Used Subaru Forester for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the Subaru Forester cost in today's market?

Used Subaru Forester prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Subaru Forester's current nationwide average price is $22,374, and its lowest point over the past year was $20,277. Recently, prices have come down for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the Subaru Forester is a strong used-car pick if you want a practical SUV with broad appeal and a long-running reputation for usefulness. The all-generations owner rating is 4.6/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Forester for its reliability, spacious interiors, and excellent all-wheel drive capabilities. They also highlight its safety features and comfortable ride, which help make it a favorite for families and drivers who want everyday confidence.

Expert reviews rate the 2019 and 2022 models among the highest across all years.

The main trade-offs that show up in recent expert reviews are sluggish performance, a polarizing design on some versions, and infotainment systems that can feel frustrating or dated.

35.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru Forester models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Forester for its reliability, spacious feel, and all-wheel-drive confidence. Expert reviews also reinforce its practical, safety-focused character and its long-running appeal as a dependable family SUV.

• Owners rate the Subaru Forester between 4.3 and 5 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is generally tied more to condition, mileage, and maintenance history than to the model’s core reputation.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 79.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2020 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: EyeSight
• Infotainment: 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Fuel efficiency: 26 mpg in combined driving

Which Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers these trims:

• Base: The base trim starts the lineup and gives you the core Forester setup.
• Premium: Premium adds more comfort and convenience equipment for shoppers who want a better-equipped daily driver.
• Sport: Sport brings a more distinctive personality and sits above the comfort-focused trims.
• Limited: Limited adds more upscale equipment and is a strong choice if you want a more premium-feeling Forester.
• Wilderness: Wilderness adds a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, extra body cladding, anodized copper accents, water-resistant artificial leather, all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire; it suits you best if you want the most capable Forester model.
• Touring: Touring sits at the top of the range with the most upscale equipment.

What Subaru Forester do most buyers choose?

The Subaru Forester years with the most listings are 2025, 2024, and 2023.

These higher-volume years tend to be popular because they give you a wider selection of listings and a strong mix of pricing and deal availability. That usually makes it easier to compare condition, mileage, and equipment before you buy.

What is the Subaru Forester's resale value?

Most model years in the table are moving lower year over year, which is good news if you want to buy used. The changes are generally modest for the older years, while the newer years show larger drops that can create better shopping opportunities. A few model years are nearly flat, and one is slightly higher than a year ago.

The 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years are holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2017, 2016, and 2015 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Subaru Forester safe?

• 2026: 9/10
• 2025: 9/10
• 2023: 8/10
• 2022: 9/10
• 2021: 9/10
• 2019: 10/10
• 2017: 7/10
• 2016: 8/10
• 2015: 9/10
• 2014: 7/10

Subaru calls its package of camera-based advanced driving assistance systems EyeSight. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist.

For the safest used buy, the 2019 model posts the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Subaru Forester now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2025 model is at −6.86% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −7.32%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 37.7% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 36%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2025 model has the most listings at a current average price of $30,763. The Subaru Forester offers a roomy cabin and a practical, family-friendly character that has long been central to its appeal.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest model uses a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and Subaru says the Wilderness should get 26 mpg in combined driving.
• Tech: The latest model includes a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: Subaru’s latest Forester adds improved rear seatbelts to enhance occupant safety.

If you're buying used today, the 2025 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for the next model year's inventory to build up.

How does the 2024 Subaru Forester compare to the 2024 Honda CR-V?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Subaru Forester Trims in Chicago, IL

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

• Starting at $26,687
• Best MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Most Popular: Sport 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

AWD — "Who It's For"

The AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a reliable and affordable SUV without paying for extra features.

• Avg. market price: $26,687 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 9 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View AWD listings

Premium AWD — "Who It's For"

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

• Avg. market price: $31,339 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 33 listings
• View Premium AWD listings

Sport AWD — "Who It's For"

The Sport AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and sporty features without going for the top-tier trims.

• Avg. market price: $31,092 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 44 listings
• View Sport AWD listings

Limited AWD — "Who It's For"

The Limited AWD is the pick for shoppers who want advanced technology and luxury features in their SUV without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $32,736 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 18 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View Limited AWD listings

Wilderness AWD — "Who It's For"

The Wilderness AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a rugged SUV ready for off-road adventures without sacrificing comfort.

• Avg. market price: $33,084 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 22 listings
• View Wilderness AWD listings

Touring AWD — "Who It's For"

The Touring AWD is the pick for shoppers who want the ultimate in luxury and technology features in their SUV.

• Avg. market price: $35,578 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 25 listings
• View Touring AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Sport AWD

With 44 active listings, the Sport AWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse Sport AWD listings

Best Budget Option — AWD

At $26,687 avg market price — below the lineup median of $32,037 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse AWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — AWD

The AWD trim offers the best fuel efficiency with an impressive MPG/MPGe of 26 city / 33 hwy.

Browse AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.