Used 2018 Subaru Forester for Sale near California

Compare 2018 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2018 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for enhanced capability.

• Starting at $13,835
• Best MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 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 essential features without paying for extras. It's the most budget-friendly option in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $13,835 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 712 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 without stepping up to the Limited. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup by a wide margin.

• Avg. market price: $15,296 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 1,927 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 without the highest price tag. It offers a comfortable ride with premium amenities.

• Avg. market price: $16,592 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 914 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 more power without going for the top-tier Touring. It balances performance and features well.

• Avg. market price: $15,584 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 160 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 the most luxurious features in the Forester lineup without stepping up to the pricier 2.0XT trims.

• Avg. market price: $17,609 (updated weekly)
• Inventory: 540 listings
• View 2.5i Touring listings

2.0XT Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Touring is the pick for shoppers who want top performance and luxury features in one package. It's ideal for those who prioritize power and comfort.

• Avg. market price: $17,739 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 300 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 1,927 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 $13,835 avg market price — below the lineup median of $16,088 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.0XT Premium

The 2.0XT Premium offers the best MPG/MPGe at 23 city / 27 hwy, making it ideal for efficiency-focused shoppers.

Browse 2.0XT 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 2018 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 4.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,073 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 4.8/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers commonly praise the spacious interior, safety features, and comfortable seating, and they also like the user-friendly technology. For you, that makes this a strong fit if you want a practical compact SUV with room, visibility, and everyday usability. With 33.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers’ feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience for many shoppers, with praise centered on the model’s practical nature and confidence-inspiring usability. Some owners mention minor issues, but the overall tone suggests you can count on it for long-term use if you verify condition carefully before buying. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is choosing a poorly maintained example rather than a fundamentally weak model.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

At 66.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report on any promising listing and confirm whether it has accident or damage records. A pre-purchase inspection should be a priority, especially if the listing price looks unusually attractive. Focus on overall condition, maintenance history, and signs of prior repair work so you can separate a clean, well-kept SUV from one with hidden issues.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,073 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.58% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 66.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,816, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $15,816 sits slightly below last year's $16,575.

That softer pricing can help you buy at a more favorable entry point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. If you plan to sell later, condition and mileage will matter a lot, because buyers will likely compare your Forester against similarly priced alternatives. A clean history and strong maintenance record should help you protect value better than a rough example.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 33.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 66.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $14,608, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $15,816 average.
• It offers a value-focused, practical setup with broad appeal.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $18,380, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $15,816 average.
• It adds standard all-wheel drive and advanced safety features.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, satisfaction, and available deals, the 2018 is the primary pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2017 is the better value-oriented path, while the 2019 makes sense if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling package.

How does the 2018 Subaru Forester compare to the 2018 Honda CR-V?

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