Used Subaru Forester for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

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 $22,825, and the lowest point that nationwide average price reached over the past year was $20,282. 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 space, confidence in poor weather, and everyday practicality. The all-generations owner rating is 4.62/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Forester for its spacious interior, all-wheel-drive capability, safety features, and comfortable ride. Across the model’s history, it also earns repeat praise for reliability and usefulness, which helps explain why so many shoppers keep it on their short list.

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

The main trade-offs that show up in expert reviews are sluggish acceleration, CVT behavior that can feel slow, and infotainment systems that can be frustrating or dated in some years.

34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru Forester models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently point to the Forester’s reliability, practicality, and all-weather confidence as core strengths. The model’s long-running reputation for spaciousness, safety, and everyday usefulness shows up again and again in owner feedback.

• Owners rate the Subaru Forester between 4.33 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is generally tied more to individual vehicle history and maintenance than to the model’s overall reputation, so a careful inspection and history report matter.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — 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: an 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: standard Active Torque Split all-wheel drive, X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings, and the 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system; a strong starting point if you want the core Forester formula.
• Premium: adds more comfort and convenience equipment, making it a sensible step up for everyday use.
• Sport: adds a more distinctive appearance and a more expressive setup for shoppers who want extra style.
• Limited: adds more upscale features and is a good fit if you want a more polished cabin.
• Wilderness: adds a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, extra body cladding, anodized copper accents, more underbody protection, increased ground clearance, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire; this is the best-value trim if you want the Forester’s most capable setup.
• Touring: adds the most premium equipment in the lineup for buyers who want the most fully featured Forester.

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 broad mix of pricing, equipment, and availability. They also make it easier to compare listings and find the combination of features and value that fits your budget.

What is the Subaru Forester's resale value?

Most model years are down year over year, which is good news if you’re shopping used and want prices that have softened. The declines are strongest on some newer and mid-cycle years, while a few older years have moved down more gradually.

The 2015 model year is holding steady, with prices close to flat year-over-year.

The 2015, 2014, and 2017 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’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite 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 −5.35% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −6.97%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 34.6% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 34.8%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2025 model has the most listings at a current average price of $31,608. The Subaru Forester offers a practical cabin with strong visibility and everyday versatility.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest Forester Wilderness uses a normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and Subaru estimates 26 mpg in combined driving.
• Tech: The latest Forester Wilderness pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.
• Safety: The latest Forester adds improved rear seatbelts to enhance occupant safety and includes Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection.
• Starting price: The gas-only 2026 Forester lineup starts at $31,445.

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.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Subaru Forester Trims in San Diego, CA

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for versatile driving.

• Starting at $31,332
• 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: $34,402 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 37 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: $31,332 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 73 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 the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $34,402 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 37 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 compromising on performance.

• Avg. market price: $35,607 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 58 listings
• View Limited Crossover AWD listings

Wilderness Crossover AWD — "Who It's For"

The Wilderness Crossover AWD is the pick for shoppers who want rugged capability and off-road features without stepping up to a larger SUV.

• Avg. market price: $34,402 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 47 listings
• View Wilderness 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 without compromise.

• Avg. market price: $39,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 29 listings
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 73 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 $31,332 avg market price — below the lineup median of $34,402 — 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/MPGe.

Browse Crossover AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.