Subaru Forester’s Five-Year Depreciation: What Owners Need to Know

If you’re in the market for a compact crossover or already own a Subaru Forester, depreciation is one of those unavoidable realities that can significantly impact your vehicle’s long-term value. The Subaru Forester, alongside its Outback and Crosstrek siblings, has been a sales powerhouse for Subaru of America, consistently moving over 150,000 units annually throughout much of the 2010s and 2020s. With its standard all-wheel drive, commendable off-road capabilities, practical interior, comfortable ride, and reputation as one of Subaru’s most reliable models, the Forester has earned its place as a top contender in the crowded compact SUV segment.

However, even a well-regarded vehicle like the Forester isn’t immune to the effects of depreciation. For current owners of older models—say, a 2021 Forester—this depreciation can be a significant downside, adding to the overall cost of ownership. On the flip side, for savvy used car shoppers, depreciation can translate into substantial savings, especially when compared to the 2026 Forester’s starting price of $29,995 (plus a $1,450 destination fee). So, just how much value has a 2021 Subaru Forester lost after five years on the road?

According to data from Edmunds, a 2021 Subaru Forester is estimated to have depreciated by approximately $12,500 over its first five years. Kelley Blue Book offers a slightly different perspective, with its Fair Purchase Price estimates suggesting a depreciation range from $7,000 for the base-level Forester to around $13,750 for the top-tier Touring trim. Across all five available trims, the average depreciation sits at roughly $10,000. It’s important to note that these figures can vary based on factors such as geographic location, mileage, vehicle condition, and optional equipment.

The Subaru Forester’s Depreciation in General

A five-figure depreciation hit for a 2021 Forester might seem steep at first glance, but it’s helpful to zoom out and examine the Forester’s depreciation trend across all model years. For a broader perspective, we can turn to resources like CarEdge and iSeeCars, both of which provide comprehensive depreciation estimates for the Forester as a whole.

CarEdge’s analysis, based on a brand-new Forester driven approximately 13,500 miles per year, projects a depreciation of around 35% after five years. This translates to a value loss of about $13,800 from the original MSRP. iSeeCars offers a slightly more optimistic outlook, estimating a 32.5% depreciation rate, which equates to a reduction in value of roughly $9,740. Regardless of the slight differences in methodology, both sources agree that a five-year-old Forester is likely to have a resale value in the ballpark of $20,000 to $25,000, depending on the specific trim and condition.

While these numbers might not seem particularly encouraging at first, it’s crucial to put them into context. Retaining approximately 60% of its original value after five years is actually quite respectable in the automotive world. In fact, this strong resale performance underscores Subaru’s status as one of the car brands with the best resale value, a reputation that helps keep Forester owners’ wallets a bit happier when it comes time to sell or trade in their vehicles.

Our Methodology

To arrive at these depreciation figures, we relied on data from reputable sources such as iSeeCars, CarEdge, Edmunds, and Kelley Blue Book. Each of these outlets provides detailed estimates of vehicle depreciation, broken down by year and model. Kelley Blue Book’s Fair Purchase Price tool was particularly useful for gauging the average used prices of the 2021 Forester across the United States, giving us a clear picture of how much value this specific model year has lost.

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