Used Subaru Forester for sale near Darlington

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 80
Average Price: Around £36,000

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, 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 generous head- and legroom for all passengers. With 520 litres of boot space and rear seats that fold flat for additional capacity, it's well-suited to families needing versatility. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode terrain management make it genuinely capable in challenging weather and off-road conditions, whilst Hill Descent Control adds further confidence on steep slopes.

The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, offering three driving modes for different conditions. However, with only 148bhp and modest torque, performance is steady rather than exciting. Fuel economy of 34.7mpg and CO₂ emissions of 185g/km are uncompetitive for a hybrid, and the car is expensive to purchase new. As a used buy, the Forester makes more sense, though availability is limited. Comprehensive equipment levels and excellent Euro NCAP safety ratings are reassuring, but most buyers would be better served by more efficient rivals.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, capable SUV with genuine four-wheel-drive ability and excellent safety credentials, particularly those in areas with challenging weather or terrain.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising fuel efficiency, strong performance, or competitive pricing, or those seeking a plug-in hybrid with longer electric range.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You need a spacious, capable SUV with genuine four-wheel-drive ability and excellent safety credentials, particularly in areas with challenging weather or terrain.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise fuel efficiency, strong performance, competitive pricing, or a plug-in hybrid with longer electric range.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a capable and well-equipped family SUV that excels in practicality and off-road ability. However, it struggles to compete on value and efficiency against rivals like the Kia Sportage, Skoda Karoq, and Mazda CX-5. Whilst the Forester's permanent four-wheel drive and comprehensive safety features are genuine strengths, its modest performance, poor fuel economy, and premium pricing make it a frustrating proposition. Most buyers seeking a practical mid-size SUV would be better served by the more efficient and better-value alternatives available 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 April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.