Used Subaru Forester for sale near Guildford

CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 13.1%
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 fifth-generation Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a practical, estate-like SUV that offers impressive capability. It comes as standard with Subaru’s permanent all-wheel-drive system, positioning it as a rugged alternative to more conventional family SUVs. Inside, it’s spacious and comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom for all occupants and a generous 520-litre boot, which can be easily expanded by folding the rear seats.

The Forester is offered with a single ‘e-Boxer’ hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor. Performance is modest, and the official fuel economy of 34.7mpg is uncompetitive against rivals. However, its real strength lies in its off-road prowess, aided by the sophisticated AWD system, generous ground clearance, and selectable X-Mode driving settings. While expensive when new, it represents better value as a used buy, though limited sales mean fewer are available on the second-hand market.

Best for: Drivers needing genuine all-weather and off-road capability, those prioritising safety and practicality, and buyers in rural locations.

Not ideal for: Buyers focused on fuel efficiency and low emissions, those seeking strong performance, or anyone wanting a premium interior feel.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Forester if: You need a highly capable, practical, and safe SUV that can handle rough terrain and bad weather with ease.

Consider alternatives if: Fuel economy, strong performance, and a low purchase price are your main priorities.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester is a niche player that excels where many rivals falter, offering superb practicality and genuine off-road talent. However, its appeal is limited by a single, inefficient powertrain and modest performance. For most buyers, more conventional rivals like the Skoda Karoq or Kia Sportage offer a better balance of running costs, performance, and everyday usability, making them more compelling all-rounders.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

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