The 2018 Subaru Forester is popular for its safety record and off-road capabilities, but it may be somewhat lacking in interior refinement. We show you the good, bad, and cold hard facts when it comes to this sporty SUV.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
In this article, rather than focusing on the early generations, or the latest 2021 model, we’ll dive into the 2018 Subaru Forester, covering trim levels, pricing, reliability, owner reviews, and more.
Pros from Owners
It is a manual, one of the last. As an upgrade from my last primary vehicle, it has automatically connecting Bluetooth with great features connected to the system. It has a great sunroof, unlike my last one with a small window. The mileage is great for the type of driving I do as well as the car dealership I went to had a two year servicing benefit. The only downside is that the foresters seem to eat up oil like there's no tomorrow and you need to check it and fill it more often.
Very safe and stylish. Has Bluetooth and heated seats. It also has a moonroof and compatible with bike/luggage racks. I love the ocean blue color. The hatchback opens very well. All wheel drive so I always feel safe in it.
This car has a large truck space. Provides Good leg rooms front and back seat, but might not be roomy for 6 foot and above. Easy to put down the back row for more storage space. It has a large sunroof.
Pros include; good gas mileage in the city, effective all wheel drive, decent horsepower considering a 4 cylinder engine, and tons of trunk space. This car is ideal for anyone that is going to do an equal amount of city driving and road-tripping, a great car to take out for camping.
AWD, great gas mileage, good radio and backup camera system. Spacious interior. Sits higher than others in this class so better visibility. Comes with real spare tire instead of donut. Lots of addon genuine parts available from Subaru.
Very spacey, can fit five people comfortably. Big trunk for transporting things, plus the seats fold completely down. Very Reliable in inclement weather. Has lots of safety features, and helps break even if it detects an obstacle. Very high tech, feels cool to drive.
Dependable, economical, and fun to for drive.Vehicle handles well and is comfortable for long trips as well as short trips. Great for shopping. The Subaru is a reliable car that not only looks good but handles well. For the driver and passengers it is comfortable.
Safety is the highest point of interest for me. This car is rated high in safety. Performs great in snow and slick roads. It is weight is substantial offering less chance of sliding the other is comfort with good back support for my very painful back. Great vision too out of all the windows.
Cons from Owners
Oil has to be checked every other time you fill up on gas. It happened with my last Forrester as well. I also get the oil changed more frequently which is a lot more trips to the car dealership because of my servicing benefit.
The trunk space is limited and I sometimes have a hard time getting everything in the back. It also impacts visibility when the trunk is full. The seats are fine but not the most comfortable, I like the outback seats better.
I have a baby seat in the car and it makes the back row very tight and squishy. Middle seat in the back row is not wide enough. Back row cannot adjust the seats back or forward. Headroom might not be enough if you are over 6 feet tall.
Cons include; mediocre sound system, a lack of basic accouterments and modern interior design, a somewhat awkward dash and middle console that makes the front cabin feel small, in comparison to the backseat.
Smaller gas tank at 14 gallons. Comes with subpar wiper blades. Radio does not come with Android auto or apple play. Roof rack does not come with crossbars. Heating and ac seems to be just ok not great.
Not very many cons. I guess, It can be a little hard to park sometimes because it is pretty big. At first it was hard to figure out how to change the clock and settings, because there are so many buttons.
At this point, there are no cons. The car drives well, handles well in all weather. What can you improve on when everything is so good. The modern electronic stuff is not necessarily an improvement. I like the car just the way it is.
The dash system is antiquated. The radio station and map screen is horrible. It is very difficult to maneuver when driving so it loses a threat to safety in that respect. The click is also very difficult to change. They need to simplify the steps and make it more user friendly.
2018 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
The 2018 Subaru Forester launched in seven different trims, from the base 2.5i trim to the decked-out 2.0XT Touring.
The full spectrum includes:
- 2.5i
- 2.5i Premium
- 2.5i Limited
- 2.5i Touring
- 2.5i Black Edition
- 2.0 XT Premium
- 2.0 XT Touring
Subaru Forester 2.5i
- 170 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine
- Standard six-speed manual transmission, six-speed CVT transmission
- Continuous AWD with locking center differential for manual transmission vehicles
- Active AWD on CVT vehicles
- Manual tilt/telescoping steering column
- Cruise control with steering wheel controls
The 2.5i is great for someone looking for a minimalistic and bare-bones experience, as highlighted in Subaru’s video overview.
Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium
- Starlink 7.0 Multimedia Plus system with seven-inch touch screen
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- Roof rails
- Panoramic power moonroof
- 17-inch alloy wheels standard
Subaru produced a virtual walk-around of the 2.5i Premium that showcases this trim quite nicely.
Subaru Forester 2.5i Limited
- X Mode and Hill Descent Control
- Power rear gate
- Cargo area cover
- Instrument cluster with LCD display
- Various chrome cosmetic upgrades
Take a look at the video from Subaru covering what the 2.5i Limited is all about.
Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Eyesight System
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- High Beam Assist
- Available with the 50th Anniversary Edition cosmetic package
The 2.5i Touring is the top of the 2.5i line. It has all of the goodies and more, as seen in Subaru’s video overview of the 2.5i Touring.
Subaru Forester 2.5i Black Edition
- 18-inch black alloy wheels
- Lineartronic CVT with X Mode and Hill Descent Control
- Steering Responsive Headlights
- Crystal Black Silica exterior badges and mirrors
This is a special-edition trim of the 2018 Subaru Forester. The name says it all. If you love your car blacked out and stealthy, this stealthy 2.5i Black Edition is the trim for you.
Subaru Forester 2.0XT Premium
- 250 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer engine
- Sport-tuned suspension
- High-Torque CVT with SI-Drive performance control system
- Larger brakes with ventilated rear rotors
- 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
The 2.0XT trim of the 2018 Forester is truly something different than the 2.5i trims. It is faster, meaner, and all-around a more heavy-hitting SUV. With significantly more horsepower, this trim will give all the power needed to blast past people on the highway. As mentioned previously, the 2.0XT Premium is genuinely fast and very capable.
Subaru Forester 2.0XT Touring
- Active Torque Vectoring
- Optional Saddle Brown leather upholstery
- Available with the 50th Anniversary Edition cosmetic package.
Though there is not much difference between this and the 2.0XT Premium, the additions of this trim are significant.
The most notable addition is the Active Torque Vectoring System, which applies light brake pressure to the inside front wheel as your Subaru car carves a corner. It pushes more power to the outside front wheel to reduce wheel spin and sharpen handling. In other words, the torque vectoring system makes this Forester the most fun and athletic to drive of the whole range.
The other notable addition is the Brown Saddle leather seats, which, when coupled with a black exterior, make an excellent and tasteful color combination.
Subaru takes you through the 2.0XT Touring in its 2018 promo video.
What Will a 2018 Subaru Forester Cost You?
When it was launched, the 2018 Subaru Forester’s starting MSRP was $23,795 for the CVT 2.5i and $36,090 for the top-of-the-range 2.0XT Touring.
Today, the 2018 Forester is a three-year-old vehicle and has since become even more affordable in the used market. With all of the different trims available, you have a plethora of options that can fit whatever your needs are.
With the help of Kelley Blue Book’s “Fair Market Range” prices, we have gathered a list of current prices on all of the 2018 Forester trims on the used market.
We must emphasize that these are average prices, and a lot of them will vary depending on factors like mileage, location, trim, and condition. Regardless, odds are that you will be able to find a good deal in the arena of $19,000 to $31,000 (with top trim examples factored in).
2.5i
- 2.5i: $20,436 – $24,870
- 2.5i Premium: $22,207 – $26,722
- 2.5i Black Edition: $27,345 – $30,321
- 2.5i Limited: $23,985 – $28,600
- 2.5i Touring: $24,329 – $28,971
2.0XT
- 2.0XT Premium: $23,982 – $28,604
- 2.0XT Touring: $24,902 – $29,576
Does a 2018 Subaru Forester Hold its Value?
All cars depreciate, some marginally, some significantly. For the 2018 Subaru Forester, we have the answers thanks to Edmunds.
For a CVT 2.5i, the depreciation over five years is estimated at $10,373. When factoring in finances such as insurance and taxes, the total cost to own over the same period is $38,290.
On the other side of the range, the 2.0XT Touring’s depreciation is higher at $13,167, with the true cost to own at $43,072.
2018 Subaru Forester: Exterior Colors
For most car buyers, choosing the color of the vehicle you are purchasing is an important part of the decision. It’s what everyone sees before driving their vehicle. For the 2018 Subaru Forester, there is a solid variety of tasteful colors to choose from.
Below are the eight exterior color options that came with the 2018 Forester:
Whether you want something neutral or more unique, there is a color to suit everybody’s taste.
2018 Subaru Forester: Interior Colors
The interior color of a vehicle can really impact the atmosphere of the cabin. For the 2018 Forester, Subaru made sure to include three unique colors to account for everyone’s aesthetic preferences.
With the 2018 Subaru Forester, there are three available interior colors:
- Black
- Gray
- Saddle Brown (only available on 2.0XT Touring trim)
2018 Subaru Forester Cargo Space
Cargo space is a vital thing to consider when shopping for an SUV.
The 2018 Subaru Forester has plenty of it. Thanks to the ability to fold down the rear seats, you can double the amount of cargo space for any occasion where you need the most space possible.
When the rear seats are folded down, the 2018 Forester has an impressive 74.7 inches of cubic space.
Whether you are moving, going camping, or helping out a friend, the Forester has the room to get the job done.
After all, you can’t have a sport utility vehicle without the “utility” right?
2018 Subaru Forester Technology Features
With each passing year, the technology that is available in modern vehicles is more and more state of the art. For the year 2018, Subaru delivered a balanced amount of helpful and practical technology features in the Forester.
At the foundation of these tech features is the Subaru Starlink multimedia system. This includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones, and 6.2 or seven-inch LCD touchscreens. This system also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which makes your smartphone integration into the vehicle even better.
Included above the infotainment screen is a set of two smaller screens that can display various types of information such as vehicle temperatures and the rear-view camera feed.
For a tour and additional information on the 2018 Forester’s tech features, check out Bachmann Subaru’s overview video.
Engine Options in the 2018 Subaru Forester
For the 2018 Subaru Forester, there are two engine options to choose from each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
2.5-liter DOHC Four-cylinder Boxer Engine
Producing 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, this boxer unit powers all of the 2.5i trims of the 2018 Subaru Forester. The 2.5-liter engine was also used in the Legacy, Outback, and Crosstrek models of the time.
This engine in combination with the CVT or six-speed manual transmission gives you a smooth and efficient power delivery. No, you’re not going to be winning any drag races with this powertrain, but that’s not the point.
If you want extra horsepower and torque, you’ll need to get one of the XT trims with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
With the 2.5-liter powertrain, you will be very comfortable and you’ll have an adequate amount of horsepower to get through daily life with no troubles.
Turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC Four-cylinder Boxer Engine
Powering the 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring trims, this powertrain is substantially more powerful than the 2.5-liter unit from the 2.5i trims.
While the 2.5-liter unit produces 170 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.0-liter engine produces 250 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.
This engine includes Subaru’s Dual Active Valve Control System, which improves torque in the low and mid-range. As a result, this makes for not only better power delivery but also helps with performance in various environmental conditions.
The turbocharged powertrain also features an intercooler, which means your turbocharged Forester will deliver its 250 horsepower as efficiently as possible.
The 2018 Subaru Forester is a different animal with this engine in it. It can deliver seriously impressive speed anytime and anywhere. If carving up a mountain road or blasting past semi-trucks on the highway is your thing, this is your powertrain.
Just remember, you’ll need to buy the two highest trims to get it. That comes at an extra cost.
2018 Subaru Forester Performance
When it comes to performance, the 2018 Forester is capable and versatile. That versatility comes with Subaru’s well-regarded X-Mode and Hill Descent Control. This technology will allow you to conquer a variety of tough terrain and scary hills.
Additionally, the 2018 Forester has an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is higher than most vehicles in its class. Crucially, it gifts this ground clearance without sacrificing step-in height, so it won’t feel like your trying to get inside a lifted pickup truck.
If you want to be able to access the full potential of this vehicle’s performance, we recommend spending the extra money to get one of the 2.0XT trims. Thanks to the sports suspension, extra horsepower/torque, and bigger brakes, you’ll get a better balance of on and off-road capability. They are objectively more capable and more well-rounded vehicles than the non-turbocharged trims.
This, however, does not mean the non-turbocharged 2.5i trims can’t hold their own. They still have impressive off-road capability, but will lose out on the tarmac compared to some of its rivals and the 2.0XT trims.
Couldn’t care less about more horsepower and better handling? Just need something to handle the terrain when going camping? Save your money and get one of the 2.5i trims. You will get capable performance off-road and a very comfortable experience on the asphalt.
Want the best of both worlds? The 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring are the no-brainers.
How Fuel Efficient is a 2018 Forester?
In the fuel economy department, it is a bit of a trade-off between 2.5i and 2.0XT trims. With the 2.0XT trims, you get worse fuel economy but more performance. Oppositely, with the 2.5i trims, you get better fuel economy but less performance. Let’s look at the EPA estimated numbers.
- 2.5i six-speed manual mpg: 22 city, 28 highway, 24 combined
- 2.5i CVT mpg: 26 city, 32 highway, 28 combined
- 2.0XT (CVT only) mpg: 23 city, 27 highway, 25 combined
2018 Subaru Forester: Maintainance Costs
Over the last couple of decades, Subarus have had a reputation for being a little more expensive to maintain compared to rivals Toyota and Honda. This is due to the unique nature of the Boxer engine. Nevertheless, Subaru has had a long-lasting reputation for making dependable and reliable vehicles. The 2018 Forester maintains the brand’s reputation. How does it fare against its rivals in this category?
Using J.D. Power’s Reliability scores, we’ve gathered some data on how the 2018 Forester did and how it scored against rivals.
The 2018 Subaru Forester scores respectably on the reliability rating with a 72 out of 100. However, it loses out considerably against the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
The Honda scores an 84 out of 100 with the CX-5 scoring 80 out of 100 respectively. So, you now know how it fares against its rivals when it comes to reliability. What is it like to maintain? How much does it cost? Repair Pal has the answer.
Repair Pal put the cost of maintenance annually for this vehicle at $484.
Out of the listed repairs for the 2018 Forester, a wheel alignment is the most expensive coming out at between $119 and $150.
The cheapest repair listed is a battery cable battery terminal end service, which comes in at around $26 to $33.
When you look at the gap in the J.D. Power reliability scores between the Forester and the Honda and Mazda, it doesn’t look bad on the surface for the Subaru.
Despite that, 72 out of 100 is still a good number and is labeled as “Average” by J.D. Power. Average is not “Good” or “Great” but most importantly it is not bad. It is obviously lower than its rivals but it is important to consider the other characteristics of this vehicle that give it a unique advantage over its rivals.
Like any vehicle, if you are punctual with your maintenance and care, the Subaru will not let you down. You’ll just be spending a little more money doing so than you would on a Honda or Mazda.
2018 Subaru Forester: Known Issues
Despite its impressive qualities, Subaru’s 2018 Forester is, unfortunately, not a problem-free vehicle. It received two recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The first of these recalls is a problem that involved the airbag potentially being deactivated by the vehicle’s occupant detection system. To elaborate, the NHTSA says, “If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even if the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.”
The other recall issued by the NHTSA is an odd one. Typically when you see recalls for a vehicle, it is something mechanical or electronic. In this case, it was not either of those types of issues. This recall was issued for the installation of incorrect tire information on the label.
Though this is an irregular recall, it can still have serious consequences. For example, if someone took the incorrect information and applied it to the tire in some way, like adding or lowering pressure, that could mean serious problems in the event of an accident. Or alternatively, an owner could install the wrong tire all together which could have equally serious consequences.
With the recalls covered, there are a couple of problems that have been reported about the 2018 Forester.
The first is premature brake wear on 2.5i models.
According to Consumer Reports, numerous owners reported issues of premature brake wear. One owner said: “The Subaru AWD puts much more wear on the rear brakes than FWD cars experience. They need to be checked more frequently. Normal FWD cars have little wear on the rear brakes.”
Another owner reported: “Rear brake pads and rotors were replaced due to wear/corrosion. Seems very early to have to replace the brakes.”
Our recommended solution for this problem: If you have a 2.5i trim, have your brakes checked more frequently than normal in order to catch early signs of wear. Or, purchase one of the 2.0 XT trims, which have larger and better-performing brakes.
The other common problem with the 2018 Subaru Forester, which has plagued Subaru models for many years, is oil leaks. A lot of owners also reported this, according to Consumer Reports. This problem is typically sourced at the valve cover gaskets and can be solved by simply replacing the leaky gasket.
How Safe is a 2018 Subaru Forester?
One area that Subaru has always had a respected reputation for is safety. The 2018 Forester solidifies the brand’s reputation and impressed both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Subaru’s star SUV won the IIHS’s 2018 Top Safety Award for a small SUV/four-door SUV.
It also scored “Good” (the IIHS’s highest-scoring criteria) in all areas of the crashworthiness categories except one.
Meanwhile, the NHTSA gave the 2018 Forester a five-star overall safety rating. With the SUV scoring five stars on the front driver’s side test, four on the passenger side, and four stars on the front overall front safety test.
The 2018 model year of the Subaru Forester is a very safe vehicle, plain and simple.
2018 Subaru Forester Safety Features
For the last 20 years, the Forester and other Subaru models alike have grown safer and safer thanks to the advancement of technology. For the year 2018, Subaru spared no expense with the safety features for the Forester SUV.
The standout safety feature of the 2018 Subaru Forester is EyeSight. This system was introduced by Subaru a few years ago and has been a significant asset to the overall safety of their vehicles.
What is EyeSight? How does it work?
Subaru says, “The core of the EyeSight system is its set of dual color cameras. Intelligently and unobtrusively placed near the rearview mirror, they scan the road for unanticipated dangers.” This system essentially acts as a separate pair of eyes that look out for danger that we humans might not be able to catch.
Within EyeSight, four unique technologies act as supporting safety features. These are Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Departure/Sway Warning with Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Each of these features has a unique purpose and protects drivers in several different areas of everyday driving.
2018 Subaru Forester vs. the Competition
Subaru has been fighting rivals like Toyota, Honda, Ford, and more since the turn of the century. As we mentioned before, the Forester was a huge instrument in Subaru’s campaign to outsell its competitors.
Twenty years after its first launch, it is no different. The 2018 Forester continues to carry Subaru’s sword in that battle. How does the Forester match up against its rivals from that year?
Let’s find out.
2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Honda CR-V
Honda played a seriously strong hand against their rivals with the 2018 CR-V.
Sporting off of the previous model year’s redesign, Honda gave this SUV a real revamp both inside and out. The finished product was a balanced, refined, and smooth vehicle that impressed customers and critics alike.
Edmunds rated the CR-V at 8.1 out of 10 and named it as one of their top contenders for the best vehicle in its class.
Their experts said, “The 2018 Honda CR-V sets a new pace for its rivals to follow.”
Honda’s 2018 CR-V ranges from the base LX trim to the top-of-the-line Touring trim.
The LX trim comes with a naturally aspirated inline four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower. This trim had a starting MRSP of $24,250.
The Touring trim comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 190 horsepower. This top-of-the-range trim had a starting MSRP of $34,150.
This SUV is considerably more reliable than the 2018 Forester as we mentioned previously. To add to that, it also has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
The 2018 Honda CR-V is seriously strong competition for the 2018 Forester. It will save you more money on maintenance and is more luxurious. It does however lack the ruggedness and off-road capability of the Forester.
It’s a really tough choice.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Mazda CX-5
The next rival of the 2018 Forester comes from Mazda. It is the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
It’s attractive, very refined, reliable, and quite capable.
The CX-5 boasts a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. This star SUV also came in both front-wheel and all-wheel-drive variants of each trim level.
It was released in three trims, Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring.
The lowest trim is the CX-5 Sport (FWD), which had a starting MSRP of $24,150.
The highest trim available is the Grand Touring (AWD), which came in with an MSRP of $30,945.
This SUV was acclaimed by the automotive press and car buyers across North America.
Car and Driver named it their favorite compact crossover of 2018, saying, “While its performance numbers might not suggest such kudos, the Mazda delivers driving satisfaction that is a cut above what every other crossover in its class can offer.”
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 is not only raved by the automotive press as very nice to drive but it is also very safe like the Forester and CR-V. It received the IIHS Top Safety + award.
Mazda really brought their A-game with this SUV, making it another case of strong opposition for the 2018 Forester.
It has the Subaru beat in both reliability and overall refinement. Like the Honda though, it still lacks the ruggedness and versatility of the Forester.
This is another tough choice.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Subaru Forester vs. 2018 Kia Sportage
Another rival of the 2018 Forester is the 2018 Kia Sportage. This SUV brings the competition to the Forester from a different side of the ring.
Like the 2018 CR-V, the 2018 Kia Sportage carries on the momentum from the previous model year’s major redesign. For this model year, the Sportage entered this stage of its life as a carry-over.
It comes standard with safety features such as Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning System. These features were previously only available with the mid to high-level trims.
The 2018 Sportage comes in three trim levels available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants. These trims are the LX, EX, and SX.
Starting at the bottom, the FWD LX trim’s MSRP was $23,600. All the way at the top is the SX Turbo AWD which had a starting MSRP of $34,400.
So what about powertrain options? What variety of engines did this Kia come with?
All LX and EX trim Sportages come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque.
On the SX trims, you get a 2.0-liter 240 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Kelley Blue Book rates this SUV well, saying the Sportage “offers style, features, an excellent warranty, and expanded availability of high-tech safety equipment like autonomous emergency braking.” Their experts rated at 4.4 out of 5 stars with their consumers rating the Korean SUV at 4.6 out of five stars.
Finally, the Kia is pretty safe with a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
The 2018 Kia Sportage is a great SUV that offers a lot, but like the other rivals listed, it doesn’t have the versatility and ruggedness of the Subaru.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Retro Reviews from 2018
When the 2018 Subaru Forester came out, it was met with generally good praise by the automotive press.
Edmunds had good things to say about several key aspects of the 2018 Forester. Regarding the overall driving experience, they said: “Thanks in large part to the XT’s 250 horsepower, the Forester is arguably the best performing vehicle in this class. Combined with confident braking, precise on- and off-road handling, and multiple driving modes, the Forester is one of the best in its class.”
In the “Driving” category, the Santa Monica-based publication gave the Forester a 7.5 out of 10.
What did they have to say about the 2018 Forester’s comfort?
Edmunds rated the 2018 Forester’s comfortability at an eight out of 10, saying: “The ride is well controlled across all surfaces and most everyone will be able to find enough room and creature comforts to stay happy for hours at a time.”
Another key category that Edmunds praised about the 2018 Forester is utility. They particularly liked the cargo room, saying: “There’s generous cargo space with the seats up, and with the seats down the Forester can swallow a lot of gear”
So, we know what Edmunds thought about the 2018 Forester, but what did other journalists and publications have to say?
U.S. News‘ auto expert Bryan Siwik said: “The 2018 Subaru Forester is a good compact SUV. It has a lot of passenger space and cargo room, two competent engine choices, and a comfortable ride.”
Unlike Edmunds, Siwik was not as impressed by the Foresters driving experience. He said that despite its performance merits, the Forester was “not as athletic as some rivals, though.”
Overall, the verdict was: “It has well-rounded performance and a spacious interior, but some rivals have nicer cabins or better safety and predicted reliability ratings.”
Current Reviews: What Critics Say Today
Three years later, the overall views of the 2018 Subaru Forester remain about the same. The first of the current reviews come from Kelley Blue Book’s Matt Degen.
In terms of the 2018 Forester’s driving experience, Degen praised the Subaru’s versatility. He particularly praised the Forester’s suspension. “The Forester’s suspension blends comfort and control without sacrificing either, with minimal body roll in corners but enough travel to absorb ruts when the asphalt ends,” said Degen.
He also praised the 2018 Forester’s comfort and interior in general. “The two-row/five-passenger interior design is excellent thanks to its generous visibility and sensible design.” Elsewhere, he noted the Subie’s excellent resale value, adding that it is “expected to be at or near the top of the pack.”
The 2018 Subaru Forester’s KBB experts score is 4.4 out of five stars.
“If you want a five-passenger crossover SUV with the surefootedness that comes with all-wheel-drive and has great visibility, laudable fuel economy, and above-average ground clearance all at a cost that’s a good value upfront and great in the long-term, you’ll find it in the 2018 Forester,” said Degen.
Autotrader also reviewed the 2018 Forester recently. They shared the feeling of disappointment with many enthusiasts in regards to the lack of manual transmission ability. In fact, they listed that first on their list of cons of the 2018 Subaru Forester.
The site also took a particular liking to the more powerful 2.0XT models of the 2018 Forester — right down to the 18-inch tires. “To our delight, we found the XT model’s 18-inch tires vastly improve handling without diminishing ride comfort or increasing noise levels.”
Though they appreciated the handling, the real treat for the 2.0XT models for them was under the hood.
In regards to the 250 horsepower turbocharged boxer, they emphasized “The real joy when driving the XT is the rush of power from the turbo engine. If you require superior passing power and jackrabbit sprints, this is the engine you’ll want in your Forester.”
Alongside the lack of manual transmission with the turbocharged 2.0XT trims, Autotrader also disliked the fact that Eyesight technology and satellite navigation are not available on the second-highest trim, the 2.0XT Premium.
To get those features, you have to go all the way to the top trim, the 2.0XT Touring.
Despite those negative notes, the overall feeling towards the 2018 Subaru Forester is good from them.
“The 2018 Subaru Forester competes in a tough arena, yet despite an aging design, the Forester continues to be one of the best compact crossovers you can buy.”
Three years after its release, the 2018 Subaru Forester continues to impress. With the thoughts and feelings on this vehicle from critics past and present, what about the average driver?
Vehicle History Real Owner Reviews
On the 2018 Forester’s Vehicle History page, owners are pretty satisfied overall with the 2018 Forester. This SUV has an overall owner score of 4.69 out of five stars. Out of the 506 reviews, 74% of them are a perfect five stars.
“My Subaru Forester with four-wheel-drive is a wonderfully reliable and functional SUV. It is great in the upper New England geography and weather–long snowy/icy winters–that I live in,” said Lee U. in the Vehicle History review of his 2018 Forester. “It is very comfortable and feels safe and solid. It is a beautiful shade of blue and the sound system is real decent.”
In her consumer review, Mary F. called her 2018 Subaru Forester “safe and secure.” She added, “The vehicle is very reliable, and I have never felt that I was unsafe in any weather, and I live in the Midwest, where inclement weather is very common.”
Overall, 2018 Subaru Forester owners were also very satisfied with the SUV’s interior, comfort, and amenities.
“Comfy family car, great for commutes and long road trips,” said Makayla B., who also mentioned being impressed with the Forester’s excellent cargo space. “I also love that the back seat is roomy for friends or for taking my dog places, and the far back has plenty of space for luggage when traveling.”
Fellow Vehicle History user Marlene R. agreed about the nice-sized interior. “The car is spacious and has great cargo space no matter what you are trying to fit in. With having two children, space is a must, and comfort for long trips helps keep us all at ease. Absolutely love my Subaru Forester.”
Is the 2018 Forester Worth Your Money?
The simple fact of the matter is, the 2018 Subaru Forester can do virtually anything. Whether that is taking the kids to school safely, driving off-road, blasting up a twisty mountain trail, or surviving intense winters, this SUV is capable of all of it.
It may not have the luxury and refinement of the Mazda CX-5 or the reliability of the Honda CR-V, but what it does have is complete and utter versatility. This SUV can do what it can do, anywhere, and that is its superpower over its rivals.
Add the aforementioned alongside a good variety of trims to choose from, standard all-wheel drive, five-star safety, and tremendous resale value, and it’s hard for us to recommend anything else if you are looking for an affordable all-purpose SUV with modern technology.
Why Trust Us?
Vehicle History tasked Felix Duppong with the job of researching this vehicle. Felix is an experienced and detail-oriented automotive journalist who recently graduated from Northwest University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications. He has extensive knowledge of the Subaru brand and specialized experience in motorsports journalism as a lead staff writer for Missed Apex Podcast.
Over 25 hours of research was invested into retrieving all the details of the 2018 Forester and its rivals. We are confident in the quality of the results of that research when we recommend the 2018 Subaru Forester to our readers.
Photos: Subaru; Honda; Mazda; Kia
