2016 Subaru Forester vs. 2017 Subaru Forester
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2016 Subaru Forester and 2017 Subaru Forester contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2016 Subaru Forester and the 2017 Subaru Forester.
When we compare the 2016 Subaru Forester's and the 2017 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2016 Subaru Forester and 2017 Subaru Forester have the same interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2016 Subaru Forester's and the 2017 Subaru Forester's specifications and ratings, the 2016 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2017 Subaru Forester.
Pricing: A used 2016 Subaru Forester ranges from $9,993 to $20,878 while a used 2017 Subaru Forester is priced between $12,499 to $22,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the 2016 Subaru Forester and the 2017 Subaru Forester both lose 34.5 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. Subaru Forester is ranked 6 out of 19 Best Small SUVs based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 17 and the Subaru Forester is ranked 17 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.3 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the 2016 Subaru Forester and the 2017 Subaru Forester makes 170 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 461 miles. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 445 miles. This gives the 2016 Subaru Forester the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2017 Subaru Forester. The Forester uses gasoline, and the Forester uses regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru Forester has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$21,795 - $24,995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$22,595
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,728
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$21,995 - $25,645
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,549
Price Range:
$9,993 - $20,878
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$14,645
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$12,498 - $18,284
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
421
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
102,835
# Good or Great Deals:
147
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,794
Price Range:
$12,499 - $22,995
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$16,407
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$14,149 - $20,586
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
534
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
92,231
# Good or Great Deals:
175
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2016 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
2.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 5.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2017 Subaru Forester
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
3.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
2.8 - 6.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
10.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.4 - 8.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
0.9 - 14.9
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 59Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2016 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring
2017 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 461 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3296 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
180.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3322 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
181.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Quartz Blue Pearl
Brown
Burnished Bronze Metallic
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Green
Jasmine Green Metallic
Red
Venetian Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Quartz Blue Pearl
Brown
Not available
Gray
Dark Gray Metallic
Green
Jasmine Green Metallic
Red
Venetian Red Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
