CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 26.4%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 90
Average Price: Around £36,000

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 capable family SUV that blends estate-car practicality with genuine off-road ability. This fifth-generation model is longer and wider than its predecessors, offering excellent interior space with 520 litres of boot capacity. It features a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode technology for snow, mud, and off-road driving. The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, delivering 148bhp and a comfortable, composed ride with tidy handling. Comprehensive equipment levels come as standard across the range, and Euro NCAP safety ratings are reassuring.

However, the Forester presents a frustrating proposition. Performance is modest, with acceleration that feels leisurely rather than brisk. Fuel economy of 34.7mpg and CO₂ emissions of 185g/km are uncompetitive for a hybrid, particularly when compared with rivals like the Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq. New car prices exceed £36,000, making it an expensive proposition, though it makes more sense as a used purchase. The lack of a diesel option or plug-in hybrid variant limits its appeal to those seeking efficiency alongside practicality.

Best for: Buyers in regions with harsh winters or frequent wet weather, those prioritising safety and comprehensive equipment, and drivers who value off-road capability alongside family practicality.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking strong performance or impressive fuel economy, those on tight budgets, or those wanting a more efficient hybrid SUV.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You live in regions with harsh winters or frequent wet weather, prioritise safety and comprehensive equipment, and value genuine off-road capability alongside family practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You seek strong performance, impressive fuel economy, or a more efficient hybrid SUV, or if you're working to a tight budget.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester is a capable and well-equipped family SUV that excels in adverse weather and off-road scenarios. However, it struggles to compete on value and efficiency against rivals like the Skoda Karoq, Kia Sportage, and Mazda CX-5. Whilst the Forester's permanent four-wheel drive, X-Mode technology, and safety credentials are impressive, its modest performance, poor fuel economy, and premium pricing make it a harder sell. Most buyers seeking a practical, efficient, and affordable SUV would be better served by the Skoda Karoq or Mazda CX-5.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

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

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