Used Subaru Forester Review

Looking to buy a used car? If so, you're probably searching for something dependable, safe, and long-lasting. There's a lot of impressive cheap used cars out there, but a used Subaru Forester redefines reliability. Over 90% of Forester SUVs are still running on the road today, and it's easy to see why this ride is considered one of the most dependable used SUVs on the market.
Learn more about everything you can expect from a used Subaru Forester, and feel free to reach out to the team at Val-U-Line® if you have any questions. Skip to browsing our used Forester inventory right here if you're ready to find yours.
All-Weather Performance
Whether you're trying to make it to campus through a rainstorm or are taking some roads less traveled, a used Forester has you covered. All-wheel drive comes standard for just about every model year, so you'll be able to hit any road with confidence. It can be coupled with the available X-MODE® for more control and sportier performance.
Available Engine |
Generations |
EPA-estimated Rating |
2.5L 4-cylinder |
All Generations |
24 city/32 highway MPG |
2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Third |
19 city/24 highway MPG |
2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Fourth and Fifth |
23 city/28 highway MPG |
Power and a used Subaru Forester go hand-in-hand. The first two generations come standard with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that boasts up to 170 horsepower in most models. If you find a used SUV that's outfitted with the turbocharged variant of this powertrain, you'll get to enjoy up to 224 horsepower.
The 2.0L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine was introduced in 2014. It helped boost the power of this SUV further. It achieves 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and may be coupled with Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE), so you can shift into one of three selectable drive modes.
Forester is the name, and efficiency is the game. Most models equipped with the 2.5L engine and the Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) achieve an EPA-estimated 24 city/32 highway MPG.
Used Subaru Forester Dependability and Safety

When Subaru released the fourth generation of this SUV, it could be equipped with EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. It includes several confidence-inspiring features like:
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
You'll have more peace of mind with the pre-collision system equipped with your used Subaru Forester. Pre-Collision Braking warns you when a front-end collision is detected. If you don't react in time, it can apply the brakes to help mitigate the risk.
There's also Adaptive Cruise Control, which will help put your mind at ease during the daily commute. It can keep you moving forward at a set speed while also adjusting your speed automatically to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead while in stop-and-go traffic.
If there's one thing that all pre-owned Subaru Foresters share, it's their ability to provide the safety you can depend on. Year after year, the Forester receives top marks in crash tests performed by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Model years since 2007 have all been an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+.
Space in the Used Subaru Forester

Space comes standard for a used Forester. The SUV has seating for up to five people and more than 100 cubic feet of passenger volume. It also has more than enough legroom whenever you need to stretch out. In the first row, you'll have approximately 43 inches of legroom, while folks in the back will have 38 inches of legroom.
Everyone can stay comfortable in this pre-owned SUV. Whether your journeys lead you out into the cold or the warm summer sun, there are several models available with a long list of comfort amenities, including:
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Reclining rear seats
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Panoramic moonroof
If you're heading to the beach or out to the countryside on a warm summer afternoon, open up the available panoramic moonroof. It'll let more light into the cabin and let everyone feel the wind in their hair. When you're heading home for the night, open it up again to get a better view of the starry night sky.
Extra cargo is the Forester's best friend. There are about 33 cubic feet of cargo capacity in the trunk, which is enough for a few pieces of luggage and shopping bags. If you're going camping or bringing along a few more coolers for your day on the beach, fold the rear seats down. That will give you about 68 cubic feet of cargo space to work with.
Innovative Technology

You'll find a host of innovative features on most used Subaru Forester SUVs. You can sync up your smartphone with Bluetooth® connectivity and a USB port with iPod® control. There's also HD Radio™, so you can enjoy crystal-clear tunes over the airwaves.
The SUBARU STARLINK™ in-vehicle technology system was introduced in 2014 for the fourth generation of Forester. It doubles down on this SUVs connective technology. When you have an SUV that's equipped, you'll get to harness the power of the following features:
- Touchscreen display
- Voice activation
- Aha™ smartphone app integration
- iTunes® tagging capability
- SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
- GPS navigation
Whether you're cruising solo or having a singalong with your friends, it's important to have the best seat in the house. Luckily, that's every seat when you choose a used Forester equipped with the available Harman Kardon Premium Audio System. It comes with eight speakers and a 440-watt amplifier.
If you're looking for technology that will give your parking game a boost, several model years come standard with a Rear-Vision Camera. When reversing at low speeds, it will show you what's going on behind your vehicle right on the touchscreen display. Therefore, you'll be able to glide right into even the tightest spots.
Test Drive a Used Subaru Forester Today!
What are you looking for out of a used car? Do you need all-weather capability and power? Maybe you need extra space for all your friends and family. In either case, the Subaru Forester has it all, and it comes wrapped in a safe and connected package. That means, you'll be ready to tackle whatever the road has in store.
Ready for an up-close look at this commanding SUV? Schedule a test drive at one of Val-U-Line®'s nationwide used car dealerships!