If reliability is at the top of your shopping list but you don’t want to pay near-new prices for a Toyota, the used SUV market has a surprising alternative. One affordable Japanese crossover has earned a reputation for dependability that rivals, even matches, what many buyers expect from Toyota’s storied reliability. That makes it a standout choice for budget-minded drivers who want years of trouble-free ownership without sacrificing practicality.
What sets this SUV apart is how consistently it performs in everyday use. Owners report minimal mechanical issues, predictable maintenance costs, and a strong sense of durability that shows up in long-term ownership data. Its capable all-weather traction, comfortable ride, and roomy interior further enhance its appeal as a dependable family hauler or commuter companion.
For anyone considering a used SUV with low ownership stress and long-term peace of mind, this affordable Japanese model deserves a close look. It proves that you don’t always have to pay a premium for reliability, and that smart used buying can deliver Toyota-level confidence at a more accessible price.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Edmunds.
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You can get a 2021 Subaru Forester for an absolute bargain
Built for family adventures without breaking the bank
Subaru offers a pretty desirable blend of off-road capability and family practicality in a lot of their vehicles. The Forester is a great example of this, with tons of room on the inside, and enough capability off tarmac that you can be adventurous. While getting a new model means paying on the higher end of the segment, if you’re willing to grab a used one, you can save yourself a good chunk of change.
Average used price
Model
Average used price
Base
$19,365
Premium
$21,025
Sport
$21,830
Limited
$23,124
Touring
$24,265
If you were to buy a brand new 2026 Subaru Forester today, you would spend anywhere between $31,445 and $43,045 depending on the trim that you opted for. Opting for a five-year-old model doesn’t just save you a small amount of money, but over $10,000 at least. While the 2021 model might not come with all the features that the newest model has, it does come with plenty of equipment and will satisfy most modern buyers.
While we’d usually suggest skipping the premium models, we think that the Touring offers some exceptional value for money. You can’t go wrong with any of the cheaper trim levels, but the Touring offers some genuinely luxurious features at a price that is hard to pass up. It includes things like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated seats and a heated steering wheels, and a premium Harman/Kardon sound system.
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Subaru is quietly one of the most reliable car brands on the market
The Forester has a great track record for lasting
Credit: Subaru
When people think of reliability, usual players like Toyota, Honda, and Lexus are often the first brands that pop into their minds. However, Subaru has quietly been ranking among them for years. In fact, in Consumer Reports’ list of the most reliable car brands in 2025, Subaru took the top spot. The 2021 Forester is a great demonstration of this stalwart built quality, with high reliability scores and a fantastic reputation among owners.
2021 Subaru Forester reliability
The Forester has been around for a long time, gaining a following of drivers who continue to buy the Subaru because of its strong reputation. Most model years rank among the top in their class when it comes to long-term reliability. Before you start worrying, head gasket problems haven’t consistently plagued Subaru models in over a decade. J.D. Power awards the 2021 Forester 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
One of the best cars I have ever owned. It drives like a dream, has more get-up-and-go then I ever thought a 4 cyl. could have. I make a 3000 miles trip from Texas to Utah in may and averaged 34 miles per gallon. I would recommend them to everyone.
Owners of the fifth generation of the Subaru Forester have very few negative things to say about the car. The general consensus is that they are reliable and give very few issues. All model years from this generation of Forester were given four stars out of five or above by owners for reliability.
Maintenance costs
- Average annual maintenance costs: $632 (RepairPal)
- Average ten-year maintenance costs: $8,609 (CarEdge)
There is a small caveat to consider here. While Subaru’s are generally affordable and pretty reliable across the board, their maintenance costs are quite a bit higher than the average mainstream SUV. This is supported by averages pulled from both RepairPal and CarEdge, with both sites putting the Forester’s maintenance costs on the high end of the segment.
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This Japanese crossover is confident, capable, and extremely practical
A solid powertrain and plenty of space inside
Credit: Subaru
So what does your money actually get you when you buy a 2021 Forester. Well, you get one of the most capable compact SUVs on the market. There are few other vehicles at this price point that deliver a blend of everyday usability and off-road prowess like the Forester does. On top of that, the interior is well laid out and there is plenty of space for both passengers and cargo.
2021 Subaru Forester performance specs
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Flat 4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
182 hp
Base Trim Torque
176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Economy
26/33 MPG
Make
Subaru
Model
Forester
Segment
Compact SUV
Every 2021 Subaru Forester comes equipped with the same horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine under the hood. This engine works in tandem with a continuously variable transmission, with top trims featuring a seven-speed manual mode controlled via paddle-shifters. Obviously, Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive system is also offered on every model. It takes around 8.5 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, which isn’t thrilling but will satisfy most.
The Forester is a really versatile SUV. With a focus on off-road prowess, you might think that it forgoes some on-road performance, but that isn’t the case. It may not be quick, but it delivers pretty confident handling and its steering is well-weighted. It also offers some good ground clearance and is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Interior comfort
Front row headroom
41.2 inches
Front row legroom
43.3 inches
Rear row headroom
39.6 inches
Rear row legroom
39.4 inches
Cargo capacity
31.1 cubic feet
The Forester is one of the more spacious options in the compact SUV class. It offers more headroom and legroom in the front and back than most of its rivals. Even the tallest passengers will feel more than comfortable in the back row. Cargo capacity is also excellent, with up to 74 cubic feet available if you drop the second row of seats down.
While the Forester’s cabin is generally a no-frills affair, top trims do come equipped with some really nice materials. There is also plenty of modern technology on offer, with an eight-inch infotainment display available that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. We’d skip the most affordable trims as they miss out on some of the best features.
