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 enhanced capability.

• Starting at $13,313
• 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: $13,313 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• 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-equipped SUV without stepping up to the more expensive trims. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $14,214 (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 highest price. It offers a balance of comfort and capability.

• Avg. market price: $15,224 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• 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 without sacrificing utility. It provides more power for adventurous outings.

• Avg. market price: $14,478 (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 experience without going for the highest price. It combines luxury and practicality.

• Avg. market price: $15,071 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• 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 top performance and luxury features in one package. It's ideal for those who prioritize both power and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $15,623 (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 $13,313 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,774 — 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 October 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 1.03% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,808 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — you’re looking at a 4.7/5 user-rated SUV with an expert score of 6.3/10. 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 review summary also points to strong value and comfort, which fits the Forester’s practical, peace-of-mind focus. In use-case terms, it’s aimed at you if you want a compact crossover that can handle everyday driving, rough weather, and utility duties without asking much in return.

34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is meaningful room to shop selectively.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback highlights reliable all-wheel-drive capability, and the expert evaluation describes the Forester as delivering decent reliability and good value. That combination suggests you can count on it for everyday use, especially if you want a practical SUV that’s built to be used and abused without much fuss.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is hidden-condition uncertainty, so a careful inspection matters.

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

At 63% 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 damage, uneven panel gaps, and any evidence that the vehicle has been repaired after a collision. It’s also smart to pay close attention to interior wear, electronics, and how the vehicle drives, since condition can vary widely from one listing to the next.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Forester is described as having a sensible, value-focused 2.5i and a more powerful 2.0XT, with Premium, Limited, and Touring trims mentioned for the standard model and Premium and Touring for the turbocharged version. The base model misses some of the upgraded equipment, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience.
• Powertrain: The 2.0XT uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and a CVT, while the less expensive 2.5i is the efficiency-minded choice. The turbo model adds power and performance, but it also brings more cost and compromise.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking, automatic high-beam assist, and steering-responsive headlights are also mentioned, though some features are not flawless in operation.
• Infotainment: All but the base model get a larger 7-inch display screen, and the system adds text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free compatibility. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg combined, and the expert evaluation notes that real-world results can fall short of the estimate.

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 turbocharged upgrade. It’s the sensible choice for buyers who care most about cost effectiveness and everyday usefulness.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim if you want a step up in equipment without moving too far up the price ladder. It builds on the base setup with more of the upgraded content Subaru added for 2017.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more comfort-oriented equipment. It suits you if you want the Forester’s practicality with a more polished cabin.
• Touring: This is the most feature-rich standard-model trim and the one to consider if you want the fullest expression of the Forester’s comfort and convenience upgrades.
• 2.0XT: Pick this if you want the turbocharged engine and the added performance-oriented hardware. It’s the right fit if stronger acceleration matters more to you than maximum efficiency.

The safety package centers on EyeSight, and Subaru also adds features like Rear Automatic Braking and steering-responsive headlights on some versions.

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

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

• Deal availability: 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,808 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.03% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.0% 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 $14,550 sits slightly below last year's $14,701.

That modest decline suggests the market has softened a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you’re thinking about future resale. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to preserve value. The Forester’s practical reputation and broad appeal should help support demand, especially among shoppers who want a dependable all-weather SUV.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, 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 brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The Forester also offers Rear Automatic Braking, automatic high-beam assist, and steering-responsive headlights. One caveat is that the expert evaluation notes the EyeSight system and lane-keeping assist can behave imperfectly at times.

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:

• 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.03% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 refresh brings updated styling, improved sound insulation, and upgraded driver-assistance tech.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,552, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,550 average.
• It offers a well-rounded package with strong space, safety, and a new touchscreen interface.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2017 if you want the updated features and refreshed equipment, especially if safety tech matters to you. If your priority is spending less upfront, the 2016 remains a sensible alternative with many of the same core strengths.

How does the 2017 Subaru Forester compare to the 2017 Honda CR-V?

Our experts score the 2017 Subaru Forester 6.3/10 and the 2017 Honda CR-V 8.7/10.

The Forester gives you standard all-wheel drive, a lower average used price, and a stronger accident-free share among listings. The CR-V counters with more power, better fuel economy, and a higher expert score, which makes it the stronger all-around pick for many shoppers. If you want the more affordable used SUV with a practical, weather-ready personality, the Forester still has appeal.

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