Used Subaru Forester for Sale near South Carolina

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 $22,819, and its lowest nationwide average price over the past year was $20,283. 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 owner appeal and a long-running reputation for everyday usefulness. 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 confidence, and safety-focused character. Reliability and comfort also come up often, along with the model’s easygoing, family-friendly nature.

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, dated or frustrating infotainment in some years, and styling that can feel plain or polarizing. Even so, the Forester’s value, utility, and safety focus keep it appealing for used buyers.

33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Subaru Forester models reliable?

Owners consistently describe the Forester as dependable, spacious, and confidence-inspiring in bad weather. Expert reviews also reinforce its practical, safety-first character and its long-term usefulness as an everyday SUV.

• 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 main long-term ownership risk is choosing a higher-mileage example without a strong maintenance history, so a careful inspection and vehicle-history check matter.

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

Across all model years, accident-free inventory is solid at 81.5% — 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: According to Subaru’s estimates, the Wilderness should get 26 mpg in combined driving, but we averaged 22.7 mpg during this evaluation.

Which Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2026 Subaru Forester offers these trims:

• Base: The base trim starts the lineup with the redesigned Forester’s core utility and safety focus, and it suits you if you want the entry point into the 2026 range.
• Premium: Premium adds a step up in everyday comfort and convenience, making it a strong value choice for shoppers who want more equipment without moving too far up the price ladder.
• Sport: Sport brings a more distinctive personality and is a good fit if you want a trim with a little more visual flair.
• Limited: Limited adds a more upscale feel and is a sensible pick if you want a richer feature set.
• Wilderness: Wilderness is the most capable Forester model, with 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, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a navigation system, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, a power liftgate, Subaru’s Active Torque Split AWD system, X-Mode Dual Mode traction settings, 17-inch wheels, 9.3 inches of ground clearance, increased approach, breakover, and departure angles, more underbody protection, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire. It is the trim to choose if you want the strongest off-pavement hardware.
• Touring: Touring sits at the top of the gas-only lineup and is the trim to consider if you want the most upscale Forester experience.

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 the most popular used picks because they give you a broad selection of listings and a strong mix of pricing and equipment. That usually makes it easier to compare condition, mileage, and trim levels 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’re shopping used and want more room to negotiate. The biggest drops are concentrated in the newer model years, while the older ones are changing more gradually.

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

The 2015, 2014, and 2016 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, and 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 −5.5% versus a year ago, and the 2024 model is at −6.93%.
• Deal availability: The 2025 model has 33.8% good and great deals, and the 2024 model has 33.7%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2025 model has the most listings at a current average price of $31,607. The Subaru Forester offers a practical cabin with strong visibility and everyday versatility.

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 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, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.
• Safety: The latest model adds improved rear seatbelts to enhance occupant safety and includes Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection.

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 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

Compare 2026 Subaru Forester Trims

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

• Starting at $29,534
• 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: $29,534 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 669 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 overboard on price.

• Avg. market price: $32,635 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 3,164 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 design and features without the highest price tag.

• Avg. market price: $35,490 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 1,437 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• 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 stepping up to the highest trim.

• Avg. market price: $36,136 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 33 hwy
• Inventory: 1,775 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• 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 for outdoor adventures without compromising on comfort.

• Avg. market price: $37,153 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 24 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 1,473 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• 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 advanced tech features and luxury without going for the highest price.

• Avg. market price: $39,243 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 1,142 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View Touring Crossover AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — Premium Crossover AWD

With 3,164 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 $29,534 avg market price — below the lineup median of $35,813 — 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/MPGe.

Browse Crossover AWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.