The 2017 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor transmission software and oil consumption issues. At $16,750 to $22,075, it’s a decent value for a nice compact SUV with a lot of advanced technology available.
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2017 is a good year for the Subaru Forester since it has no widespread problems, giving it a high overall score. Owner reviews praise the safety tech, luxurious interior, as well as the all-wheel drive system in the snow.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a compact SUV, the seats offer excellent cushioning, cargo space is also good for the Forester’s size.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are fewer problems with the 2017 Forester than earlier years. Avoid models from 2014–2015 which have engine problems, while 2016–2022 are better choices.
- Performance 8/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine offers similar power to other small SUVs, while the turbocharged motor is very quick.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2017 Forester is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include a rearview camera. Optional upgrades available are Subaru EyeSight, which has pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic braking, as well as lane departure warning.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 28 MPG, giving 445 miles of range out of the 15.9 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $63 cheaper than average at $185 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2017 Subaru Forester is cheaper than many other compact SUVs with low ownership costs, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Subaru Forester offers excellent passenger space, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Forester at 4/5, praising the strong all-wheel drive system, but doesn’t like the CVT transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Forester a 4.3/5, enjoying the excellent fuel economy, but owners don’t like the lower suspension than other SUVs.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Forester Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Subaru Forester include shuddering while shifting between gears, excessive oil consumption, as well as premature battery failure. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs, with slightly higher repair costs.
Shuddering while shifting between gears is a common complaint on the 2017 Subaru Forester at around 5,000 miles. The problem is caused by a problem with the transmission software. Most Subaru dealerships will update the software for free on affected models, while some may charge up to $100.
Excessive oil consumption has also been mentioned on some Forester models at roughly 20,000 miles. Subaru engines tend to consume slightly more oil than some other brands, so usually it’s just part of normal operation. Many owners simply check the oil regularly, and top it off with more oil as needed.
Premature battery failures also have been reported by owners, happening about every 15,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories on the Subaru Forester, which may drain the battery while it’s parked. Diagnosing any excessive electrical draw costs around $100. Some owners have also chosen to upgrade to a stronger AGM battery, which is about $350.
There’s only one minor recall on the 2017 Subaru Forester, which is better than many other compact SUVs. It covers the occupant detection system which may deactivate an airbag. Subaru will replace the sensors on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2017 Subaru Forester Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Subaru Forester can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the highly-rated Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $535 per year.
As a 2017 Subaru Forester reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the coolant temperature sensor for $280, spark plugs costing around $400, as well as the A/C blower motor, which costs $350.
It is very reliable. No problems so far but I have only had it 2 months. It has plenty of room for 5 and lots of cargo space.
Very reliable! As previously stated the Bluetooth is a problem. People complain they cannot hear me or phone connection is static.
So far, it is very reliable. I haven't had any major issues with it. There was a problem with the ac though. But that was covered under the warranty.
I bought this car as a certified pre-owned vehicle 6 months ago. The only maintenance I have performed is an oil change after 6 months of ownership.
Yes. I have not have any problems with my car. Besides routine maintenance I haven't had to bring my car into the dealership.
It has been very reliable. I have not had any problems with it since purchasing it almost three years ago.
I find this model to be very reliable. I had an air conditioner problem due to a rock hitting the compressor and it was fixed via a warranty.
My Subaru forester has had next to no problems during its two years of service. As long as regular service and maintenance is performed, it should continue to drive perfectly.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2017 Subaru Forester since it has a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen with Subaru’s Starlink software, while a larger 7-inch touchscreen is optional.
Safety technology is better than many competitors, offering a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include the EyeSight driver assist system, which has pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist, as well as reverse automatic braking.
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a Good Value?
Yes, the 2017 Subaru Forester is a good value for a small wagon with standard all-wheel drive. Blue book fair market price ranges from $16,750 to $22,075, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Audi Allroad. When new, the price range was $22,595 to $34,295. Depreciation is similar to other compact SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?
There are four main models of the Subaru Forester offered in 2017, from the base 2.5i all the way up to the luxurious Touring. The Premium & Touring models are also offered with the optional 2.0L engine. All models come standard with all-wheel drive.
2.5i is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Bluetooth
- Rearview Camera
- 2-Inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Sound System
Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Driver Seat
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Reclining Rear Seatbacks
- 7-Inch touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
- Optional EyeSight Safety Package
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Leather Upholstery
- Automatic Headlights
- Upgraded Driver Information Display
- Power Liftgate
- Foglights
- Optional Eight Speaker Harmon Kardon Sound System
Touring is the flagship model which adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Standard Harmon Kardon Stereo
What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It’s offered with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- A step up is the stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, which generates 250 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. It’s only offered with the continuously variable automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?
The 2017 Subaru Forester offers a very comfortable interior with seating for up to five passengers. Seating throughout the cabin is supportive and made of high-quality materials.
Passenger room is good even in the rear seats, which have enough legroom to fit taller adults easily.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?
Cargo room is smaller than some other compact SUVs on the market with enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the rear seats, and around 10 suitcases with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Subaru Forester was launched in 2014 and replaced by the fifth generation in 2019.
2015: Standard rearview camera on all models, new 18-inch wheels available.
2016: Upgraded stereo system with 6.2 or 7-inch touchscreen depending on the model.
2017: New EyeSight safety system with lane departure intervention, new front grille
2018: Black edition available with dark trim & wheels.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with more standard safety tech, better passenger room, as well as a stronger engine.
2020: Standard lane-centering assistance, all-weather package added to the Premium model
2021: Standard automatic high beams on all models
How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?
The Subaru Forester is among the best compact SUVs offered in 2017 since it has standard all-wheel drive, a nice interior, as well as advanced safety technology available.
The Subaru Outback is another SUV offered by Subaru which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Forester is easier to park and maneuver in large cities. We recommend the Subaru Outback since the extra space is worth the money.
The Toyota RAV4 is a competitor which costs around $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are better on the Toyota RAV4, while the Subaru Forester has better optional safety technology available. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since ownership costs are lower as they age.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?
Yes. Very zippy and sturdy I feel safe in it and it is good in snow. Also a nice radio. It is red and has a sunroof.
Yes. The windows and sunroof are large and provide good visual fields for driving. Love the automatic lift gate and the sensors on the mirrors to alert you if there is a car in your blind spot for lane change. The car is very reliable and has good pickup. The only complaint I have is the Bluetooth. People who I am talking to often complain that they cannot hear me, staticky connection. I would definitely consider leasing another Forrester when my lease is up.
Yes, very good. I enjoy driving it, and it feels safe. It is good in bad weather and high off the ground.
Yes, it is a good vehicle. It has a lot of pick up and it hums along so effortlessly. I love the back up camera and the many options for climate control.
Yes! I love my Subaru. It rides smooth- it is good for winter. The addition of heated seats and steering wheel make it wonderful for winter.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is safe and reliable. It was cost efficient and handles well in bad weather.
Very good, and reliable. Other than a minor issue it runs just fine. I always have purchased Subaru's for you get the most for your money.
The Subaru forester is an extremely spacious vehicle that is perfect for families with young children. The forester has the driving feel of a smaller car while providing the premium interior space of a SUV.