2018 Subaru Forester: A Very Successful Car-Based SUV Crossover

The 2018 Subaru Forester is the fifth model year of the fourth generation of this highly regarded car-based SUV. One of the earliest vehicles of its type, it was first released in the US in 1998. Based on the platform of the compact Subaru Impreza, the Forester added a tall, boxy utility-style body, an upright, higher seating position, and standard all-wheel drive. 

Sales of the Forester in the US market have steadily increased over the years, with 178,593 units sold in 2016 and a very loyal owner base. For the year to date, the Forester sits in fifth place in the small SUV sales race, behind Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Chevrolet Equinox. The Forester has been named Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year twice, in 2009 and 2014.

Four 2018 Forester Trim Levels Available

The 2018 Subaru Forester comes in four different trim levels: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring. Symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on every 2018 Forester. Forester pricing starts at an MSRP of $22,795 for the standard 2.5i and maxes out at an MSRP of $36,090 for the 2.0XT Touring.

What’s New On The 2018 Forester

A new Black Edition package is available on the 2018 Forester 2.5i Premium. It includes a wide range of desirable extras:

• Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters
• X-Mode & hill descent control
• LED Steering responsive headlights
• 18” Black alloy wheels 
• Fog lights with black accent trim
• Black finish exterior badges and mirrors
• Front grille with blacked-out wing motif and chrome frame
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter with silver stitching
• All-weather package
• Welcome lighting

The Black Edition package is priced at $1,150 and is offered with 4 exterior colors: Dark Gray Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, and Ice Silver Metallic. 

In other changes for 2018, active torque vectoring is now standard on the 2.0XT Touring, all Touring Models feature EyeSight driver assist technology as standard, and EyeSight-equipped models add high beam assist and reverse auto braking.

Two Strong Forester Engines To Choose From

The standard 2018 Forester engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower. An optional 2.0L intercooled and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower is available on the Premium and Touring trims.

Transmission choices include a six-speed manual as standard on 2.5i and 2.5i Premium, with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission optional on these two models and standard on all others.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2018 Forester is 22 to 26 MPG City and 27 to 32 MPG Highway, depending on the engine and transmission selected.

High-Tech Driver Assistance Systems Standard Or Available On Certain Trims

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is totally standard on the 2.5i Touring, partially standard and partially available on the 2.5i Limited, and partially available on the 2.5i Premium. It is not available on 2.0XT models at this time. 

The EyeSight system uses two color cameras to optimize cruise control and monitor the movement of traffic. EyeSight’s pre-collision braking feature can apply full braking in emergency situations. The complete EyeSight driver assist technology includes: 

• Pre-collision braking system 
• Pre-collision brake assist 
• Pre-collision throttle management 
• Lane departure and sway warning 
• Lead vehicle start alert 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Lane keep assist 
• Lane departure prevention 
• EyeSight assist monitor head-up display 

2018 Subaru Forester Treats Its Owners Right

For the day-to-day needs of most people, the 2018 Subaru Forester rises to the occasion and performs very well. It is spacious and versatile, with plenty of room for people and their belongings. It is an excellent vehicle for a road trip, even if part of that trip is off the paved roads. With its standard all-wheel drive, the 2018 Forester can handle wet and snowy roads, and occasional dirt ones as well. The Forester’s twenty-one year tradition of owner loyalty helps explain why so many owners consider their Subarus to be a member of the family!