Used 2021 Subaru Forester for Sale nearDurham, NC

Compare 2021 Subaru Forester Trims in Durham, NC

The 2021 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims that balance affordability, fuel efficiency, and adventure-ready features, all with standard AWD.

• Starting at $17,150
• 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 budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $24,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 40 listings
• View Crossover AWD listings

Premium Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Premium Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want adventure-ready features without stepping up to the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $18,623 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 97 listings
• View Premium Crossover AWD listings

Sport Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a sporty feel with added tech features for an active lifestyle.

• Avg. market price: $19,643 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 48 listings
• 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 at a budget price without compromising on performance.

• Avg. market price: $17,150 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 83 listings
• View Limited Crossover AWD listings

Touring Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Touring Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want top-tier features for serious adventures without sacrificing comfort.

• Avg. market price: $22,071 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 39 listings
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 97 active listings, the Premium Crossover AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Premium Crossover AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Limited Crossover AWD

At $17,150 avg market price — below the lineup median of $19,643 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Limited Crossover AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — Crossover AWD

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

Browse Crossover AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 5.35% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,133 listings available, which gives you a healthy amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Forester 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 attractive design and good handling. On the other hand, the expert review points to uninspired styling, sluggish performance, and interior materials that feel cheap. For you, that means the Forester makes the most sense if you want a practical compact crossover with standard AWD and a straightforward mission rather than a sporty or upscale one. Good and great deals account for 35.7% of listings, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

The owner summary highlights reliability, and it also points to a trustworthy, dependable feel that many shoppers value in a daily driver. The expert review reinforces that impression by describing the Forester as a practical SUV with a functional interior and a reputation for value, while also noting that its standard AWD setup and straightforward powertrain are part of its appeal. Subaru’s warranty coverage is standard for the segment, and the Forester’s fuel economy and simple mechanical layout should help keep ownership predictable. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is more about wear-and-tear and condition than any obvious red-flag pattern.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not guaranteed. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on body condition, tire wear, brake feel, and signs of heavy use. It also helps to compare trim equipment closely, since some desirable features are reserved for higher trims or optional packages.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim looks a bit plain with its 17-inch steel wheels, while Sport models add orange exterior accents, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. Base, Premium, and Sport models get cloth upholstery, while Limited and Touring get 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 says it can tow up to 1,500 pounds, and standard AWD plus X-Mode help it handle rougher surfaces better than many rivals.
• 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 for 2021, while blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking are optional.
• Infotainment: The standard setup uses a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, 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 returns an EPA-rated 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 strengths: standard AWD, EyeSight, and the practical cabin layout. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model, but it looks and feels the plainest.
• Premium: This is the trim that adds the most everyday comfort value, including the All-Weather Package with heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer. It also gained standard fog lights and keyless access with push-button start for 2021, making it the best-value choice for many shoppers.
• Sport: This is the style-forward pick, with orange exterior and interior accents, black 18-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and Dual X-Mode. It suits you if you want more personality and extra tech without jumping to the top trims.
• Limited: This is where the Forester starts to feel more upscale, with leather upholstery plus added navigation and rear USB ports. It’s a good fit if you want a more polished cabin and don’t mind paying more for it.
• Touring: This is the most fully equipped version, with the richest feature set and the highest price. Choose it if you want the most comfort and convenience features available in the lineup.

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

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory and pricing movement to reward careful shopping.

• Deal availability: 35.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,133 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.35% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,750, 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 $21,910 sits slightly below last year's $23,147.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, the softer pricing means you should expect some depreciation pressure if you buy at the wrong point in the range. Still, the Forester’s broad appeal, standard AWD, and strong safety reputation help support demand. 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 Subaru 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.

Standard EyeSight 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 most useful driver-assistance features still cost extra, so you’ll want to check each listing carefully.

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:

• 35.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.35% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps standard AWD and the practical, value-focused setup that makes the Forester easy to live with.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,216, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,910 average.
• It adds fresh design details and an upgraded EyeSight package.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, 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 features and a newer model year, the 2022 is the better secondary path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.