How much does the 2016 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 2.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,682 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability for shoppers comparing options.

If you find a listing below $12,418.19, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester a good car?

Generally — the 4.33/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.83/10. The standout strength is Safety at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise the smooth ride, spacious interior, and excellent safety features. The all-wheel drive also comes up often as a plus for winter conditions, and the model’s practical, do-everything character fits buyers who want a compact crossover that balances space, confidence, and everyday usability.

That said, the Forester is not trying to be the flashiest or most off-road-focused choice in the segment. It is better suited to you if you value a well-rounded crossover with strong safety and winter-friendly capability, and the market shows 31.4% of listings are rated as good or great deals.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback highlights the Forester as dependable and practical, with many drivers describing it as a vehicle they trust for everyday use. The expert review also points to Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system and the model’s generally capable, confidence-inspiring character as part of its appeal.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that Subaru says it has addressed the oil-consumption issue and extended warranties for affected owners, which helps reduce some long-term concern. Still, used buyers should pay close attention to service history and any signs of prior oil-related or recall-related issues before committing.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Subaru Forester?

At 63.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on condition, maintenance records, and whether the car’s equipment works as expected, since the model’s value depends heavily on how well it has been cared for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim comes with a 6.2-inch touchscreen, rear-view camera, app integration, and an HD radio with aux and USB inputs, while higher trims add features like a power driver’s seat, sunroof, upgraded stereo, larger 7-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights, foglights, power liftgate, leather, automatic climate control, 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry and ignition.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter boxer engine makes 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo 2.0-liter brings 250 hp and 258 lb-ft. The CVT improves efficiency but can feel lurchy and less smooth in daily driving, while the manual avoids some of that behavior.
• Safety package: EyeSight adds adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision avoidance. It is not available on every trim, and the text also notes the absence of blind-spot monitoring or alert.
• Infotainment: The updated Starlink system uses a 6.2-inch screen on base trims and a 7-inch screen on Premium trims, with smartphone app integration and MirrorLink phone pairing. The system does not mention wireless CarPlay or Android Auto, and the screen can wash out in sunlight.
• Fuel efficiency: The CVT-equipped 2.5-liter returns a combined 27 mpg from 24 city/32 highway, the manual gets 25 combined from 22/29, and the turbo 2.0-liter is rated at 25 combined from 23 city/28 highway.

Which 2016 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2016 Subaru Forester is offered in 6 trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium, and 2.0XT Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The 2.5i gives you the essentials, but it lacks the added comfort and convenience features found higher up the range, including the power driver’s seat, sunroof, upgraded stereo, larger touchscreen, and the more upscale equipment that comes with Limited and Touring trims.
• Sweet-spot trim: The 2.5i Premium is the best value if you want a meaningful step up from base without going all the way to the pricier trims. It adds the power driver’s seat, sunroof, upgraded stereo, and larger 7-inch touchscreen, and it can also be paired with the All-Weather package.
• Premium/top trim: The 2.5i Touring is the most luxurious gas-model choice here, adding 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, upgraded dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon audio, and keyless entry and ignition.
• Off-road trim: The 2.0XT Premium is the one to watch if you want stronger performance, but its turbo engine and sport suspension make it less of a default pick for typical daily driving.

EyeSight is available as an added safety system, and Limited trims and above are paired with the CVT.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate, selective-buyer market, so you have room to compare listings carefully without rushing.

• Deal availability: 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,682 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.09% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,418.19, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $12,948 sits slightly below last year's $13,225.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point. For a future seller, that also means resale upside may be more limited unless your Forester is especially clean, well maintained, and well equipped.

The model’s broad appeal still helps support demand, especially because shoppers tend to value its practicality, safety, and all-wheel-drive capability. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester safe?

The Forester earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Forester comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite on higher trims, and that system includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision avoidance. Standard safety equipment also includes antilock disc brakes, a full suite of airbags, traction control, stability control, and Subaru’s Starlink Plus telematics system with automatic collision notification.

One caveat is that the text notes the absence of blind-spot monitoring or alert, and EyeSight can be temporarily disabled if its cameras are blocked by snow, mud, dirt, sunlight, or fog. That means you should verify which safety features are present on the specific listing you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 31.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• With a new touchscreen interface and strong safety features, this year feels especially well-rounded.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,274, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,948 average.
• It is a value-focused crossover that emphasizes safety and practicality.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $14,708, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,948 average.
• It splits into a practical 2.5i and a more powerful 2.0XT.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2016 is the strongest all-around pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2015 can save you money, while the 2017 makes sense if you want to spend more for a newer model-year option.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.