Does a Subaru Forester have good resale value?

Yes. The Subaru Forester typically holds its resale value well relative to its compact-SUV peers, thanks to reliability, standard all-wheel drive, and steady demand in the used-car market.

In the evolving market for small SUVs, resale value is shaped by factors such as model-year updates, mileage, maintenance history, and overall buyer interest. The Forester has historically performed strongly in depreciation analyses and resale-value assessments, reflecting Subaru's brand strength and the model's practical appeal as a versatile family SUV.

What the data suggests about resale strength

Industry trackers and automotive analysts consistently rate the Forester as one of the better performers in resale value within the compact SUV segment. Analysts point to enduring demand for Subarus, the Forester’s practicality, and safety credentials as key drivers of its value retention.

• Strong demand in the used-SUV market, with continued interest in AWD-capable vehicles.


• Standard all-wheel drive across most trims, expanding appeal in varying weather and road conditions.


• Solid reliability and high safety ratings that maintain buyer confidence and resale appeal.


• Availability of certified pre-owned (CPO) programs and dealer networks that support trusted resale paths.


• Brand loyalty around Subaru often translates into favorable resale performance for Forester models.

Taken together, these factors help explain why the Forester tends to perform well in resale scenarios compared with many rivals in its class.

Tips to maximize resale value

Owners looking to protect or maximize value should focus on maintenance, presentation, and prudent ownership habits. The following practices are widely regarded as effective for preserving Forester value.

• Keep meticulous maintenance records and receipts for all service and repairs.


• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and address issues promptly.


• Preserve the interior and exterior—regular cleaning, dent and scratch repair, and rust prevention where applicable.


• Avoid aftermarket modifications that could reduce appeal to a broad range of buyers.


• Maintain original parts and consider Subaru-approved replacements to support value and reliability.


• Consider certified pre-owned status or extended warranties if you plan to sell, as these can reassure buyers.


• Keep tires in good condition and maintain proper alignment and braking performance.

Adhering to these steps can help Forester owners secure a stronger trade-in or resale offer, even as overall market conditions fluctuate.

Summary

The Subaru Forester generally offers strong resale value within the compact-SUV segment, buoyed by reliability, standard all-wheel drive, and broad buyer interest. While individual results depend on year, trim, mileage, and market dynamics, the Forester remains a solid long-term value proposition for both private sellers and dealers.

Which Subaru model has the best resale value?

The Subaru models with the highest resale value and value retention are the WRX, Forester, Crosstek, Impreza, and BRZ, each staying close to 60%.

Is a Subaru Forester a good investment?

The 2022 Forester even earned Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Award for its class for the third year in a row, as well as the 5-Year Cost to Own Award from Kelley Blue Book for having the lowest projected cost to own in its class over a five year period.

Do Subaru Foresters hold value?

Yes, Subaru Foresters hold their value well, often depreciating less than many competing SUVs. Their strong resale value is attributed to factors like reliability, safety, strong market demand, and consistent performance in depreciation studies by sources like Kelley Blue Book and iSeeCars.com.
 
Key reasons for strong resale value

• Excellent reliability and safety: Subaru is known for its reliability, and the Forester consistently receives high safety ratings. 
• Strong market demand: There is consistent and high demand for the Forester, both new and used, which keeps its value from falling as quickly as other vehicles. 
• Better-than-average depreciation: When compared to the average compact SUV, the Forester depreciates less over the same time period. For example, one source notes a 5-year depreciation of about 37.2% for a Forester, compared to the 44.1% average for the compact SUV category. 
• Consistent high rankings: The Forester has been recognized by industry sources like Kelley Blue Book for having a high resale value in its class. 
• Strong long-term value: Overall, the Forester is considered a good investment due to its strong resale value, making it a solid choice for both new and used car buyers. 

Which is more reliable, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester?

The Toyota RAV4 generally has a reputation for higher long-term reliability than the Subaru Forester, with lower average annual repair costs and less frequent, severe repairs. However, the Subaru Forester has a strong reputation and a higher rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, particularly with the newer models. Both are considered good choices, and recent model years of the Forester have been redesigned to be more reliable. 
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of RAV4 and Forester: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Toyota RAV4

• Higher reliability rating: Often ranks higher in reliability surveys and has lower average annual repair costs. 
• Longer-term ownership: Has a strong reputation for minimizing long-term issues and frequent maintenance, partly due to its engine technology and hybrid options. 
• Lower repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $429, which is significantly lower than the Forester's $632. 

Subaru Forester

• Strong safety and ratings: Earned a higher overall rating from Consumer Reports and a highest-tier safety rating from the IIHS. 
• Improving reliability: Recent redesigns have made reliability improvements, such as reintroducing mechanical thermostats and eliminating less reliable systems. 
• Average repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $632 and average frequency and severity of repairs compared to other vehicles. 

Which one is right for you?

• Choose the RAV4 if: Your priority is maximum long-term reliability and the lowest ownership costs, especially over many years of ownership. 
• Choose the Forester if: You want a vehicle with a strong safety record, good visibility, and a capable all-wheel-drive system. You should consider the model year, as reliability has been improving with recent redesigns. 

This video compares the performance and features of RAV4 and Forester: 52sAutoMobiYouTube · Oct 30, 2025