2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness The Subaru Forester is the outdoorsy alternative in the compact SUV segment. In today's trade-in market, its value is anchored by the brand;s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a cult-like following for reliability in harsh climates. As of April 2026, a new 6th-generation Forester (the 2025-2026 SL model) is now on showroom floors, which has caused a slight generational dip in the trade-in values of older models. Here is the 15-year breakdown of estimated National Trade-In Averages. If there is one thing Subaru owners are known for, it's keeping their cars until the wheels fall off. But in the 2026 trade-in market, those who do decide to part with their Subaru Forester are finding a market that deeply values the brand's rugged consistency. While its rivals (CR-V and RAV4) often chase a more urban feel, the Forester's value is rooted in its capability. The Wilderness Premium: 5th Generation (2019–2024) In 2026, the standout of the Forester lineup is the Wilderness trim (introduced in 2022). The Rugged Retention: With its higher ground clearance (9.2 inches), all-terrain tires, and reinforced roof rails, the Wilderness is currently holding its value better than the luxury-spec Touring models. Dealers love these because they appeal to the growing overlanding"enthusiast market. EyeSight Standard: Because Subaru made their EyeSight safety suite standard across almost all trims in this generation, even a base-model 2020 Forester holds a significant value floor compared to older rivals that lacked standard safety tech. The Turbo Legacy: The 2.0XT (2014–2018) Subaru discontinued the Forester XT (the turbocharged model) in 2019. In 2026, this has turned the 2014–2018 XT models into something of a modern classic. The Performance Gap: If you have an XT in "Excellent" condition, do not let a dealer value it like a standard 2.5i. These turbo models are fetching a $2,000–$3,500 premium in 2026 because they offer a level of power that the newer, naturally aspirated Foresters simply can't match. The Manual Transmission Factor: 2010–2018 The Forester was one of the last compact SUVs to offer a manual transmission (discontinued after 2018). Private vs. Trade-In: While a dealer might see a manual transmission as a hard sell and offer you less, the enthusiast community in 2026 sees it as a feature. If you have a manual Forester, you might find a $1,500 higher offer from a private buyer than from the trade-in desk. 5th Generation (2019–2024) The most tech-forward era. Values are bolstered by the standard EyeSight safety suite and the high-demand Wilderness trim Year Trim Worse (Fair) Average (Good) Better (Excellent) 2024 Base / Premium $18,900 $21,200 $23,500 Sport / Limited / Wilderness $22,400 $25,100 $27,900 Touring $24,800 $27,500 $30,200 2023 Base / Premium $16,800 $19,100 $21,400 Sport / Limited / Wilderness $20,100 $22,800 $25,600 Touring $22,500 $25,200 $27,900 2022 Base / Premium $14,900 $17,200 $19,400 Sport / Wilderness $18,100 $20,800 $23,600 2021 Base / Premium $13,200 $15,500 $17,800 Sport / Limited / Touring $16,500 $19,100 $21,800 2020 Base / Premium $11,500 $13,800 $16,100 Sport / Limited / Touring $14,800 $17,400 $20,100 2019 Base / Premium $9,900 $12,200 $14,500 Sport / Limited / Touring $13,100 $15,700 $18,400 2026 Porsche Macan GTS: All the Details 2014 Subaru Forester 2014 Subaru Forester 4th Generation (2014–2018) The growth era. This generation became larger and more "SUV-like." 2017 saw a major safety and sound-deadening refresh. Year Trim Worse (Fair) Average (Good) Better (Excellent) 2018 2.5i / Premium $8,200 $10,400 $12,600 Limited / Touring / XT (Turbo) $10,800 $13,400 $15,900 2017 2.5i / Premium $7,100 $9,100 $11,300 Limited / Touring / XT (Turbo) $9,200 $11,700 $14,100 2016 2.5i / Premium $6,000 $7,900 $9,900 Limited / Touring / XT (Turbo) $7,800 $10,200 $12,500 2015 2.5i / Premium $4,900 $6,800 $8,700 2014 2.5i / Premium $3,800 $5,600 $7,400 3rd Generation (2010–2013) The final years of the "SH" platform. These are the last Foresters to offer a traditional 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. Year Trim Worse (Fair) Average (Good) Better (Excellent) 2013 2.5X / Premium $2,700 $4,400 $5,900 Limited / Touring $3,500 $5,200 $6,800 2012 2.5X / Premium $1,900 $3,600 $5,100 2011 2.5X / Premium $1,200 $2,800 $4,200 2010 2.5X / Premium / XT $700 $2,100 $3,500 AutoGuide's Advice: For Subaru owners, the head gasket stigma of the early 2010s is a thing of the past, but the oil consumption reputation of the early FB-series engines (2011–2015) still lingers. If you are trading in a model from that era, bring your service records showing regular oil changes and any warranty updates. It's the difference between a "Worse than Average" and "Average" trade-in offer. Additionally, check your windshield. Subaru's EyeSight-equipped cars require specific, expensive glass. A small crack can lead to a $1,000 deduction on your trade-in because the dealer has to recalibrate the safety cameras after replacement. 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: All the Details