Used Subaru Forester for sale nationwide

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £34,000

Subaru Forester (2018-2024) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Handles wet and wintery weather with ease, thanks to permanent four-wheel drive	The petrol engine is short on power
Roomy for people and their luggage	Expensive to buy as a new car
Excellent safety standards	Poor fuel economy and emissions

Quick Summary

The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a comfortable and roomy family SUV that blends estate-car practicality with genuine off-road capability. This fifth-generation model is longer and wider than its predecessors, offering plenty of head- and legroom for all passengers. With 520 litres of boot space and rear seats that fold flat for extra capacity, it's well-suited to families needing versatility. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode terrain management make it genuinely capable in challenging weather and light off-road conditions, whilst Hill Descent Control adds confidence on steep slopes.

The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, offering three driving modes for different conditions. However, with just 148bhp and 145lb ft of torque, performance is modest, and real-world fuel economy of around 34.7mpg is disappointing for a hybrid. The Lineartronic CVT gearbox is competent, though acceleration can feel laboured. Despite these limitations, the Forester rides and handles well, with direct steering and composed suspension. Comprehensive equipment levels and excellent Euro NCAP safety ratings are reassuring, though the high purchase price and uncompetitive running costs make it a frustrating proposition compared to rivals.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, capable SUV with genuine all-wheel-drive ability for challenging weather and light off-roading, plus those prioritising safety and comfort over outright performance.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking strong acceleration, excellent fuel economy, or competitive running costs, or those wanting a more affordable alternative in the compact SUV segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You need a spacious, capable SUV with genuine all-wheel-drive ability for challenging weather and light off-roading, and you prioritise safety and comfort over outright performance.

Consider alternatives if: You seek strong acceleration, excellent fuel economy, competitive running costs, or a more affordable option in the compact SUV segment.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a capable and comfortable family SUV with genuine off-road credentials and excellent safety standards. However, it struggles to compete on value and efficiency. The Skoda Karoq offers superior expert and user ratings with better value, whilst the Kia Sportage provides more competitive pricing and better deals availability. The Mazda CX-5 sits between these options. The Forester's modest performance, poor fuel economy, and high purchase price make it a frustrating choice when more compelling alternatives exist in this segment. Most buyers would be better served by the Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.