Used 2017 Subaru Forester for Sale near California

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for versatile driving.

• Starting at $13,398
• 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 a reliable SUV without paying for extra features. It's the most budget-friendly option.

• Avg. market price: $13,398 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 729 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-equipped SUV without stepping up to the more expensive trims. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,422 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• 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 trims. It balances comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $15,429 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 912 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 driving experience without sacrificing practicality. It offers turbocharged performance.

• Avg. market price: $14,715 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 170 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 perfect for those who prioritize comfort.

• Avg. market price: $15,706 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 496 listings
• View 2.5i Touring listings

2.0XT Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Touring is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate performance and luxury in a compact SUV. It's designed for those who seek adventure.

• Avg. market price: $16,333 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 306 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 $13,398 avg market price — below the lineup median of $15,072 — 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 with 26/32 MPG.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 2.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,814 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Subaru Forester 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 safety, spacious interior, reliable all-wheel-drive capability, and strong value. The overview also points to a vehicle that can handle a wide range of uses, from everyday commuting to weather-ready practicality, while the user feedback reinforces comfort and useful technology as recurring strengths.

With 34.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding one that fits your budget.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

User feedback points to a reliable, dependable, and trouble-free ownership experience, with owners highlighting confidence in the vehicle over time. The expert evaluation also describes it as a vehicle you can use and abuse without worrying too much about everyday wear, which supports the case for solid long-term durability.

The 2.5i is the safer bet if you want lower running costs and less complexity, while the turbocharged version asks more of you in exchange for more performance. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the core platform and more about finding a well-kept example with a clean history.

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

At 64.4% 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 signs of prior bodywork, structural repair, and uneven wear, since condition matters more here than a simple mileage check.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The lineup includes Premium, Limited, and Touring trims, with the turbocharged 2.0XT version also offered in Premium and Touring. The base model is the most stripped-down, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience equipment.
• Powertrain: The 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 turbo model is quicker, but it also brings more cost and compromise.
• Safety package: EyeSight brings 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.
• Infotainment: All but the base model get a larger 7-inch display, and the upgraded Starlink system adds text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, and the expert test loop returned 21.3 mpg.

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 pick if you want the Forester’s core strengths without paying for the turbo model’s extra power and complexity. It’s the best fit if you care most about affordability and efficiency.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful equipment without pushing you into the highest price brackets. It’s the trim to target if you want a balanced mix of features and cost.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment than the lower trims provide. It suits buyers who want comfort upgrades and a more polished daily-driver experience.
• Touring: This is the most feature-rich choice for shoppers who want the most comfort and convenience. It makes sense if you plan to keep the Forester for a while and want the most complete version.
• 2.0XT: Pick this if you want the turbocharged engine and the extra punch that comes with it. It’s the right choice if performance matters more to you than keeping costs down.

The safety tech is a major part of the Forester’s appeal, but the system’s behavior can be inconsistent, so it’s worth testing those features carefully on your own drive.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient.

• Deal availability: 34.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,814 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,258, 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 $14,781 sits slightly below last year's $15,165.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also temper near-term upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re thinking about future value, the current pricing trend implies that a clean, well-maintained example should matter more than chasing a higher-mileage bargain.

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 2017 Subaru Forester earns a four-star rating from NHTSA for front passenger protection in a frontal impact collision.

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

EyeSight is the named 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 behave flawlessly or accurately, so you should test those systems carefully during your own drive.

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:

• 34.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 brings updated EyeSight tech, improved Starlink features, and a broader trim lineup.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,631, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,781 average.
• It offers nearly class-leading space and a close-to-perfect safety score.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped and more updated version of the Forester formula, the 2017 is the stronger all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 remains a sensible alternative that still delivers the Forester’s core practicality and safety strengths.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.