Used 2017 Subaru Forester for SaleNationwide

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims with versatile AWD capabilities, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers and adventure seekers alike.

• Starting at $13,270
• 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: $13,270 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 719 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-rounded SUV with advanced features and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $14,209 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 1,909 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 touches without going for the highest price.

• Avg. market price: $15,202 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 918 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.

• Avg. market price: $14,412 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 166 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 top-tier comfort and technology features.

• Avg. market price: $15,249 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 498 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.

• Avg. market price: $16,215 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 323 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 1,909 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 $13,270 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,807 — 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 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 2.70% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 2,853 listings available, you have a solid amount of inventory to compare across trims and conditions.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Subaru Forester earns 4.67/5 from owners 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 overview also points to a vehicle that can handle everyday use, rough weather, and a wide range of errands without asking much in return.

That makes it a strong fit if you want a practical compact crossover that emphasizes usefulness and confidence over flash. With 33.7% 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.

The owner summary highlights the Forester’s reliable all-wheel-drive capability, and the expert evaluation describes it as delivering decent reliability and a vehicle you can use and abuse without worrying too much about everyday wear. That combination suggests the model is built to handle regular use with confidence.

The 2.5i is the better bet if you want lower running costs, while the turbocharged 2.0XT trades some efficiency for more power and complexity. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the concept of the vehicle and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not abused.

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

At 63.7% 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 body panels, alignment, and signs of structural repair. Because owner feedback mentions concern about hidden issues such as structural damage, condition matters as much as mileage or trim. If possible, focus on examples with clean records and consistent maintenance.

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 line brings more power and exclusive features, with Touring sitting at the top of that side of the lineup.
• 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 CVT is the only transmission for the 2.0XT.
• Safety package: EyeSight brings adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning, and Rear Automatic Braking is available; some features are not standard on every trim.
• 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, but there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg in combined driving, and the 2.5i is described as the better gas-mileage choice.

Which 2017 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2017 Subaru Forester is offered in 5 trim levels: Forester 2.5i, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Forester 2.0XT.

Here's the short version:

• Forester 2.5i: This is the value pick if you want the Forester’s core strengths at the lowest cost. It keeps the model’s practical character intact and is the better choice if you care most about affordability and fuel economy.
• Premium: This is the first step up if you want more equipment without jumping too far in price. It should suit you if you want a more comfortable daily driver while staying close to the Forester’s value formula.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more available equipment than the lower trims. It makes sense if you want a nicer cabin and more convenience features.
• Touring: This is the best-equipped non-turbo choice and the one to target if you want the most polished version of the standard Forester. It suits you if comfort and features matter more than keeping the price down.
• Forester 2.0XT: Pick this if you want the turbocharged engine and the extra performance that comes with it. It is the right choice if you value power and a more energetic driving experience more than cost and efficiency.

The safety-tech upgrades are a meaningful part of the 2017 update, especially the new EyeSight system and available Rear Automatic Braking.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay patient.

• Deal availability: 33.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,853 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.70% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,257, 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 $14,691 sits slightly below last year's $15,099.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number. If you shop carefully now, you may have a better chance of limiting how much value you lose later.

The Forester’s broad appeal, strong owner satisfaction, and reputation for practicality should help support demand when it’s time to sell. Well-kept examples with clean history and desirable equipment are likely to hold buyer interest better than neglected ones.

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 key driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. The system uses color stereo cameras with a wider and longer field of vision, and Rear Automatic Braking is available as well. New automatic high-beam assist and steering-responsive headlights also debut for 2017.

There are a few caveats to keep in mind. The expert evaluation notes that EyeSight and lane-keeping assist do not always behave flawlessly, and the federal crash result leaves a blemish on an otherwise strong safety picture.

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 63.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.70% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.67/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Expert testing highlights the refreshed EyeSight system, improved Starlink tech, and the choice between the practical 2.5i and the more powerful 2.0XT.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,474, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,691 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, improved infotainment, and a still-reasonable price. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 is the better value play, especially if you find one with a clean history and good maintenance records.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.