New & Used 2026 Subaru Forester for Sale nearCourtenay, BC

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester a good car?

Yes — the 2026 Subaru Forester earns a 5/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 9/10.

The 2026 Forester is at its most compelling in Wilderness form, where Subaru leans into off-road capability instead of trying to make it feel like a soft-road crossover. That makes it a strong fit if you want a compact SUV that can handle rougher terrain, muddy conditions, and unexpected weather with more confidence than a typical crossover.

The trade-offs are clear: the design may not suit everyone, and performance is described as sluggish. The infotainment system is also a weak point.

With 38.4% of listings priced as good or great deals, there is still meaningful market availability for shoppers who want to compare examples carefully.

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2026 Forester is built around practicality and all-weather capability, and Subaru’s updates for this year add rear-seat safety improvements along with the brand’s camera-based EyeSight driver-assistance suite. The expert evaluation also describes the Forester as a vehicle that offers more competence than a typical crossover when conditions get challenging.

Subaru’s performance notes point to a normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a CVT that does a good job of keeping the engine in a responsive part of its rev range. The cost-effectiveness notes also point to strong capability and safety for the money.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the Forester’s sluggish performance and infotainment frustrations may remain part of the experience even if the vehicle itself proves durable.

What should I look for when buying a used 2026 Subaru Forester?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Wilderness model is the most distinctive version, with exclusive wheel designs, extra body cladding, anodized copper accents, Wilderness badges, water-resistant artificial leather, all-weather floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat. It is the trim that most clearly adds rugged character and easier clean-up after outdoor use.
• Powertrain: The Wilderness uses a normally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Subaru says turbocharging is not part of this model.
• Safety package: EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Most Forester trims also include active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering.
• Infotainment: Nearly all trims come with an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru Multimedia Plus software. The system also includes SiriusXM satellite radio and a three-year complimentary subscription to MySubaru connected services.
• Fuel efficiency: Subaru estimates 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving for the Wilderness, and the evaluation returned 10.4 L/100 km.

Which 2026 Subaru Forester trim should I buy?

The 2026 Subaru Forester is offered in 5 trim levels: Convenience, Touring, Sport, Limited, and Premier.

Here's the short version:

• Convenience: This is the entry point to the gas-only Forester line-up, so it makes sense if you want the core Forester formula without paying for extras you may not use.
• Touring: This is the best-value trim if you want a more complete everyday package without jumping too far up the price ladder.
• Sport: Choose this if you want a more expressive look and a trim that leans a bit more toward style.
• Limited: This is the right pick if you want a more upscale feel and are willing to pay for it.
• Premier: This is the top trim for shoppers who want the most fully equipped Forester in the gas-only range.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that most Forester trims include active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2026 Subaru Forester?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to compare listings and wait for the right example.

• Deal availability: 38.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 370 listings available.

Is the 2026 Subaru Forester safe?

The 2026 Subaru Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, and the redesigned 2025 Forester received five-star ratings in each individual NHTSA assessment, plus a four-star rollover resistance rating.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru calls its camera-based driver-assistance package EyeSight. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. Unusual features include automatic throttle management when you accelerate toward an obstacle and a Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Most Forester trims also include active blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. Emergency Stop Assist with Safe Lane Selection can bring the SUV to a halt if it detects an unresponsive driver while adaptive cruise control is active.

Subaru also improved the 2026 Forester’s rear seatbelts to enhance occupant safety.

Should I buy a 2026 Subaru Forester or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2026 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

• Choose the 2026 if: 38.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Choose the 2026 if: Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• Choose the 2026 if: Subaru has leaned hardest into Wilderness capability, with added ground clearance, improved angles, and underbody protection.
• Consider the 2025 if: It offers a quieter cabin and a better-equipped base model.

The bottom line: If you want the most capability-focused Forester, the 2026 is the one to target. If you are shopping mainly on value and want a more conventional used Forester experience, the 2025 remains the safer price-sensitive alternative.

How does the 2026 Subaru Forester compare to the 2026 Honda CR-V?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.