Used Subaru Forester for sale near Carlisle

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 23.5%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
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 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, it provides excellent practicality for families and adventurers alike. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode technology make it genuinely capable in challenging weather and terrain, whilst comprehensive equipment levels and a reassuring Euro NCAP safety rating come as standard across the range.

However, the Forester is a frustrating proposition. The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, delivering 148bhp and modest performance. Whilst the Lineartronic CVT gearbox with paddle shifters is competent, acceleration is merely steady. More problematically, fuel economy of 34.7mpg and CO₂ emissions of 185g/km are uncompetitive for a hybrid, and insurance groups (19-20) are higher than rivals. As a used car, the Forester makes more sense than as a new purchase, though limited availability means fewer options on the secondhand market.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, well-equipped SUV with genuine all-wheel-drive capability and excellent safety credentials, particularly those in regions with challenging weather conditions.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising performance, fuel efficiency, or competitive running costs, or those seeking a diesel or plug-in hybrid option.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You need a spacious, well-equipped SUV with genuine all-wheel-drive capability and excellent safety standards, particularly for challenging weather conditions or light off-roading.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise performance, fuel efficiency, competitive running costs, or require diesel or plug-in hybrid options.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a capable and comprehensive family SUV, but it struggles against stronger rivals. Whilst its permanent four-wheel-drive system, spacious interior, and safety credentials are genuinely impressive, the modest performance, poor fuel economy, and higher insurance groups undermine its appeal. The Skoda Karoq offers superior value and expert ratings, the Mazda CX-5 delivers better efficiency, and the Kia Sportage provides more competitive running costs. For most buyers, the Forester is easy to like but hard to wholeheartedly recommend, making it a niche choice rather than an obvious first pick in this competitive segment.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

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