Used 2017 Subaru Forester for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims in San Diego, CA

The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims that balance affordability, fuel efficiency, and adventure-ready features, all with standard AWD.

• Starting at $12,860
• 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 option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $17,900 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 31 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 with advanced safety features and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $13,158 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 69 listings
• View 2.5i Premium listings

2.5i Limited — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Limited is the pick for shoppers who want luxury touches like leather seats without a hefty price tag.

• Avg. market price: $12,860 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 48 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 a turbocharged engine and advanced features.

• Avg. market price: $13,849 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 15 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 all the latest tech and comfort features.

• Avg. market price: $13,849 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 30 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 features for adventurous outings.

• Avg. market price: $13,849 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 25 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 69 active listings, the 2.5i Premium is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

Best Budget Option — 2.5i Limited

At $12,860 avg market price — below the lineup median of $13,849 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i Limited 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 September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 2.79% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,835 listings available, which suggests you have a healthy amount of inventory 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 safety, spacious interior, reliable all-wheel-drive capabilities, and great value. The overview also frames it as a practical compact crossover that can handle a wide range of uses without demanding a big budget, with the 2.5i aimed at sensible value and the 2.0XT aimed at buyers who want more power and excitement.

With 32.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you room to shop selectively.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

User feedback points to reliable all-wheel-drive capabilities and great value, while the expert evaluation says the Forester delivers decent reliability and can be used and abused without worrying too much about everyday wear. The cost-effectiveness commentary also notes that the 2.5i may be more affordable to insure and could retain a greater percentage of its original price over time.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about the core formula and more about finding a well-kept example with a clean history and no hidden damage.

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

At 65% 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 body condition, signs of prior repair, and whether the vehicle’s features operate as expected, since the model’s appeal depends heavily on its safety systems and everyday usability.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model is the most stripped-down version, while Premium, Limited, and Touring add more equipment; the turbocharged 2.0XT versions bring more power and exclusive features, but also more cost and compromise.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5i is the value choice, while the 2.0XT adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque; the CVT is the only transmission for the 2.0XT.
• Safety package: EyeSight brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning; Rear Automatic Braking and automatic high-beam assist are also available, but some systems can be inconsistent in real-world use.
• Infotainment: Most trims get a larger 7-inch display, and the upgraded Starlink 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 test loop returned 21.3 mpg.

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-focused choice if you want the Forester’s core strengths at the lowest cost. It makes the most sense if you care more about practicality, all-wheel-drive confidence, and affordability than extra features or turbocharged punch.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds meaningful equipment without pushing you into the highest price brackets. If you want a more complete daily driver without overbuying, this is the trim to target first.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment than the lower trims provide. It suits you if comfort and convenience matter more than keeping the purchase as lean as possible.
• Touring: This is the most feature-rich non-turbo choice and fits you best if you want the most polished version of the standard Forester. It is the right pick if you value a more premium cabin and broader equipment coverage.
• 2.0XT: Pick this only if you want the turbocharged model’s extra power and are willing to accept the added cost and compromises. It is the performance-oriented choice in the lineup, but it is not the best fit if value is your top priority.

The safety package centers on EyeSight, and its availability varies by trim, so make sure the specific listing includes the driver-assistance equipment you want.

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

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

• Deal availability: 32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,835 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.79% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 65.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,223, 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 $14,713 sits slightly below last year's $15,135.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already moved through some of its near-term depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price. If you purchase near the lower end of the range and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you give yourself a better chance of limiting loss at resale.

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, along with automatic high-beam assist and steering-responsive headlights, though some of these systems can be inconsistent in real-world use.

The main caveat is that the federal crash result is not perfect, even though the Forester is still described as 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:

• 32.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 65% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.79% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 refresh adds updated styling, improved EyeSight, and more refined equipment without waiting for a full redesign.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,736, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,713 average.
• It offers nearly class-leading space, strong safety, and a new touchscreen interface.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced shopping target, the 2017 is the stronger pick because it adds updated safety tech and still sits in a buyer-friendly price zone. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 remains a smart alternative, especially if you find one in excellent condition.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.