Used 2017 Subaru Forester for Sale nearBakersfield, CA

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims in Bakersfield, CA

The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims that balance affordability, fuel efficiency, and adventure-ready features, all with standard AWD.

• Starting at $17,998
• Best MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 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 a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.

• Avg. market price: $17,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 26 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 safety features without stepping up to luxury. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $17,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 71 listings
• View 2.5i Premium listings

2.5i Limited — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Limited is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and practicality without the highest price tag. It offers premium features for a comfortable ride.

• Avg. market price: $17,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 43 listings
• View 2.5i Limited listings

2.0XT Premium — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Premium is the pick for shoppers who want sporty performance with turbo power without going for the top-tier trim. It balances fun and functionality.

• Avg. market price: $17,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 14 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 luxury features for a refined experience without the highest price. It offers a premium feel at a reasonable cost.

• Avg. market price: $17,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 28 listings
• View 2.5i Touring listings

2.0XT Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Touring is the pick for shoppers who want high-performance features for enthusiasts without sacrificing comfort. It’s the most capable trim for adventurous drivers.

• Avg. market price: $17,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 20 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 71 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 $17,998 avg market price — below the lineup median of $17,998 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.5i Premium

The 2.5i Premium offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 26/32 MPG.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 2.21% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,809 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — it earns a 4.67/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating. The model scores 7/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its spacious interior, exceptional safety features, and reliable all-wheel-drive capability. The overview also points to broad usefulness and strong value, which fits a compact crossover that can handle daily driving and rough weather without asking you to spend much.

The 34.0% share of good or great deals suggests you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback highlights reliability, dependable all-wheel-drive capability, and a trouble-free feel for many drivers. The expert evaluation also describes it as delivering decent reliability and a vehicle you can use and abuse without worrying too much about everyday wear.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is hidden condition issues, so a careful inspection matters even when the model’s reputation is strong.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Subaru Forester?

At 62.9% 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 body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the vehicle’s equipment and driving aids operate as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model is the most stripped-down version, while Premium, Limited, and Touring add more equipment and comfort features. The turbocharged 2.0XT versions bring a more powerful personality, and the Touring trim adds upscale details.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5i is the value choice, while the 2.0XT adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0XT uses a CVT, and the performance-oriented setup is quicker but less refined.
• Safety package: EyeSight debuts with adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking is available, and automatic high-beam assist and steering-responsive headlights also debut for 2017.
• Infotainment: All but the base model get a larger 7-inch display screen. The upgraded Starlink system adds text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, and the 2.5i is described as the better-mileage choice.

Which 2017 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2017 Subaru Forester is offered in 5 trim levels: 2.5i, Premium, Limited, Touring, and 2.0XT.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i: This is the value-focused starting point, and it makes the most sense if you want the Forester’s core strengths at the lowest cost.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful equipment without pushing you into the pricier upper trims.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more comfort-oriented equipment.
• Touring: This is the most premium-feeling version, with upscale details and the most fully equipped presentation.
• 2.0XT: Pick this if you want the turbocharged engine and stronger acceleration, but expect more cost and compromise.

The safety package centers on EyeSight, and Subaru also adds Rear Automatic Braking, automatic high-beam assist, and steering-responsive headlights for 2017.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,809 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.21% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,257, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $14,823 sits slightly below last year's $15,158.

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 documentation will matter more because buyers will have plenty of comparable listings to choose from.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.67/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester safe?

The Forester earns a 4-star rating from the federal government for front passenger protection in a frontal impact collision.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

EyeSight is the key driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking is available, and automatic high-beam assist plus steering-responsive headlights also debut for 2017.

The main caveat is that the safety tech does not always work flawlessly or accurately, and the lane-keeping assist system can feel disconcerting to use.

Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.21% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 refresh brings updated styling, improved Starlink, and upgraded EyeSight technology.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,549, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,823 average.
• It offers broad appeal with strong space, safety, and a new touchscreen interface.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped and more updated version, the 2017 is the stronger pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers many of the Forester’s core strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.