How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 3.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,777 listings available, which suggests you have a solid pool of options to compare.

If you find a listing below $14,222.01, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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, and reliable all-wheel-drive capabilities, and they also point to strong value and comfort. The overview frames it as a practical compact crossover that can handle everyday use, poor weather, and light adventure without asking much in return.

With 31.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you room to find a worthwhile example.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

User feedback highlights its reliable all-wheel-drive capabilities and overall value, while the expert evaluation describes it as delivering decent reliability and a vehicle you can use and abuse without worrying too much about minor wear. The cost-effectiveness commentary also points to good value over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the core drivetrain story and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been neglected or damaged.

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 price looks unusually attractive. Focus on signs of prior body damage, uneven panel gaps, and any evidence that the vehicle has been repaired after a collision. It also makes sense to pay close attention to how the cabin, electronics, and driver-assistance features function in real-world use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base version is the straightforward choice, but it lacks some of the upgraded equipment found higher up the range. The more upscale versions add a quieter cabin feel, upgraded materials, and more equipment, while the turbocharged version brings a more premium presentation.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5i is the value play, while the turbocharged 2.0XT delivers 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The turbo model is quicker, but it also comes with more compromise, including noticeable turbo lag and less impressive real-world fuel economy.
• 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, along with automatic high-beam assist and steering-responsive headlights, but some of these features are not flawless in operation.
• Infotainment: Most versions get a 7-inch display, plus text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free compatibility. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered, and higher versions add navigation, gesture control, voice recognition, and a premium audio system.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i is the better choice if you care about gas mileage. The turbocharged model is rated at 25 mpg combined, but real-world testing returned 21.3 mpg.

Which 2017 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The entry version is the most affordable way in, but it misses some of the upgraded equipment and polish found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: Premium is the best value if you want a better-equipped Forester without stretching into the pricier upper trims.
• Premium/top trim: Touring brings the most upscale feel, including richer interior details and the most advanced available equipment.
• Off-road trim: The 2.0XT is the one to skip if you mainly want a calm, economical daily driver, since its added performance comes with cost and compromise.

The safety package centers on EyeSight, and that system is a major reason to favor a better-equipped trim if you want the most complete feature set.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,777 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 64.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,222.01, 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 $14,708 sits slightly below last year's $15,247.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point. For a future seller, that also means your best resale outcome will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and whether the vehicle has a clean history.

Because the model still has broad appeal and practical strengths, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. If you buy carefully now, you improve your odds of preserving 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?

It remains one of the safest choices in the small SUV segment, and it earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

This year’s EyeSight system uses color stereo cameras for a wider and longer field of vision, and it brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking is available, along with automatic high-beam assist and steering-responsive headlights, though some of these systems do not always behave perfectly in testing.

The expert review also notes a federal crash result that shows a four-star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal impact collision. That is the main caveat in an otherwise strong safety story.

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:

• 31.9% 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 3.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 model adds a refreshed EyeSight system, improved Starlink features, and more equipment across the range.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,948, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,708 average.
• It offers nearly class-leading space and a close-to-perfect safety score.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-year feature set and are comfortable with the market price, the 2017 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers many of the Forester traits that matter most.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.