a balance of comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $16,847 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 930 listings
• View 2.5i Limited listings

2.0XT Premium — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Premium is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier drive with more power without stepping up to the Touring. It also boasts the best fuel economy in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $15,384 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 168 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 2.0XT Premium listings

2.5i Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Touring is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded SUV with all the luxury features. It’s ideal for those who prioritize comfort and technology.

• Avg. market price: $17,714 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 522 listings
• View 2.5i Touring listings

2.0XT Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Touring is the pick for shoppers who want a powerful engine and luxury features for adventurous driving. It’s perfect for those who seek performance and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $17,620 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 318 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 1,903 active listings, the 2.5i Premium is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

Best Budget Option — 2.5i

At $14,134 avg market price — below the lineup median of $16,206 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.0XT Premium

The 2.0XT Premium offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 23/27 MPG/MPGe.

Browse 2.0XT Premium listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2018 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 4.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,072 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for used shoppers.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 4.8/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, safety features, and smooth driving experience, and many also like the comfortable seating and user-friendly technology. For you, that makes this a strong fit if you want a practical compact SUV with room for passengers and cargo, plus everyday usability and all-weather confidence. 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback also points to a dependable ownership experience, with drivers highlighting the Forester’s practical strengths and comfortable day-to-day use. Some owners mention sluggish power and minor issues, but the overall tone suggests a vehicle you can count on for long-term use if you choose a well-kept example. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is condition variation, so a careful inspection matters.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

At 67.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report so you can separate clean examples from cars with prior damage. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on overall condition, repair quality, and signs of wear that could affect long-term ownership.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,072 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,917, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $16,002 sits slightly below last year's $16,679.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. If you plan to sell later, condition and maintenance history will matter even more because buyers will compare your Forester against plenty of similar listings. A clean, well-kept example should still hold appeal thanks to steady shopper interest in practical SUVs.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $14,550, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $16,002 average.
• It offers a value-focused, practical package with a broader performance choice.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $18,571, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $16,002 average.
• It adds standard advanced safety features and easier everyday livability.

The bottom line: The 2018 is the best all-around choice if you want a well-liked Forester with strong owner satisfaction and a softer used price. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2017 is the better value play; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling alternative, the 2019 is the natural step up.

How does the 2018 Subaru Forester compare to the 2018 Honda CR-V?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.