Used 2021 Subaru Forester for Sale nearSaint Louis, MO

Compare 2021 Subaru Forester Trims in Saint Louis, MO

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

• Starting at $20,430
• 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: $21,383 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 31 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 for adventures without going over budget.

• Avg. market price: $20,430 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 106 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 a sporty feel with advanced tech features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $22,230 (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 and comfort without stepping up to the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $22,230 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 72 listings
• 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 premium features and a refined driving experience.

• Avg. market price: $24,455 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 40 listings
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 106 active listings, the Premium Crossover AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Premium Crossover AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Premium Crossover AWD

At $20,430 avg market price — below the lineup median of $22,230 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Premium 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 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 5.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,143 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

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. In practical terms, that lines up well with the Forester’s role as a straightforward compact crossover that leans on value, standard all-wheel drive, and everyday usefulness.

The trade-offs are clear too: the styling is uninspired, performance is sluggish, and the interior materials feel cheap. Even so, the roomy cabin and broad trim coverage make it a sensible fit if you want a practical SUV rather than something sporty or flashy.

The market also looks reasonably favorable, with 36.6% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to reliability, trustworthiness, and a car you can count on over time, with repeated praise for its dependable nature. The expert evaluation also describes the Forester as practical and built around years of everyday use, which supports the idea that it’s a sensible long-term ownership choice.

Subaru’s warranty coverage is standard for the class, and the Forester’s fuel economy and straightforward mechanical setup should help keep ownership predictable. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about complexity and more about finding a well-kept example that hasn’t been neglected.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage doesn’t replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, electronics, and signs of poor maintenance. It also helps to compare trim equipment closely, since some desirable features are reserved for higher versions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim looks plain with its 17-inch steel wheels, while the Sport adds orange exterior accents, a rear spoiler, and black 18-inch alloy wheels. The Limited and Touring add leather upholstery, and the Premium and higher trims get an All-Weather Package with heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer.
• 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 towing capacity is 1,500 pounds, and Trailer Stability Assist is standard.
• 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 setup includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, 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 returns an EPA-rated 29 mpg combined, with 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, but it still gives you standard all-wheel drive and the core Forester formula. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model and don’t need extra comfort or tech.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the All-Weather Package, including heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer. It also gains standard fog lights and keyless access with push-button start.
• Sport: This trim adds the 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, orange interior and exterior accents, and Dual X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud settings. It’s the pick if you want the most distinctive look and a richer tech setup without jumping to the top end.
• Limited: This trim brings leather upholstery, navigation, and rear USB ports, making it a stronger choice if you want a more upscale cabin and more convenience features.
• Touring: This is the most fully equipped version, with the highest level of comfort and convenience equipment. It suits you best if you want the Forester with the most premium feel.

EyeSight is standard across the range, and optional safety features are available on higher trims.

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 patiently but still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,143 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.2% 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 $21,827 sits slightly below last year's $23,105.

That price movement suggests the Forester has softened enough to give used buyers a better entry point, while still holding a meaningful share of its value. For a future seller, the current trend means you may not see the same pricing strength that existed a year ago, but the model’s broad appeal should help support demand.

Its combination of standard all-wheel drive, strong safety reputation, and high owner satisfaction should continue to help it stay relevant in the used market. 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 IIHS, with top Good ratings in all crash tests and a Good rating for headlights, and it earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA with five-star ratings in frontal-crash and side-crash tests and four-star ratings in rollover crash tests.

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

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, and Subaru’s DriverFocus monitoring system is part of the brand’s broader safety approach.

Optional safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. The main caveat is that some of those helpful features are not standard, so you’ll want to check the exact equipment on any used listing.

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:

• 36.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.2% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds standard steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,176, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,827 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for extra clearance and rough-road capability.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it combines lower pricing, strong safety, and broad appeal. If you’re willing to spend more for added capability and a newer update, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 20, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.