Used 2016 Subaru Forester for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

Compare 2016 Subaru Forester Trims in San Diego, CA

The 2016 Subaru Forester offers a blend of practicality and capability, with trims that cater to budget-conscious shoppers and those seeking more features.

• Starting at $14,269
• Best MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 32 hwy
• Most Popular: 2.5i Limited

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

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

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Trim Deep Dives

2.5i Premium — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Premium is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without stepping up to the pricier trims. It balances features and affordability nicely.

• Avg. market price: $14,497 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 9 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• 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 and advanced safety without going for the highest trim. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,269 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 2.5i Limited listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Limited

With 10 active listings, the 2.5i Limited is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 2.5i Limited listings

Best Budget Option — 2.5i Limited

At $14,269 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,383 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i Limited listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.5i Premium

The 2.5i Premium offers excellent fuel efficiency with 24/32 MPG/MPGe.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2016 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 2,847 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare on mileage, trim, and condition.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Subaru Forester earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 6.8/10 expert rating. 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, well-rounded character fits buyers who want a compact crossover that balances everyday usefulness with peace of mind.

With 33.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop carefully and find a strong example.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that many drivers find dependable in daily use, with praise centered on the smooth ride, spacious cabin, and overall confidence it inspires. The expert review also describes the Forester as a practical, well-rounded crossover that remains competitive across several areas, which supports the idea that it can be a trouble-free choice when maintained well.

The cost-effectiveness notes also say Subaru claims it has addressed the oil-consumption problem and extended warranties for affected owners. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure a specific example has been cared for properly, since past reliability concerns can still affect ownership confidence and resale value.

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

At 61.8% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing has higher mileage or a price that seems unusually strong. Pay close attention to condition, maintenance records, and whether the equipment works as expected, since some owners have raised concerns about touchscreen durability and value at higher mileage.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim includes a 6.2-inch touchscreen, rear-view camera, app integration, and HD radio with aux and USB inputs, while Premium trims add a power driver’s seat, sunroof, upgraded stereo, and a larger 7-inch touchscreen with the enhanced Starlink system. Limited trims add automatic headlights, foglights, a power liftgate, leather, and automatic climate control, while Touring trims add 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon audio, and keyless entry and ignition.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter boxer engine makes 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque, and the turbo 2.0-liter engine is described as one of the most powerful in the class. The CVT improves efficiency but can feel lurchy and less smooth in everyday 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 standard on every trim, and the tech review notes the absence of blind-spot monitoring.
• Infotainment: The updated Starlink system brings smartphone app integration, MirrorLink phone pairing, and a 6.2-inch screen on the base trim, with a 7-inch screen on Premium trims. The system can be slow with pinch-and-drag inputs, and compatibility can vary by phone.
• Fuel efficiency: The CVT-equipped 2.5-liter model is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, while the manual returns 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The turbo 2.0-liter version is rated at 23 mpg city and 28 mpg 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:

• 2.5i: This is the value starting point if you want the Forester’s core strengths without paying for extras. You still get the touchscreen, rear-view camera, app integration, and the practical cabin layout that makes the model appealing.
• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the power driver’s seat, sunroof, upgraded stereo, and larger 7-inch touchscreen without jumping all the way to the pricier luxury-oriented trims.
• 2.5i Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel, with leather, automatic climate control, foglights, automatic headlights, and a power liftgate. It also brings X Mode, which helps traction on dirt and snowy roads.
• 2.5i Touring: This is the most comfort-focused 2.5-liter trim, adding 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control, Harman Kardon audio, and keyless entry and ignition.
• 2.0XT Premium: Pick this if you want the turbo engine and a more spirited driving character. It also adds a sport suspension and a leather steering wheel, making it the clear choice for buyers who care more about performance than value.
• 2.0XT Touring: This is the top turbo trim, combining the stronger engine with the most upscale equipment in the lineup for buyers who want the most powerful and most fully equipped Forester.

EyeSight is available as an added safety system, and higher trims also get the upgraded Starlink telematics features.

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

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare condition carefully.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,847 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,413, 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 $12,533 sits slightly below last year's $12,584.

That small decline suggests the Forester has been holding value fairly steadily rather than swinging sharply up or down. For a future seller, that kind of stability is helpful because it points to a market that remains predictable and easier to price against.

The model’s broad appeal also helps support resale prospects, especially when you factor in its practical layout and strong safety reputation. Well-kept examples should continue to attract buyers who want a dependable compact crossover with all-wheel drive and everyday usefulness.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2016 Subaru Forester earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

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

The Forester comes with antilock disc brakes, a full suite of airbags, traction and stability control, and Subaru’s Starlink Plus telematics system with automatic collision notification. Higher trims add upgraded telematics functions that let you unlock doors, locate the vehicle, and receive alarm notifications from your phone. EyeSight is available as an added driver-assistance system, and it brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision avoidance.

The main caveat is that the Forester did not earn a perfect frontal-impact result from NHTSA, so that test is worth keeping in mind when you compare used examples.

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:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It adds a new touchscreen interface and remains competitive in space, safety, and all-around practicality.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $11,043, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,533 average.
• It emphasizes value and safety after a fresh redesign.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $14,608, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $12,533 average.
• It splits into value and turbo performance versions.

The bottom line: The 2016 is the right pick if you want a balanced Forester with updated tech and strong safety at a stable price. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2015 is the cheaper route; if you want a newer-feeling model with a broader trim split, the 2017 is worth a look.

How does the 2016 Subaru Forester compare to the 2016 Honda CR-V?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.