Used Subaru Forester for sale near Barnstaple

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 23.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 60
Average Price: Around £22,000

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 four-wheel-drive SUV that has evolved from its estate car roots. This generation offers excellent practicality, with a comfortable driving position, ample head- and legroom, and a healthy 520-litre boot capacity. While its e-Boxer hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electrical assistance, delivers modest performance, the Forester offers a comfortable ride, tidy handling, and impressive off-road capability thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and generous ground clearance.

While initially expensive as a new car, the Forester becomes a more sensible used purchase, though available in smaller numbers. Its official combined economy of 34.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 185g/km are uncompetitive for a hybrid, but insurance costs are reasonable, and VED is lower due to its hybrid status. Despite its comprehensive equipment and strong safety rating, the Forester's limited performance and efficiency make it a frustrating car that's easy to like for its ruggedness and practicality, but hard to wholeheartedly recommend over more efficient rivals.

Best for: Drivers needing a practical, roomy, and safe SUV with excellent off-road capability, especially in challenging weather, and those who appreciate comprehensive equipment.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising strong performance, competitive fuel economy, a lower new car price, or a wider range of engine options.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You need a practical, roomy, and safe SUV with excellent off-road capability, especially in challenging weather, and appreciate comprehensive equipment.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise strong performance, competitive fuel economy, a lower new car price, or a wider range of engine options.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a practical, safe, and highly capable off-roader with comprehensive equipment. While its e-Boxer hybrid powertrain offers modest performance and uncompetitive fuel economy compared to rivals like the Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq, its comfortable ride, roomy interior, and impressive all-weather capability make it a unique and likeable choice for those prioritising ruggedness and safety over outright efficiency or pace.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

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