Used Subaru Forester for sale near Ballymena

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 90
Average Price: Around £34,500

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 additional capacity, it provides excellent practicality for families and adventurers alike. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, X-Mode terrain management, and Hill Descent Control make it genuinely capable in challenging conditions, whilst comprehensive equipment levels and a reassuring Euro NCAP safety rating add to its appeal.

However, the Forester is a frustrating proposition. The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, delivers only 148bhp and modest acceleration. More disappointingly, fuel economy of 34.7mpg and CO₂ emissions of 185g/km are uncompetitive for a hybrid, and the car is expensive to purchase. The continuously variable transmission, whilst functional, can sound noisy during acceleration. Most buyers would be better served by rivals such as the Kia Sportage, Skoda Karoq, or Mazda CX-5, which offer superior efficiency and better value.

Best for: Buyers prioritising all-weather capability and off-road ability, families needing spacious accommodation, and those valuing comprehensive safety features and equipment levels.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking strong performance, excellent fuel economy, competitive pricing, or the most efficient hybrid SUV on the market.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You prioritise all-weather and off-road capability, need spacious family accommodation, and value comprehensive safety features and equipment levels.

Consider alternatives if: You seek strong performance, excellent fuel economy, competitive pricing, or the most efficient hybrid SUV available.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a capable and well-equipped family SUV with genuine off-road credentials that most rivals cannot match. However, it struggles to compete on value and efficiency. The Skoda Karoq offers superior ratings and better deals, whilst the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 deliver more competitive fuel economy and pricing. The Forester's modest performance, poor hybrid efficiency, and premium pricing make it a difficult recommendation, despite its genuine strengths in comfort, space, and all-terrain ability. Most buyers will find better value and practicality elsewhere.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

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