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 $22,956, and its year-round low is $20,282.40. That gives you a useful snapshot of what this model typically costs across the used market right now.

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 SUV choice if you want practicality, all-weather confidence, and broad owner approval.

The all-generations owner rating is 4.62/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently praise the Forester for its spacious cabin, reliability, and excellent all-wheel-drive capability. Safety features and a comfortable ride also come up again and again as reasons shoppers like it. Across the lineup, it comes across as a practical, easy-to-live-with SUV that fits family duty and everyday use well.

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

The main trade-offs are familiar: some recent expert reviews point to sluggish performance, and the infotainment system can feel frustrating in daily use. Styling is another recurring talking point, especially on newer versions where the design is more polarizing than flashy.

28.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru Forester models reliable?

Owners and experts consistently describe the Forester as a dependable, practical SUV with strong safety and everyday usability. The model’s long-running reputation for reliability, spaciousness, and all-wheel-drive confidence shows up repeatedly across the years in the data.

• 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, the long-term ownership picture looks reassuring overall, especially if you prioritize a proven family SUV with a strong track record of everyday usefulness.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 81.7% — 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 entry trim starts the lineup with the redesigned Forester’s core utility and safety focus, making it the straightforward choice if you want the newest Forester at the lowest price.
• Premium: This trim adds more everyday comfort and convenience, and it stands out as the best-value pick for shoppers who want a well-rounded Forester without moving too far up the price ladder.
• Sport: The Sport trim brings a more expressive personality and a stronger feature set for buyers who want a more distinctive version of the Forester.
• Limited: This trim adds a more upscale feel and extra equipment for shoppers who want a more polished daily driver.
• Wilderness: The Wilderness is the off-road-focused trim, with a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, exclusive wheel designs, extra body cladding, anodized copper accents, more underbody protection, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire.
• Touring: The Touring sits at the top of the lineup with the most premium presentation and 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 strong mix of newer features, broad availability, and plenty of shopping choice. They also sit in the part of the lineup where you can compare many listings without moving too far into older model years.

What is the Subaru Forester's resale value?

Most model years are moving lower year over year, which is good news if you want to buy used and benefit from softer pricing. The declines are especially noticeable on newer years, while older years are changing more gradually. That gives you several entry points depending on how much you want to spend.

The 2016, 2020, 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.

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 −5.28% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −6.81%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 30.8% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 29.9%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2025 model has the most listings at a current average price of $31,686. The Subaru Forester offers a spacious cabin, a large cargo area, and a long-running reputation for practical ownership.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: the Forester’s normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, and Subaru’s estimates say the Wilderness should get 26 mpg in combined driving.
• Tech: a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel pairs with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and the system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Safety: Subaru has improved the 2026 Forester’s rear seatbelts to enhance occupant safety.
• Starting price: the gas-only 2026 Forester lineup includes base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring trim levels, with prices ranging from $31,445 to $43,045, including the $1,450 destination charge.

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 2027 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.