Skip to main content

2021 Subaru Forester Is Now The Least Expensive To Own Compact SUV

What is the lowest cost-to-own compact SUV? According to a new report, the 2021 Subaru Forester is the overall winner in the most competitive segment.

Does the 2021 Subaru Forester offer good value for compact SUV shoppers? According to a new report from Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester is now the lowest cost-to-own compact SUV. In the KBB 2021 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, the 2021 Forester beats the competitors in the fastest-growing segment.

What does it mean for Compact SUV shoppers?

KBB adds up all costs associated with a vehicle for five years to come up with the winners. Costs such as fuel, maintenance, repairs, financing, insurance, and one of the most significant factors of all, depreciation, are all factors that affect a vehicle’s total ownership costs.

2021 Subaru Forester pricing, features, specs
photo credit: Competition Subaru

The 2021 Forester retains its value better than all other small SUVs and has the lowest cost-to-own number in the Compact SUV category. How much does the Forester cost to own?

The 2021 Forester competes against the number one selling Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Explorer, all of which sell more vehicles than Forester. But Forester is now the least expensive to own in the competitive segment.

2021 Subaru Forester pricing, features, specs
photo credit: Competition Subaru

KBB predicted the 2021 Forester to have a 5-year cost-to-own of $36,466 (including the purchase price), which is $3,307 less than the compact SUV segment average.

KBB says, “The Forester offers generous ground clearance and a powertrain that can be optimized for tackling trails far outside city limits. Yet with a 33 mpg highway rating, the Forester is more efficient than you might expect. The Forester appeals with its roomy interior, confident road manners, and a surprisingly long list of standard features.”

What is the price of the 2021 Subaru Forester?

The 2021 Forester comes in five trim levels. The 2021 Forester base has an MSRP of $25,845, Premium ($28,845), Sport ($30,445), Limited ($32,445), and Touring ($35,945). Pricing includes $1,050 destination.

Along with the 2021 Forester, the 2021 Outback and 2021 Ascent are among the eleven best new SUVs in KBB’s 2021 5-Year Cost to Own Awards. The 2021 Outback wins the Two-Row SUV segment, and the 2021 Ascent takes home the Three-Row SUV trophy.

Compact SUV shoppers have many choices, and according to KBB, the 2021 Subaru Forester is the best value in the Compact SUV category. Consumers will save $3,307 less than the competitor's vehicles over five years. Check out the new 2022 Forester in the Torque News report below.

You Might Also Like: The All-New 2022 Subaru Forester Joins Wilderness Sub-Brand Next - Two Questions Remain

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Competition Subaru