Used 2017 Subaru Forester for SaleNationwide

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for enhanced capability.

• Starting at $13,100
• Best MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Most Popular: 2.5i Premium

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

2.5i — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i is the pick for shoppers who want a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.

• Avg. market price: $13,100 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 28 hwy
• Inventory: 727 listings
• View 2.5i listings

2.5i Premium — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Premium is the pick for shoppers who want a well-equipped SUV without stepping up to the more expensive trims.

• Avg. market price: $14,129 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 1,921 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 2.5i Premium listings

2.5i Limited — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Limited is the pick for shoppers who want luxury features without going for the top-tier trims.

• Avg. market price: $15,211 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 933 listings
• View 2.5i Limited listings

2.0XT Premium — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Premium is the pick for shoppers who want a sportier drive with turbocharged performance.

• Avg. market price: $14,447 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 160 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 2.0XT Premium listings

2.5i Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.5i Touring is the pick for shoppers who want a fully loaded SUV with advanced features.

• Avg. market price: $15,310 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 542 listings
• View 2.5i Touring listings

2.0XT Touring — "Who It's For"

The 2.0XT Touring is the pick for shoppers who want top performance and luxury in one package.

• Avg. market price: $15,887 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 hwy
• Inventory: 315 listings
• View 2.0XT Touring listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 2.5i Premium

With 1,921 active listings, the 2.5i Premium is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

Best Budget Option — 2.5i

At $13,100 avg market price — below the lineup median of $14,829 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.5i Premium

The 2.5i Premium offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 26/32 MPG.

Browse 2.5i Premium listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2017 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 1.68% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,863 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of used Foresters to compare.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2017 Subaru Forester earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 6.3/10 expert rating.

The model scores 7/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its spacious interior, exceptional safety features, reliable all-wheel-drive capability, and strong value. The overview also points to a vehicle that can handle a wide range of uses without demanding much from you, especially if you want practicality and peace of mind over flash.

You also get a split personality here: the value-focused 2.5i and the more powerful 2.0XT give you a choice between affordability and extra excitement. With 32.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback highlights reliability, dependable all-wheel-drive performance, and a trouble-free ownership experience for many drivers. The expert evaluation also describes the Forester as delivering decent reliability and a vehicle you can use and abuse without worrying too much about everyday wear.

If you buy used, the main long-term ownership risk is hidden damage or condition issues, so a careful inspection matters.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 Subaru Forester?

At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should run a vehicle history report before you commit, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection so you can catch structural or repair-related issues early. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the vehicle’s equipment and maintenance history match the listing description.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Forester’s trim structure separates the sensible 2.5i from the more powerful 2.0XT, and the base model lacks the larger 7-inch display that appears on most other versions. Higher trims add more upscale details, while the Touring versions bring the most premium presentation.
• Powertrain: The 2.5i is the value choice, while the 2.0XT adds turbocharged power, stronger acceleration, paddle shifters, and a CVT-only setup. The 2.0XT also brings a more performance-oriented feel, but with added cost and compromise.
• Safety package: EyeSight is the named driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Rear Automatic Braking, automatic high-beam assist, and steering-responsive headlights are also part of the 2017 safety story, with some features not working perfectly in every situation.
• Infotainment: Most versions get a larger 7-inch Starlink display, plus text-messaging support and Siri Eyes Free compatibility. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not offered.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i is the better choice if you want better gas mileage, while the 2.0XT is rated at 25 mpg combined and returned 21.3 mpg on the test loop.

Which 2017 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2017 Subaru Forester is offered in 4 trim levels: 2.5i, Premium, Limited, and Touring.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i: This is the value pick if you want the Forester’s core strengths at the lowest cost. It gives you the practical, all-weather character the model is known for, and it makes the most sense if you care more about affordability and efficiency than extra equipment.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds useful equipment without pushing you into the highest price tiers. It’s the trim to target if you want a more complete Forester without overpaying for luxury touches.
• Limited: Choose this if you want a more upscale feel and more equipment than the lower trims provide. It suits you best if comfort and convenience matter more than keeping the purchase as lean as possible.
• Touring: This is the most upscale version and the one to consider if you want the richest feature set and the most premium presentation. It makes sense if you’re willing to pay more for the top-end Forester experience.

The safety package is a major part of the Forester’s appeal, so make sure the trim you choose includes the driver-assistance features you want.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 Subaru Forester?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,863 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.68% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,258, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2017 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $14,544 sits slightly below last year's $14,792.

That softer pricing suggests the Forester has become a bit easier to buy, which can also mean future sellers may face a more competitive market. If you own one and keep it in strong condition, the model’s practical reputation and broad shopper appeal should help support demand.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2017 Subaru Forester earns a four-star rating from the federal government for front passenger protection in a frontal impact collision.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The Forester’s EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning, and Subaru also added Rear Automatic Braking, automatic high-beam assist, and steering-responsive headlights for 2017. The expert evaluation notes that these systems are useful but not always flawless, so you should still expect to stay engaged behind the wheel.

The safety story is strong overall, but the reported front passenger crash result is the main caveat to keep in mind.

Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 32.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.68% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2017 refresh brings updated styling, improved EyeSight tech, and added soundproofing.

Consider the 2016 if:

• At $12,596, the 2016 costs less than the current year's $14,544 average.
• It offers a well-rounded package with a new touchscreen interface and strong safety appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the better-balanced shopping target, the 2017 is the stronger pick because it adds updated tech and refreshed features while still pricing reasonably. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2016 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers much of the Forester formula.

How does the 2017 Subaru Forester compare to the 2017 Honda CR-V?

Our experts score the 2017 Subaru Forester 6.3/10 and the 2017 Honda CR-V 8.7/10.

The Forester gives you standard all-wheel drive, a practical cabin, and strong safety-oriented appeal, while the CR-V brings more power, better fuel economy, and a stronger overall expert score. If you want the more affordable used buy with a rugged, all-weather personality, the Forester makes sense; if you want the more polished and better-rounded compact SUV, the CR-V is the stronger choice.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.