Used 2021 Subaru Forester for Sale near California

Compare 2021 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2021 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for enhanced capability.

• Starting at $19,024
• Best MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Most Popular: Premium Crossover AWD

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

Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a reliable vehicle without paying for extra features.

• Avg. market price: $19,024 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 661 listings
• View Crossover AWD listings

Premium Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Premium Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped vehicle without stepping up to the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $21,157 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 3,137 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Premium Crossover AWD listings

Sport Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty features and style without going for the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $22,077 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,465 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Sport Crossover AWD listings

Limited Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $23,006 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,794 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Limited Crossover AWD listings

Touring Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Touring Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the most features and luxury in their vehicle.

• Avg. market price: $24,356 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,187 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 3,137 active listings, the Premium Crossover AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Premium Crossover AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Crossover AWD

At $19,024 avg market price — below the lineup median of $22,077 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Crossover AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Crossover AWD

The Crossover AWD offers the best fuel economy in the lineup with 26/33 MPG/MPGe.

Browse Crossover AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 17, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 4.71% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,028 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — it earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its spacious feel, safety features, and reliability, and many also like its good handling and trustworthy everyday character. The Forester’s practical use case is clear: it’s aimed at you if you want a straightforward compact crossover with standard all-wheel drive and strong everyday usefulness. The main trade-offs are uninspired styling and sluggish performance, along with interior materials that feel cheap. Good and great deals account for 34.9% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to reliability, trustworthiness, and a car that feels dependable for daily use. The expert evaluation also describes the Forester as a practical, functional SUV with a powertrain and chassis setup built for everyday duty rather than drama. Subaru’s standard warranty coverage is conventional for the segment, and the model’s standard all-wheel-drive setup adds to its confidence-inspiring character. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about mechanical complexity and more about finding one that has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by heavy use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Forester?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, maintenance records, and how the vehicle has been used. Pay close attention to condition, since the Forester’s appeal depends heavily on whether it still feels clean, functional, and well cared for.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim looks a bit plain with its 17-inch steel wheels, while the Sport adds orange exterior accents, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium trim adds standard fog lights and keyless access with push-button start, and the Limited and Touring move to leather upholstery.
• Powertrain: You get one powertrain: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Subaru’s boxer layout helps keep the center of gravity low, and the setup is tuned more for everyday use than quick acceleration.
• Safety package: EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. Steering-responsive headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder are also standard, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking are optional.
• Infotainment: The standard system uses a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, front-row USB ports, and a CD player. Sport models add an 8-inch touchscreen and Harman Kardon audio, while Limited and Touring add navigation and rear USB ports.
• Fuel efficiency: It is EPA-rated at 29 mpg combined, including 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Which 2021 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Forester is offered in 5 trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Forester’s core value proposition: standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight safety tech, and the practical shape that makes the model appealing. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the lineup and care more about capability and safety than extras.
• Premium: This is the trim that adds meaningful everyday comfort, including standard fog lights and keyless access with push-button start, plus the All-Weather Package with heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a windshield de-icer. It’s the best-value choice if you want a more complete ownership experience without moving too far upmarket.
• Sport: This trim adds the 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, orange styling details, a rear spoiler, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and Dual X-Mode. It suits you if you want the most distinctive look and a richer tech setup.
• Limited: This trim moves to leather upholstery and adds navigation and rear USB ports. It’s a good fit if you want a more upscale cabin and more convenience features.
• Touring: This is the top trim, and it’s the one to choose if you want the most fully equipped Forester experience. It builds on the Limited with the highest level of comfort and convenience equipment.

EyeSight is standard across the lineup, but blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert remain optional.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru Forester?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a fire sale.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,028 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.71% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,752, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $22,132 sits slightly below last year's $23,225.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you as a buyer now but may temper short-term resale gains if you plan to sell soon. The year-round range also shows that values have stayed fairly contained, so a well-kept example should remain relatively easy to price and compare. Strong owner satisfaction helps support demand, especially for shoppers who prioritize practicality and confidence over flash.

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

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2021 Forester received the highest “Top Safety Pick+” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and it earns five-star ratings in frontal-crash and side-crash tests, and four-star ratings in rollover crash tests from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

EyeSight is the standard driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lead-vehicle start alert. Steering-responsive headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder are also standard for 2021. Optional safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The main caveat is that some of the more helpful features are still optional rather than standard.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.71% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the Forester’s standard AWD, strong safety focus, and modest 2021 updates.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,492, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,132 average.
• It adds fresh design details and the Wilderness variant.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it delivers the core Forester formula at a lower average price. If you’re willing to spend more for updated styling and the Wilderness option, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.