Used 2018 Subaru Forester for SaleNationwide

Compare 2018 Subaru Forester Trims

The 2018 Subaru Forester offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to adventure-ready models, all featuring AWD for enhanced capability.

• Starting at $14,378
• Best MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 27 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: $14,378 (updated weekly)
• 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 for adventures without going over budget.

• Avg. market price: $15,555 (updated weekly)
• 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 stepping up to the highest price tier.

• Avg. market price: $17,018 (updated weekly)
• 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 powerful engine and good fuel economy for their adventures.

• Avg. market price: $16,079 (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 refined experience with luxury features for family outings.

• Avg. market price: $17,477 (updated weekly)
• 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 a powerful SUV with advanced features for off-road adventures.

• Avg. market price: $17,653 (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 $14,378 avg market price — below the lineup median of $16,548 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 2.5i listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 2.0XT Premium

The 2.0XT Premium offers the best fuel economy in the lineup at 23/27 MPG/MPGe.

Browse 2.0XT 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 2018 Subaru Forester cost?

Prices have softened 4.29% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,107 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 4.8/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction. Drivers consistently praise the spacious interior, safety features, smooth driving experience, comfortable seating, and user-friendly technology. For you, that makes this a practical choice if you want a roomy, easy-to-live-with compact SUV with everyday usability. With 32.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive opportunities.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The user feedback also points to a dependable ownership experience, with drivers highlighting the Forester’s safety, comfort, and smooth day-to-day use. That said, some owners mention sluggish power and minor issues like window controls and initial vehicle conditions, so a careful inspection still matters. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the model’s core appeal and more about finding one that has been maintained well and hasn’t picked up avoidable wear.

What should I look for when buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

At 67.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. Put inspection priority on body condition, panel alignment, and signs of inconsistent wear, since those can reveal how a vehicle was treated. It also makes sense to focus on overall mechanical condition and interior function so you can separate a clean, well-kept Forester from one that only looks good online.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2018 Subaru Forester?

This is a moderate market, so you can shop selectively and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,107 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.29% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 67.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,918, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2018 Subaru Forester's resale value?

The current average of $16,036 sits slightly below last year's $16,756.

That softer pricing suggests the model has become a bit easier for future buyers to access, which can help keep demand steady in the used market. If you buy well now, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation compared with a vehicle that is still priced near its peak. Strong owner satisfaction also helps support long-term appeal when it is time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2018 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2018 if:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 67.3% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.29% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $14,544, the 2017 costs less than the current year's $16,036 average.
• It offers a value-focused, practical Forester with a broader choice of affordability or performance.

Consider the 2019 if:

• At $18,663, the 2019 costs more than the current year's $16,036 average.
• It adds standard advanced safety features and easier everyday tech use.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, satisfaction, and available inventory, the 2018 is the primary path to consider. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2017 is the better value play, while the 2019 makes sense if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling package.

How does the 2018 Subaru Forester compare to the 2018 Honda CR-V?

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