Used 2017 Subaru Forester for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims in Durham, NC

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 $9,599
• 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 budget-friendly SUV without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $9,599 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 43 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 for adventures without breaking the bank.

• Avg. market price: $14,667 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 130 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 in a compact SUV without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $16,700 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 88 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 with turbocharged performance in a compact SUV.

• Avg. market price: $15,208 (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 a fully loaded SUV with advanced tech and luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $20,000 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 52 listings
• View 2.5i Touring listings

2.0XT Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Touring is the pick for shoppers who want a high-performance SUV with luxury touches for adventurous outings.

• Avg. market price: $15,208 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 130 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 $9,599 avg market price — below the lineup median of $15,208 — 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 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 2.18% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,859 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 spacious interior, exceptional safety features, reliable all-wheel-drive capability, and strong value. The Forester’s practical, do-everything character also fits buyers who want a compact crossover that can handle daily commuting, bad weather, and weekend use without much fuss. That makes it especially appealing if you value utility and peace of mind over style.

The market also looks reasonably supportive, with 35.0% of listings marked as good or great deals.

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 the Forester’s long-term usefulness and confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive. The expert evaluation also describes it as delivering decent reliability and a clear purpose, which reinforces the sense that it is built to be used hard and often.

The cost-effectiveness commentary adds that the Forester 2.5i is the less expensive choice and may be easier to insure while retaining more of its original value over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is not mechanical drama so much as finding a clean example that has been well cared for and not hiding prior damage.

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

At 64.5% 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 price looks unusually attractive. Focus on body condition, signs of structural repair, and whether the vehicle’s equipment and safety systems operate as expected. Because this model is often chosen for practicality and all-weather use, it is worth paying close attention to wear, repairs, and any evidence of hard use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Forester 2.5i is the value-focused choice, while the Forester 2.0XT adds power, performance, and exclusive features. The base model is the one most likely to miss out on the larger 7-inch display and some upgraded equipment.
• Powertrain: The Forester 2.5i is the less expensive, more efficient choice, while the 2.0XT uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The turbo model is quicker, but it also brings more 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 is available, and steering-responsive headlights and automatic high-beam assist 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 compatibility. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, while the 2.5i is described as getting better gas mileage.

Which 2017 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2017 Subaru Forester is offered in 4 trim levels: 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, and 2.0XT Touring.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value trim if you want the Forester’s core strengths without paying for the turbo model. It gives you a sensible balance of equipment and price, and it fits buyers who care most about practicality and cost effectiveness.
• 2.5i Limited: This trim adds more upscale equipment and is a good fit if you want a nicer-feeling Forester without stepping all the way up to the top end. It suits shoppers who want comfort and convenience to matter more than the lowest possible price.
• 2.5i Touring: This is the most polished non-turbo choice, and it is the one to consider if you want the Forester’s practical strengths with the most upscale presentation. It is the right pick if you value comfort and features over bargain pricing.
• 2.0XT Touring: This is the performance-oriented choice, with the turbocharged engine, stronger acceleration, and the most exclusive equipment. It makes sense if you want the quickest Forester and are willing to accept the added cost and compromise.

EyeSight is the key safety package to look for, and it brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning.

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 carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,859 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.18% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.5% 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 $14,685 sits slightly below last year's $15,013.

That softer pricing suggests the Forester has already absorbed some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. A lower entry cost today can make it easier to preserve value later, especially if you choose a clean, well-kept example with desirable equipment.

The model’s broad appeal also helps support demand, since many shoppers want a practical crossover with strong safety and all-wheel drive. If you maintain it well and avoid overpaying now, you improve your odds of a more favorable resale outcome later.

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 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 named driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking is available, and steering-responsive headlights and automatic high-beam assist also debut for 2017. The expert evaluation also notes that the Forester remains one of the safest choices in the small SUV segment.

One caveat is that the EyeSight system does not always operate flawlessly or accurately, so you should verify that all driver-assistance features work properly during a test 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:

• 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.18% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 refresh adds updated styling, improved EyeSight, and extra equipment while keeping the Forester’s practical, value-focused character.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,557, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,685 average.
• It offers nearly class-leading space, a close-to-perfect safety score, and a new touchscreen interface.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of value, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2017 is the stronger all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 is the better budget path, especially if you find one in clean condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.