Used 2021 Subaru Forester for Sale near Washington

Compare 2021 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2021 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly to adventure-ready, all featuring AWD for versatile driving.

• Starting at $19,088
• 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 budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $19,088 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 463 listings
• View Crossover AWD listings

Premium Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Premium Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want added comfort and features without stepping up to the higher trims.

• Avg. market price: $20,960 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,753 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 look and features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $22,067 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 694 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 going to the top trim.

• Avg. market price: $22,747 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,173 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 advanced features and luxury in their Forester.

• Avg. market price: $24,328 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 692 listings
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 1,753 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 $19,088 avg market price — below the lineup median of $22,067 — 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.

Browse Crossover AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 1, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 5.24% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,113 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Foresters 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 makes it a strong fit if you want a straightforward compact SUV that feels useful every day rather than flashy.

The trade-offs are clear: the styling is uninspired, performance is sluggish, and the interior materials feel cheap. Even so, the Forester’s standard all-wheel drive and everyday usefulness make it especially appealing if you value confidence in poor weather and a no-nonsense ownership experience.

With 35.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still meaningful room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Forester reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a reliable, trustworthy SUV that people feel good about keeping for the long haul. Reviewers also describe it as dependable and trouble-free, with the kind of everyday usability that helps it earn repeat confidence from shoppers.

The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by describing the Forester as practical and functional, with standard all-wheel drive and a setup built for everyday use. Subaru’s standard maintenance coverage is also straightforward, which helps keep ownership planning simple.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about durability and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn down by heavy use.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the vehicle history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, interior condition, and how the drivetrain and electronics operate in real-world use. Since the Forester’s appeal is tied to practicality, you’ll want to pay close attention to whether the cabin, cargo area, and safety equipment have been treated well.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim looks a bit plain with its 17-inch steel wheels, while Sport models add 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 Limited and Touring trims bring 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 also notes a 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity.
• 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 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 trims add navigation and rear USB ports.
• Fuel efficiency: The Forester is rated at 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 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 value play if you want standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight safety tech, and the Forester’s core practicality at the lowest entry point. It’s the simplest trim, but it still gives you the essentials that define the model.
• 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 with heated front seats, heated mirrors, and a windshield de-icer. If you want the most useful upgrades without moving too far up the price ladder, this is the one to target.
• Sport: Choose this if you want the more distinctive look and the upgraded 8-inch touchscreen with Harman Kardon audio. It also gets Dual X-Mode, which adds Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud settings.
• Limited: This trim is the step up if you want leather upholstery and a more upscale feel, plus navigation and rear USB ports. It suits you if comfort and convenience matter more than keeping the price down.
• Touring: This is the top choice if you want the most equipment and the most premium presentation. It’s the trim to consider if you want the fullest Forester experience and are willing to pay for it.

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 patiently but should move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,113 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.24% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 80.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,757, 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 $21,994 sits slightly below last year's $23,210.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit short-term upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re a future seller, the softer pricing means condition, mileage, and trim choice matter even more when it comes time to list.

The good news is that the Forester’s broad appeal should help support demand, especially among shoppers who want standard all-wheel drive and a practical layout. Well-kept examples should remain easier to move than less versatile compact SUVs.

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 and 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. Subaru also includes steering-responsive headlights, automatic high beams, and a rear seatbelt reminder for 2021, and DriverFocus is available as a driver-monitoring system.

The main caveat is that some helpful safety features remain optional rather than standard, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and reverse automatic braking. Even so, the Forester’s crash-test results and standard safety suite make it one of the stronger choices in its class.

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:

• 35.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 80.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.24% 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 $24,434, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,994 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for extra clearance and a more rugged setup.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it combines lower pricing with strong safety and broad owner approval. If you’re willing to spend more for a more adventurous version, the 2022 is the better path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.