Used car prices might be on the rise, but so is the reliability of used vehicles overall. The Subaru brand is known for its dependability, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability, as is the Forester SUV. What more could drivers ask for? Safety is a big issue that the Subaru brand tackles flawlessly, no matter the vehicle.

Is the Subaru Forester worth buying?

The 2016 Subaru Forester has relatively good ratings across the board. Consumer Reports gave the Forester a reliability and owner satisfaction of score of four out of five. One thing that Subaru is known for is its safety features. The 2016 Forester has a rear-view camera, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also had positive things to say about the Forester. For the most part, the SUV received a score of “good” during most of the crash tests. One area of improvement was the headlights, but the crash ratings were positive. It received the Top Safety Pick+ for that model year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2016 Subaru Forester four and five-star ratings for the crash tests performed. While safety features have come a long way since 2016, the Forester is still well-equipped for adventure.

What else does the 2016 Subaru Forester get right?

The 2016 Subaru Forester topped the list of fuel-efficient five-year-old vehicles, which doesn’t come as a surprise. It uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Forester fuel numbers came in at 26 mpg overall, 18 mpg in the city, and 35 mpg on the highway. Consumer Reports estimated the annual fuel cost to be around $1,115.

“The Forester aces the fundamentals with a space-efficient design, large windows, and big square doors. That recipe has resulted in the easiest access and the best view out of almost any vehicle, and one of the roomiest rear seats in the class, with copious head and leg room.”

Consumer Reports

The Subaru Forester excelled in many areas, including the overall practicality of the vehicle. Consumer Reports raved about the visibility, easy access to the back seat and cargo area, and the capable all-wheel drive system.

What are some other fuel efficient options?

When it comes down to it, fuel efficiency and reliability are some of the most important factors when choosing a car. Another option that checks both of these boxes is the Mazda CX-5. The CX-5 has a history of reliability while also offering buyers a reasonably priced SUV. The 2016 version almost matched the Forester with 25 mpg combined.

The Honda CR-V is another driver favorite. Known for being a reliable SUV that can run for over 100,000 miles, drivers can be sure this vehicle will last a long time. The Honda warranty isn’t bad either, plus it gets 24 mpg combined. Other fuel-efficient five-year-old vehicles of note are the 2016 Lexus NX, Nissan Rogue, and Toyota RAV4. All of these options get 24 mpg combined.

While the used car and SUV market is a bit upside down right now, the 2016 Subaru Forester won’t let you down. Subaru knows what it is doing, making a safe and reliable car that won’t break the bank, no matter what adventures you throw at it.