Davis Bellew If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that offers excellent all-weather capability, a spacious interior, and a plethora of high-tech features, the 2018 Subaru Forester should be on your list. But is it a good year for the Forester model? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the pros and cons of the 2018 Subaru Forester and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether it’s the right car for you.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2018 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that offers excellent all-weather capability, a spacious interior, and a plethora of high-tech features.
- It comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, making it an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter inclement weather or rough terrain.
- The Forester also boasts impressive safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
- Its standard four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power, but some reviewers find it underwhelming. The available turbocharged engine provides a significant boost in power but comes at a higher price point.
- While the Forester’s interior is spacious, some reviewers find it lacks refinement, with hard plastics and unremarkable design elements.
Overview
The Subaru Forester has been a popular choice in the compact SUV segment for years, and the 2018 model is no exception. It’s a versatile vehicle that’s equally suited for daily commuting, weekend adventures, or family road trips. One of the most significant advantages of the 2018 Forester is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which makes it an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter inclement weather or rough terrain.
Performance
The 2018 Subaru Forester comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. While this engine delivers adequate power for most driving situations, some reviewers find it underwhelming, particularly when compared to the more powerful turbocharged engine available on higher trims.
The Forester also boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. However, reviewers note that the Forester’s fuel economy can be negatively impacted by its standard all-wheel-drive system, which adds weight and reduces efficiency.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for many car buyers, and the 2018 Subaru Forester delivers in this area. It earned a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.
Interior
The Forester’s interior is spacious, with plenty of room for passengers both in the front and back seats. It also offers ample cargo space, with up to 74.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down. However, some reviewers find the interior lacking in refinement, with hard plastics and unremarkable design elements.
Features
The 2018 Subaru Forester comes standard with a host of high-tech features, including a 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offer additional features such as a larger 7-inch touchscreen, a power liftgate, and a premium audio system. The Forester also offers Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Standard all-wheel-drive system
- Impressive safety ratings
- Spacious interior
- High-tech features
Cons
- Underwhelming base engine
- Lackluster interior design
- Standard all-wheel-drive system can reduce fuel efficiency
FAQs
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a good car?
Overall, the 2018 Subaru Forester is a good car that offers excellent all-weather capability, a spacious interior, and a plethora of high-tech features. However, some reviewers find its base engine underwhelming, and the interior design lacks refinement.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have a lot of cargo space?
Yes, the 2018 Subaru Forester offers ample cargo space, with up to 74.7 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded down.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester fuel-efficient?
The 2018 Subaru Forester boasts impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. However, its standard all-wheel-drive system can reduce fuel efficiency.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have good safety ratings?
Yes, the 2018 Subaru Forester has excellent safety ratings, earning a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
