CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 90
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 and roomy family SUV that blends estate-car styling 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 extra capacity, it's highly practical for families and those needing versatile storage. The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and X-Mode terrain management make it genuinely capable in wet, snowy, and rough conditions, whilst Hill Descent Control adds further off-road confidence.

The e-Boxer hybrid powertrain combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with electric assistance, offering three driving modes for different conditions. However, with just 148bhp and 145lb ft of torque, performance is modest, and real-world fuel economy of around 34.7mpg is disappointing for a hybrid. The Lineartronic CVT gearbox is competent, though acceleration is leisurely. The Forester rides and handles well on the Subaru Global Platform, with direct steering and composed suspension. Comprehensive equipment levels and excellent Euro NCAP safety ratings are reassuring, though the high purchase price and uncompetitive emissions are significant drawbacks. As a used car, it offers better value than new, though modest sales mean limited availability.

Best for: Families needing a spacious, capable SUV with genuine all-weather and off-road ability, and those prioritising safety and comfort over outright performance.

Not ideal for: Buyers seeking affordable running costs, strong acceleration, or competitive fuel economy, or those wanting 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 all-weather and off-road ability, and you prioritise safety and comfort over outright performance.

Consider alternatives if: You're seeking affordable running costs, strong acceleration, competitive fuel economy, or a plug-in hybrid with longer electric range.

Competitive Position: The Subaru Forester (2018-2024) is a capable and comfortable family SUV with genuine off-road credentials and excellent safety standards. However, it faces stiff competition from more accomplished rivals. The Skoda Karoq offers superior expert and user ratings with comparable value, whilst the Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 deliver better fuel economy and more engaging driving dynamics. The Forester's modest performance, disappointing hybrid efficiency, and high purchase price make it harder to recommend than its competitors, though its all-wheel-drive system and spacious interior appeal to those prioritising practicality and weather resilience over economy and excitement.

Read our full Subaru Forester Review

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

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