2017 Subaru Forester Review

Name: 2017 Subaru Forester Review
Brand: Subaru

Price Range: $12,795 - $25,998

Read full review See all features & specs

Price & Payment

98 cars

$18,419 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2017 Subaru Forester

Subaru Forester model years

Subaru Forester for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers^{Manager, Written Content
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. As a manager of written content, he writes and edits the reviews that help consumers find their perfect car. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Airy interior with plenty of room for adults in both seating rows
Impressive fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive crossover
Optional turbocharged engine provides spirited acceleration
Above-average off-road ability

Cons

CVT may seem less responsive and refined than a traditional automatic
Doesn't feel as sporty around turns as some rivals
Cabin design and materials aren't especially noteworthy
Maximum tow rating isn't particularly robust

What’s new

The 2017 Forester receives numerous updates, starting with wider feature availability, additional noise insulation and quicker steering response. The enhanced EyeSight safety system now has lane departure intervention and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Automatic high-beam headlight control is newly available, as are adaptive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking. Styling revisions include new headlights and taillights, plus a freshened grille and front end.

Vehicle overview

Like many crossovers, the 2017 Subaru Forester offers a roomy cabin and good fuel economy. But it's also an adventurer, with a powerful optional turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and plenty of ground clearance for off-road excursions.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Boydton, VA

98 listings

Sort by:

2017 Subaru Forester
2.5i Touring PZEV 4dr SUV
$13,994
great price
- 93,560 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (1,077 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Dallas, TX
Rare Find,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Heated Steering Wheel,Keyless Start,Leather Seats,Premium Sound,Satell...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF2SJATC3HH522346
Stock: HH522346P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Price Drop
2017 Subaru Forester
2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV
$14,400
great price
$3,842 below market
- 55,180 miles
- 2 accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 26 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (481 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Troy, MI
Low Mileage,Back-Up Camera,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Heated Seats,Satellite Radio,Sunroof / Moonroof,Heated Seats,Power Door Locks,Satellite Radio,Brake ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF2SJAEC6HH459921
Stock: HH459921TS
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

Though crossovers are all the rage now, the segment was a blip on the radar until about 20 years ago when vehicles such as the Subaru Forester came onto the scene to split the difference between family sedans and high-riding SUVs. Today's Forester has ridden that wave of popularity to become one of the best-selling vehicles in Subaru's lineup, and the changes to the 2017 model illustrate why. The upgrades range from mild but noticeable exterior styling revisions to newly available safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and reverse automatic braking. Extra sound-deadening measures have been added for more refined cruising, and the new Saddle Brown leather interior on the Touring trim adds a touch of luxury in this traditionally pragmatic segment.

At heart, however, this remains the same Forester that's been with us since 2014, which is generally a good thing. Most Foresters will be equipped with Subaru's continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which improves fuel economy significantly but might take some getting used to if you're used to a traditional automatic. Of course, every Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive — a Subaru hallmark — and if the base four-cylinder engine doesn't get your heart pumping, there's an optional turbocharged engine that produces the quickest acceleration in this class. We're also fans of the airy cabin and excellent visibility afforded by the Forester's large windows, and there's plenty of space for both people and cargo. Even though the crossover segment is thick with compelling choices, the 2017 Subaru Forester can stake a legitimate claim to leadership.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

3.5 / 5

Trim tested

The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the (turbo 2.0L flat-4 | CVT automatic | AWD).

Scorecard

Overall	3.5 / 5
Driving	3.5
Comfort	4.0
Interior	3.0
Utility	3.5
Technology	3.0

Driving

3.5

Thanks in large part to the XT's 250 horsepower, the Forester is arguably the best-performing vehicle in this class. When combined with confident braking, on and off-road handling and multiple driving modes, the Forester is clearly a jack-of-all-trades.

Acceleration

4.0

With 250 horsepower on tap, the Forester XT is definitely a quick SUV. Of the three driving modes (I, S and S#), S# is the most responsive, delivering immediate throttle response and rapid access to the turbo's ample power. The CVT "shifts" needlessly in every mode.

Braking

3.0

Around town, the brakes are friendly and easy to modulate. There's ample stopping power from the surprisingly grippy tires but also a fair bit of dive. Disconcerting was the lack of response from the CVT after a panic stop, causing the car to creep and stumble for a few seconds before moving away.

Steering

3.0

Handling

3.5

Thanks to the surprisingly grippy tires, you might forget you're in a Forester until the considerable body roll sets in. Even with the hot motor, the XT is still an off-road-biased SUV. That said, you shouldn't shy away from twistier roads; the Forester can navigate them confidently.

Drivability

3.5

Of the three drive modes (I, S and S#), S strikes the best balance for everyday driving. It allows quick access to the wide powerband without being too sensitive. The CVT works best when cruising and can become needlessly overactive to speed variations, even with the XT's broad engine powerband.

Off-road

4.0

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the Forester easily has the edge over other SUVs in this class. The driver-selectable X-Mode includes hill descent control and the ability to shift power between the front and rear wheels to make the most of slippery surfaces.

Comfort

4.0

The Forester's comfortable cabin and quiet ride make the case for taking this SUV out of the city and onto the open road. The ride is good across all surfaces, and most everyone will be able to find enough room and creature comforts to stay happy for hours at a time.

Seat comfort

3.0

The seats in the Forester are broad, flat and fairly soft. With 10-way power adjustability, most drivers are sure to make themselves comfortable. Rear passengers have more than enough headroom and shoulder room, and the seat cushions are comfortable for longer trips.

Ride comfort

4.0

With a more off-road-biased suspension and tires with taller sidewalls, the Forester offers a smooth and relaxed ride over most surfaces. The trade-off lies in the body roll, which can be surprising and is more than you'll get from most of its competitors.

Noise & vibration

3.5

Road and wind noise is sufficiently low at all speeds, and the Forester XT has the makings of a good long-distance cruiser. Over broken pavement most vibrations are well-damped, but the unique buzz from the four-cylinder engine can't be totally eliminated from the steering wheel and pedals.

Climate control

4.0

Simple rotary controls are clear and easy to use, and they're a welcome find in this very menu-driven interior. Ventilation is straightforward and adequate for cooling the large and airy cabin.

Interior

3.0

There's nothing exceptional about the Forester's interior, but it shows the efforts Subaru has made to bring this SUV up to par with its competition. The overload of screens and redundant menus, along with an unusually high seating position, are the only real marks against it.

Ease of use

2.0

Only the climate controls and a few of the buttons on the steering wheel are straightforward. Between the two multifunction and center touchscreens, there's redundant information, mismatched graphics and too many menus that generally distract the driver.

Getting in/getting out

4.0

Wide-opening doors make getting in and out of the Forester easy, and thanks to the generous ground clearance, stepping into a seat is one fluid motion. The back seats are just as easy to access, and this would be a good car for people with limited mobility.

Driving position

2.0

The driver's seat is almost uncomfortably high and cannot be lowered to a position that feels more natural for driving. All the dashboard controls, as well as the steering wheel, sit quite low in relation, giving you the feeling that you're perched on top of the car rather than seated in it.

Roominess

4.0

There's good space inside the Forester for both the front and rear seat occupants, with plenty of headroom and shoulder room to spare. Even the massive sunroof doesn't impinge on headroom.

Visibility

4.0

The somewhat awkward high seating position does lend itself to a confident view of the road. There's good visibility out the sides and rear as well thanks to the Forester's tall greenhouse. The side rearview mirrors are generous and helpful in tight quarters.

Quality

3.5

Though some of the materials could be a bit nicer, most of the surfaces that fall to hand are soft-touch and nicely grained. The Forester feels solid and well-built even if the doors feel a little thin. The level of fit and finish is high, and the leather seats are of good quality.

Utility

3.5

Practicality is definitely one of the Forester's strong suits. With plenty of room for day-to-day items, there's also no shortage of space for larger bags, groceries or camping gear. But all that practicality comes at the expense of accommodating larger car seats.

Small-item storage

4.0

With generous door pockets front and rear, there's plenty of room for larger drinks and small items for all passengers. The center console storage is more than adequate for cellphones and sunglasses.

Cargo space

4.0

There's generous cargo space with the seats up, and with the seats down the Forester can swallow a lot of gear. It's unfortunate that with the seats folded, the load floor isn't completely flat; otherwise it would be hard to fault. A power-operated liftgate is available.

Child safety seat accommodation

2.0

Contrary to the space adults may find in the back seat, there's not much room for larger car seats to fit behind either one of the front seats without moving them forward a considerable amount. LATCH anchors are clearly labeled.

Towing

2.5

Like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Forester is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds. A similarly equipped Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Technology

3.0

Though the new center display is a welcome step forward for Subaru both in terms of resolution and usability, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a big disappointment. Subaru's own suite of safety features is very comprehensive and has improved since the previous year.

Audio & navigation

3.0

The new, high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen display's graphics are much improved and easy to understand; the touchscreen responds quickly to inputs. Volume and tuning knobs are also welcome features. The 440-watt, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is more loud than it is refined.

Smartphone integration

2.0

Critically, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not supported. Bluetooth connectivity is simple enough, but we did experience some intermittent issues with Bluetooth audio not being recognized

Driver aids

4.0

An updated version of Subaru's EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, lane keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking and blind-spot detection. Headlights that steer with the front wheels are also standard in Touring trim.

Voice control

3.0

Android phone users will have to manage with Subaru's standard voice controls, but Apple users can take advantage of Siri Eyes Free for better voice control over the infotainment system.

Compare 2017 Subaru Forester trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2017 Subaru Forester models

The all-wheel-drive 2017 Subaru Forester is a five-seat small crossover SUV that offers a bit more off-road prowess than others in its class. Six trim levels are available: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring. The 2.5i models come with a 2.5-liter engine, while the more expensive 2.0XT models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. All-wheel drive is standard on every Forester. Subaru also offers a few option packages that help bridge the gaps between certain trim levels.

Like its name implies, the base 2.5i is powered by a 2.5-liter engine (170 horsepower, 174 pound-feet) matched to your choice of a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard equipment highlights include 17-inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, Bluetooth, a driver information display, a rearview camera, a 6.2-inch touchscreen with Subaru's Starlink technology interface, smartphone app integration and a four-speaker sound system.

Optional for the base 2.5i (with the CVT) is an Alloy Wheel package that includes 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and automatic up/down front windows.

Those items come standard on the 2.5i Premium, which further adds rear privacy glass, a panoramic sunroof, a power driver seat, a rear armrest with cupholders, reclining rear seatbacks, automatic climate control, a larger 7-inch touchscreen, voice commands, Starlink Safety Plus telematics (emergency assistance, automatic collision notification and various remote services), and an upgraded six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

An All-Weather package (heated side mirrors and heated front seats) is standard if the manual transmission is specified, but it's an extra-cost option with the CVT. The All-Weather package opens the door to the EyeSight safety package, which adds adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and intervention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. A version of this package is available with foglights and an adjustable-height power liftgate.

The 2.5i Limited comes with the All-Weather package, the CVT, foglights and a power liftgate. It further adds automatic headlights, an upgraded driver information display and leather upholstery.

Optional for the Limited is a package that bundles navigation with an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Limited's EyeSight package includes the upgraded sound system, navigation, all features from the Premium's EyeSight package, adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control and reverse automatic braking (to prevent collisions while backing up).

At the top of the 2.5i line is the 2.5i Touring with 18-inch alloy wheels, the adaptive LED headlights, upgraded side mirrors with integrated turn signals, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, driver-seat memory settings, the upgraded sound system and one-touch folding rear seatbacks. EyeSight is again optional on the Touring.

If you want more power, there's the Forester 2.0XT Premium. It has all the equipment of the 2.5i Premium plus a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (250 hp, 258 lb-ft) paired with a CVT. Other XT-specific features include 18-inch alloy wheels, larger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, additional selectable driving modes, shift paddles, the All-Weather package and the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Note that the EyeSight package is not available on this model.

The 2.0XT Touring offers the same upgrades as the 2.5i Touring, and its EyeSight package includes the same features as with its non-turbocharged counterpart.

Auto-dimming mirrors are optional for all Foresters. All CVT-equipped Foresters can be ordered with a remote engine start feature.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.91 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$147/mo

$168/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#22 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Subaru Forester from 2008-2022.}

$525/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.07x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Subaru Forester Owner Reviews

4.0

178 reviews

5(49%)

4(27%)

3(5%)

2(11%)

1(8%)

See all 178 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Brand New 2017 Forester

Rick J, 07/09/2016

2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I have been in the market for a small SUV for a while now. I have driven all of the major players - CR-V, CX-5 and the Forester. I am a long-time Honda person. I liked the CX-5 but it was a bit more cramped inside and the visibility was not as good. The CR-V drove well and had the best CVT behavior but just left me a bit uninspired due to its bland nature. I drove the 2016 Forester … and liked it - I have two other family members with Foresters who love them. I found out the 2017 model with a mild refresh was on its way so I waited until they took the first one off the truck at my local dealership (Cannon Subaru in Lakeland is great!). I test drove the 2017 back to back with a 2016 they still had on the lot and the difference was significant as far as solidity, smooth ride and much quieter ride. The new infotainment system was intuitive and easy to use with volume and tuning KNOBS along with a touch screen - compared to the the CR-V's system (a disaster of confusing touch screen with no knob controls!) and the CX-5 which had the frustrating center toggle knob - the Subaru system is much better. The sound quality of the non-upgraded stereo is adequate - meets or exceeds the others in this category. The Forester drives very smoothly and has a solid, quality feel inside and out. The AWD system provides an extra level of stability to the handling. The only small issue is the CVT. Subaru has tweaked the CVT for the 2017 model to attempt to smooth its operation and it is better but still takes some adjustment - this is my first CVT equipped automobile - it is just a different feel and takes adjusting how you drive to a more easy application of the accelerator which gives smooth, linear acceleration (and surprisingly fast!) but driving aggressively with lots of slamming the pedal down - like I was used to doing with the normal automatic equipped small Honda engine automobiles - results in a much worse driving experience with the CVT - I am adjusting and think I'll enjoy the smoothness once I drive a while. If you have never owned a CVT vehicle, I suggest a good test drive to see if you like it - although, your choices are becoming slimmer as most of the major manufacturers are switching to the CVT for its MPG advantages as they attempt to meet the new government requirements. Overall, I would highly suggest you put the 2017 Subaru Forester on your list if you are looking for a solid, reliable, safe small SUV. ***UPDATE...been driving my Forester now for about 6 months...overall the car is good but one glaring thing has come to light....the powertrain is dismal after a while...the CVT shudders and hesitates at odd times and just is not smooth no matter what you do. I have not been able to adjust to it to drive smoothly....there is a surge when you begin acceleration and then the "fake" shift points kick in...they are not well timed. And the incredibly ANNOYING shudder that happens as if the CVT belt is slipping...it happens at different speeds and even when cruising on the highway. I've mentioned it to my dealer and they say others have complained with the 2017 but not really any explanation. My advice, take this car on a long test drive and really pay attention to the CVT behavior - especially in low speed driving conditions - it will only get worse once you buy it and drive it....other than that, the car handles well and is comfortable and practical but if you are picky about smooth driving, skip this one. ***Update 2: After much research and chats on online forums for the Forester, I finally spotted a post about the shuddering CVT issue and the fix that one owner got at his dealership - It was a recently released TSB software update from Subaru - I printed a copy with the TSB number and took it to my dealer and asked to have the update done to my Forester - they did it and the shuddering is GONE - simple fix. I test drove a 2018 out of curiosity and it did not shudder so it appears Subaru has fixed the issue but if you have a 2017 model that shudders, demand to have the software update #11-175-17

Still a car I love to drive

Ken Schory, 01/05/2017

2017 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

I previously considered the Forester to be a rather frumpy-looking car with inferior interior materials and ergonomics, compared to my beloved 2005 Outback 2.5 XT Limited with a manual transmission, which I owned for twelve years. But the 2017 2.0 XT Touring edition of the Forester puts those perceptions to rest. While its exterior design is more purposeful than elegant, I think it has a … nice balance, proportionally, and the interior is a pleasant, rewarding place to pass the miles. I also considered the Outback 3.6R Touring, but opted for the Forester instead because I prefer its interior design and ergonomics as well as its performance and handling, which are more responsive and lively (the Outback is nice, but it's comparatively sedate). I find the build quality of the Forester to be excellent and its aesthetics appropriate to its go-anywhere character. Ingress and egress are excellent and outward visibility is superb, in contrast to competitive vehicles that have huge blind spots in the rear quarters. The Harmon Kardon audio system sounds great, and EyeSight does what it's designed to do, very well. The front seats are comfortable, but I wish they had a little more lateral support, because the Forester handles so well, and I wish the passenger seat provided adjustability (preferably powered) of height and lumbar support -- significant shortcomings in a vehicle of such overall quality. Also, the tailgate opens and closes rather slowly automatically, but it's quick and easy to do manually, which I usually do, and it doesn't go quite high enough to clear my 6' frame. I initially had serious reservations about going from a manual transmission to a CVT, based on test-driving competitive vehicles, but Subaru has implemented this technology extremely well, and I'm very happy with it, in conjunction with SI-Drive. I highly recommend this vehicle for anyone who values function and usability over style, and people of all ages (I'm a "senior") who lead active lifestyles and appreciate a vehicle that's versatile, fun to drive, well built and safe. A lot of improvements were made for 2017, such as additional sound deadening, active torque vectoring, its front-fascia design, steerable LED headlights, interior materials and appointments, etc.). Having owned this vehicle now for over eight years and 83,000 miles, I can confirm in this update that the above comments remain accurate. At the same time, I would like to add a few details that might be useful to people who might buy this vehicle used. I live in the "flatlands," but I've taken several road trips in this car to Colorado, where Subarus seem to be the "state vehicle" -- and for good reason. The Forester handles mountain highways and rocky, steep, muddy, unpaved back roads with aplomb. It's no Jeep, so it's wise to take the rough spots gingerly, but the high ground clearance, X-Mode, S# (Sport sharp) mode, short hood (for good visibility), tight turning circle, and generous approach and departure angles worked beautifully and inspired confidence. With 8 (simulated) gear ratios in S#, the CVT provides fine control of engine braking going downhill by shifting with the paddles (I usually do that with the transmission in Manual mode). While I find S# mode a little fussy in flat country (I usually prefer S mode), I've come to be a great fan of it under more demanding driving conditions. While every previous car I've owned had a manual transmission, and it did take me a while to adjust to the CVT (it does have some idiosyncrasies, especially when warming up), I can say now that I've become a great fan of Subaru's implementation of this technology. I've read some criticisms of the CVT in other versions of the Forester, but I have not had any of those concerns with the high-torque version of the CVT that is paired with the 2.0 XT engine. I also found the 2.0 XT engine, with its twin-scroll turbo, to have plenty of power for thin-air mountain driving and very satisfying torque at all elevations. In short, of all the competitive vehicles I've tested, I consider the Touring edition of the 2017 Forester 2.0 XT to be the best blend of "sport" and "utility," at least it was back in that time-frame. It may not have the sexiest styling, but I find it tasteful enough and appropriate to how this vehicle is used. Its build quality, affordability, performance, handling, ergonomics and versatility carry the day. I still keep looking for excuses to get in and drive it. While I wouldn't recommend tackling the Rubicon Trail with a Forester, this is one great car for anyone who has an active lifestyle and enjoys exploring out-of-the-way places. Even after owning this car for over eight years, I plan to keep it for at least a few more years, with the hope that Subaru will reintroduce the turbocharged engine to the Forester or offer a hybrid version that has similar power and handling characteristics. And I sure hope that by then Subaru dramatically reduces the amount of plastic cladding they've been plastering all over their current vehicles!

GeezerMobile!

Robert Williams, 10/14/2016

2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

After 2 years Forester still my favorite vehicle. Tires wearing good, no alignment issues, still quiet as a Mercedes. Wife remarks how quiet at 70mph and feels like only 50. Gas mileage outstanding. Staying within speed limits gives me 37-38 hwy and 25-27 city. Always feel safer in inclement weather knowing full-time AWD underneath me.

Loving the 2017 improvements!

Susan F., 08/30/2016

2017 Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

I purchased a 2016 Forester Limited 2.5i new last year, but upgraded to the 2017 with eyesight, and what a difference! The 2017 Forester is noticeably quieter, there are now lights on the vanity mirrors...it's a girl thing! The eyesight package is amazing, I just love having all that safety technology, especially with all the distracted drivers on the roads. The peace of mind of the …

See all 178 reviews of the Subaru Forester

Write a vehicle review

2017 Subaru Forester video

2017 Subaru Forester First Look

Looking for a crossover SUV with a roomy cabin and good fuel economy? The 2017 Subaru Forester might be worth checking out. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.

2017 Forester Highlights

Trim:

2.5i PZEV

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$22,595
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$147/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	34.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Forester models:

Incline Start Assist: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on a hill for several seconds after the brake pedal is released.
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Helps prevent accidents by adding features such as lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.
Reverse Automatic Braking: Helps reduce collisions by applying the brakes if a vehicle is detected crossing the Forester's path while in reverse.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Marginal
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Subaru Outback
4.3 average Rating out of 31 reviews.
Starting at $29,995

See Subaru Outback Inventory

Honda CR-V
4.2 average Rating out of 118 reviews.
Starting at $30,100

See Honda CR-V Inventory

Mazda CX-50
3.9 average Rating out of 33 reviews.
Starting at $30,300

See Mazda CX-50 Inventory