The 2021 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with some minor windshield and stereo system issues reported. At $25,550 to $35,550, it’s a decent value for a reliable small SUV with plenty of the latest safety features.
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Subaru Forester since it offers great practicality paired with high reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, all-wheel drive system, as well as all the advanced safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a compact SUV, the seats are supportive on longer drives, cargo space is also great for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2021 Forester. Avoid models from 2014–2015 since they have engine problems, go with 2016–2022 which are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine, although it’s not very quick.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Forester is a safe SUV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include lane change assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 29 MPG, giving 481 miles of range out of the 16.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $50 cheaper than average at $195 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Subaru Forester is more expensive than other small SUVs, although slow depreciation makes it a great value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Subaru Forester offers all you need in a compact SUV with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Forester at 4.2/5, praising the standard all-wheel drive system, but doesn’t like the relatively weak engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2021 Forester a 4.4/5, enjoying the roomy interior for a compact SUV, but owners don’t like the low towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Subaru Forester Have?
Common problems found in the 2021 Subaru Forester include the windshield chipping easily, a frozen stereo system, along with rodents being attracted to the soy-based wiring. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other small SUVs on the market, leading to low repair costs.
The windshield chipping easily is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Subaru Forester, showing up in the first 1,000 miles. There are some batches of glass which are more prone to chipping with small stones. Chips can be filled for under $100, but if the windshield cracks it will have to be replaced for around $700.
A frozen stereo system has also been reported on the 2021 Forester in the first 5,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improves its reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
Rodents being attracted to the soy-based wiring is another problem mentioned by some owners at around 1,500 miles. There are ultrasonic strobe devices available which can help deter rodents if you have to park your forester outside. If rodents do eat the wiring, repairing it can cost $150 to $2,000 depending on how severe the problems are.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Subaru Forester, which is better than many other small SUVs and indicates that there are no widespread mechanical issues, or any problems with the safety systems.
How Long Will the 2021 Subaru Forester Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Subaru Forester can last around 250,000 miles, which is around 50,000 miles less than the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $502 per year.
As a used 2021 Subaru Forester reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the spark plugs for $200, the axle boots costing $450, along with the front struts which cost around $300.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen and a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent, offering:
- Rear-seat reminder
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lead vehicle start alert
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Lane change assist
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Subaru Forester a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Forester is a good value since it depreciates slowly while also having low ownership costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $25,550 to $35,550 , making it more than a Ford Escape or Nissan Kicks. When new, the price range was $24,795 to $34,895. In current market conditions depreciation is nonexistent, although in normal times we expect it to lose about 4% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?
There are five versions of the 2021 Subaru Forester offered, from the entry-level base all the way to the more luxurious Touring. All Forester models come standard with all-wheel drive, which is great on dirt roads and in the snow.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Adaptive LED Headlights
- Subaru’s Starlink App Suite
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Automatic Climate Control
Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Raised Roof Rails
- Fog Lights
- Keyless Entry With Push Button Start
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Tinted Rear Windows
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Windshield Wiper De-Icer
- Heated Steering Wheel
Sport adds features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Black and Orange Interior Accents
- Unique Exterior Trim
- LED Fog Lights
Limited is a popular choice which has:
- Leather Upholstery
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power Liftgate
- 8-Inch Touchscreen Display
Touring is the flagship model which adds:
- Power-Adjustable Passenger Seat
- Heated Rear Seats
- Harman Kardon Audio System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?
The 2021 Subaru Forester comes with one engine option across all its trims:
- 5-liter flat-four engine: This engine produces 182 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It has a combined fuel economy of 29 mpg, and takes 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?
The 2021 Subaru Forester offers a high level of comfort for its occupants, making it an enjoyable vehicle for daily commutes and long road trips alike. The spacious cabin comfortably seats up to five passengers, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear occupants. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a pleasant experience during extended drives.
The Forester’s ride quality is smooth, thanks to its well-tuned suspension that absorbs road imperfections with ease. Additionally, the cabin is well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum. The vehicle’s standard all-wheel drive system provides confident handling in various road conditions, further contributing to a comfortable driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?
The 2021 Subaru Forester offers an impressive amount of storage space for a compact SUV, making it a practical choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts 31.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to a generous 74.3 cubic feet when the 60/40-split rear seats are folded down.
This ample room allows you to fit a wide range of items, from daily essentials like groceries and luggage to bulkier gear for outdoor adventures. For instance, you can easily accommodate several large suitcases, camping equipment, or even a couple of mountain bikes with the seats down. The Forester’s wide and flat cargo area, along with its low loading height, makes loading and unloading items a breeze. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Forester’s spacious interior makes it a versatile option for drivers in need of both passenger comfort and storage capabilities.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Subaru Forester was launched for the 2019 model year.
2015: New 18-inch wheels available, standard rearview camera on all models.
2016: Upgraded stereo system with 6.2-inch or 7-inch touchscreen.
2017: EyeSight safety system updated to add lane departure intervention.
2018: Black Edition introduced with black trim and wheels.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with better safety technology, a roomier
2020: Lane centering assist now standard on all models, all-weather package added to Premium model.
2021: Automatic high beams are standard on all models.
How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Subaru Forester is a very nice compact SUV which offers a strong all-wheel drive system paired with some of the latest safety technology on the market.
The Subaru Outback is a larger SUV offered by Subaru which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Forester offers more responsive handling. We recommend the Subaru Outback since it’s more practical overall, but both are great SUV choices.
The Honda CR-V is another small SUV which is available in the same price range. Passenger room is a little better in the rear seats of the Honda CR-V, while the Subaru Forester’s standard all-wheel drive system is better off-road. We recommend the Subaru Forester, although both are very similar and worth a test drive to see which you prefer the feel of.
