Used 2017 Subaru Forester for Sale nearMadison, WI

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 $13,217
• 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: $13,217 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 724 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 going over budget.

• Avg. market price: $14,317 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 1,937 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: $15,247 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 951 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 turbo power without stepping up to the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $14,271 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 161 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 for family adventures without the luxury price.

• Avg. market price: $15,500 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 505 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 in performance and features for off-road adventures.

• Avg. market price: $16,328 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 316 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 1,937 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 $13,217 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,782 — 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 2.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,857 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Foresters to compare.

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. That lines up with the Forester’s practical mission in the overview: a compact crossover built to handle everyday use, rough weather, and family duty without asking much in return. The market also shows 34.3% of listings as good or great deals, which supports the case for shoppers who want value.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.67/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. User feedback also points to a reliable, dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with buyers especially appreciating the Forester’s all-wheel-drive confidence and overall value.

The expert evaluation reinforces that theme by describing the Forester as delivering decent reliability and a clear purpose in all kinds of weather. It also notes that the Forester can be used and abused without much worry about scratches, stains, or everyday wear. If you’re buying used, the main long-term risk is less about the core mechanical concept and more about finding a clean example with no hidden damage or neglect.

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

At 64.2% 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 careful inspection of bodywork, structure, and signs of prior repair. Because owner feedback mentions concerns about hidden issues such as structural damage, condition matters as much as mileage or trim. Focus on how the vehicle was maintained, whether the interior and exterior show consistent wear, and whether any safety or driver-assistance features operate as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model is the most stripped-down version, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience equipment. The 2.0XT versions bring a more powerful turbocharged setup and exclusive features, but they also come with added cost and compromise.
• Powertrain: The Forester 2.5i is the less expensive, more efficiency-minded choice, while the 2.0XT adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.0XT also uses a CVT and is aimed at buyers who want stronger acceleration.
• 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 automatic high-beam assist plus steering-responsive headlights also debut for 2017.
• Infotainment: All but the base model get a larger 7-inch display. The upgraded system adds text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free, but there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, and the expert evaluation notes that real-world results can fall short of that estimate.

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, 2.0XT Premium.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i Premium: This is the value-focused choice if you want the Forester’s core strengths without paying for the turbo model. It keeps the sensible, practical character that makes the Forester appealing in the first place.
• 2.5i Limited: This trim is the better pick if you want more comfort and a more upscale feel while staying with the standard non-turbo setup.
• 2.5i Touring: Choose this if you want the most polished version of the standard Forester, with the richest equipment mix among the 2.5i trims.
• 2.0XT Premium: This is the right choice if you want the turbocharged engine and stronger performance. It suits buyers who care more about acceleration and extra capability than lowest cost.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that EyeSight is a major part of the Forester’s appeal, but some features are not universal across every trim.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully and wait for the right listing.

• Deal availability: 34.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,857 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.2% 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 $14,639 sits slightly below last year's $15,071.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can work against a future seller if you buy at the wrong price. On the other hand, the current range still shows meaningful demand, especially for clean examples with strong equipment and a good history. If you buy well now and keep the vehicle in good condition, you can help protect your exit value 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 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 expert evaluation also notes that EyeSight can be smoother and more accurate than before, even if it does not always work flawlessly.

The main caveat is that the federal crash result is not perfect, since the frontal passenger rating is lower than the rest of the vehicle’s otherwise strong safety performance.

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:

• 34.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 64.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 update brings revised styling, improved EyeSight, and added infotainment and convenience features.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,387, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,639 average.
• It offers nearly class-leading space and a close-to-perfect safety score.

The bottom line: If you want the better-equipped, more current-feeling Forester, the 2017 is the stronger pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 is the smarter value play, especially if you find one with a clean history and solid maintenance records.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.