Used 2017 Subaru Forester for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims in San Diego, CA

The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a blend of practicality and capability, with trims that cater to budget-conscious shoppers and those seeking more features.

• Starting at $11,973
• Best MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Most Popular: 2.5i Limited

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

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 pricier trims. It offers great value with essential features.

• Avg. market price: $13,632 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 9 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 2.5i Premium listings

2.5i Limited — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Limited is the pick for shoppers who want a more luxurious experience without paying for the highest trim. It combines comfort with advanced safety features.

• Avg. market price: $11,973 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 10 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 2.5i Limited listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Limited

With 10 active listings, the 2.5i Limited is the clear volume leader in the lineup, offering a great mix of features and comfort.

Browse 2.5i Limited listings

Best Budget Option — 2.5i Limited

At $11,973 avg market price — below the lineup median of $12,802 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i Limited listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.5i Premium

The 2.5i Premium offers excellent fuel efficiency with 26/32 MPG, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 2,852 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare by trim, mileage, and condition.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Subaru Forester earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 6.3/10 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 overview also frames it as a practical compact crossover for buyers who want a vehicle that can handle a wide range of uses without demanding much in return.

That makes it a strong fit if you want a versatile SUV with a comfort-first, peace-of-mind focus rather than a flashy or highly specialized one. With 33.7% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some 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 summary points to a vehicle that feels reliable, dependable, and easy to count on, especially because of its all-wheel-drive capability and practical everyday usefulness. The expert review also describes it as delivering decent reliability and a clear purpose, which reinforces the idea that it is built for steady long-term ownership rather than drama.

The cost-effectiveness notes add that the 2.5i can be the better value choice, with better gas mileage and potentially lower insurance costs. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is condition-specific wear or hidden damage, so a careful inspection matters more than chasing a low sticker price alone.

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

At 61.8% 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 damage, uneven panel gaps, and any evidence that the vehicle has been repaired after a collision.

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 the 2.5i positioned as the better-value choice and the 2.0XT adding power, performance, and exclusive features.
• Powertrain: The 2.0XT uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.5i is the less expensive, more efficiency-minded option.
• Safety package: EyeSight brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning, with Rear Automatic Braking and automatic high-beam assist also available.
• Infotainment: Most trims get a larger 7-inch display, and the system adds text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, and 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 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 at the lowest cost, especially if you care more about practicality and efficiency than extra equipment.
• Premium: This is the best-value upgrade if you want more comfort and convenience without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and additional equipment while staying with the mainstream side of the lineup.
• Touring: This is the most feature-rich non-turbo choice, best if you want the most polished version of the standard Forester.
• 2.0XT: Pick this if you want the turbocharged engine, stronger acceleration, and the more performance-oriented character, but expect added cost and compromise.

The safety content also notes that EyeSight is a major part of the Forester’s appeal, so trims equipped with it are the ones to prioritize if driver-assistance features matter most to you.

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

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,852 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.8% 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 $14,608 sits slightly above last year's $14,572.

That small increase suggests the Forester has held its value fairly well rather than swinging sharply up or down. For a future seller, that kind of stability is helpful because it points to a market that remains predictable and liquid.

The model’s practical reputation and broad appeal should continue to support demand, especially among shoppers who want safety, space, and all-wheel drive. 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 includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking is available, and automatic high-beam assist and steering-responsive headlights also debut for 2017.

The expert review also notes that EyeSight does not always work flawlessly or accurately, and lane-keeping assist can feel disconcerting because of the steering feel. Even so, the Forester remains one of the safest choices in the small SUV segment.

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:

• 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 brings a minor refresh, upgraded EyeSight tech, and improved Starlink features.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,533, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,608 average.
• It is a well-rounded compact crossover with nearly class-leading space and a close-to-perfect safety score.

The bottom line: Choose the 2017 if you want the newer features and a stable market with plenty of listings to compare. If your priority is saving money, the 2016 is the better value path, especially if you find one in strong condition with the equipment you want.

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 CR-V is the stronger all-around choice on paper, with more power, better fuel economy, and a higher expert score. The Forester counters with standard all-wheel drive, a lower average used price, and a slightly better accident-free share among listings. If you want the more efficient and more polished compact SUV, the CR-V has the edge; if you want a lower-cost used buy with Subaru’s practicality and safety reputation, the Forester still makes sense.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.