Used 2021 Subaru Forester for Sale nearSan Jose, CA

Compare 2021 Subaru Forester Trims in San Jose, CA

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 $19,800
• 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.

Missing data displayed as "—".

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: $22,080 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 32 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: $22,625 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 83 listings
• 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 a stylish design without going for the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $22,663 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 35 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 advanced technology without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $24,736 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 55 listings
• View Limited Crossover AWD listings

Touring Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Touring Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want premium features and a refined driving experience without compromising on capability.

• Avg. market price: $19,800 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 31 listings
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 83 active listings, the Premium Crossover AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Premium Crossover AWD listings

Best Budget Option — Touring Crossover AWD

At $19,800 avg market price — below the lineup median of $22,625 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse Touring 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 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 5.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,159 listings available, which suggests you have 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. In practical terms, that lines up well with its role as a straightforward compact crossover for buyers who want value, standard all-wheel drive, and broad trim coverage.

The trade-offs are clear: the styling is uninspired, performance is sluggish, and the interior materials feel cheap. Even so, the Forester’s roomy packaging and everyday usefulness make it a sensible fit if you care more about confidence and practicality than excitement.

With 32.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, 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.

Owner feedback points to reliability, dependability, and a car you can count on over the long haul. The expert review also describes the Forester as practical and functional, with a powertrain and cabin setup aimed at everyday use rather than complexity.

Its standard all-wheel drive, straightforward layout, and standard safety tech support the case for low-stress ownership. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the concept and more about finding a well-kept example with a clean history and consistent maintenance.

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 vehicle history report carefully, because accident-free listings are strong but not universal. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you want to confirm that the drivetrain, brakes, and cabin electronics have been maintained properly. Focus on overall condition, since this model’s value proposition depends heavily on getting the practical features and safety equipment in good working order.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: Base, Premium, and Sport models get cloth upholstery, while Limited and Touring get leather upholstery. The Base trim looks a bit plain with its 17-inch steel wheels, while the Sport adds orange striping, 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 All-Weather Package on Premium and higher trims adds 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 it has a 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity, 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. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking.
• Infotainment: The standard setup includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and 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: The Forester is EPA-rated at 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 simplest way into the Forester, and it still gives you standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight, and the core practicality that defines the model. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost entry point and can live without the extra comfort and convenience features.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds standard fog lights, keyless access with push-button start, and the All-Weather Package. If you want the most useful upgrades without moving too far up the price ladder, this is the one to focus on.
• Sport: This trim adds the 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, orange interior and exterior accents, black 18-inch wheels, and Dual X-Mode. It suits you if you want the most distinctive look and a richer tech setup.
• Limited: This trim moves you into leather upholstery and adds navigation plus rear USB ports. It’s a good fit if you want a more upscale cabin without going all the way to the top trim.
• Touring: This is the most fully equipped version, with the highest level of comfort and convenience features. Choose it if you want the most premium Forester experience and are willing to pay for it.

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 carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 32.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,159 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,742, 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 $21,787 sits slightly below last year's $23,087.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more affordably now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and equipment than on broad market momentum.

Because the Forester has strong owner satisfaction and a practical reputation, well-kept examples should continue to draw interest. 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.

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. Subaru also offers DriverFocus, a driver-monitoring system, and optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking.

One caveat is that the lane-centering function can feel jerky, and lead-vehicle start alert can trigger false alarms in some situations.

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:

• 32.5% 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 5.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model adds standard steering-responsive LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,135, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,787 average.
• It adds fresh design details and an upgraded EyeSight package.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the stronger buy because it combines lower pricing with strong safety and owner satisfaction. If you’re willing to spend more for updated design details and a newer feature set, the 2022 is the better alternative.

How does the 2021 Subaru Forester compare to the 2021 Honda CR-V?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Subaru Forester:

• Pros: Excellent value for money, Standard all-wheel drive, Great safety ratings.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Sluggish performance, Interior materials feel cheap.

2021 Honda CR-V:

• Pros: Plenty of cargo space, Standard advanced safety features, Excellent value for money.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Fairly pedestrian performance.

Our experts score the 2021 Subaru Forester 7.5/10 and the 2021 Honda CR-V 7.8/10. The Forester stands out for standard all-wheel drive and strong safety ratings, while the CR-V edges ahead on overall expert score and cargo space. Both are practical choices, but the Forester is the better fit if standard AWD matters most to you.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.