The 2018 Subaru Forester near Hammond, LA competes in a crowded market, and it remains a top choice regardless of its aging design. While it may not be as stylish as some of its competitors, it is still one of Subaru’s top sellers. Here, local customers can learn more about the 2018 Foresters that are available at our dealership.

 

New for This Year

For this year, Subaru has introduced a Black Edition of the 2.5i Premium. A Black Edition Subaru Forester comes with, as the name implies, blacked-out wheels and trim. It also has responsive LED headlights, paddle shifting, and four different paint options: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Dark Gray Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica. The 2.0XT now gets torque vectoring, while the Touring trim now has Eyesight and navigation. All models with the EyeSight driver assist system now get reverse automatic braking and other features.

 

Fuel Mileage

The standard powerplant for the 2018 Forester is a 2.5L four-cylinder boxer engine that puts out 170hp and 174 lb. ft. of torque. With the CVT, the 2.5L has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 26mpg in the city and 32mpg on the highway. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment on base and Premium editions, and its less-sophisticated AWD system provides slightly lower fuel mileage at 22mpg city/28mpg highway. The Forester XT comes with a direct-injected 2.0L powerplant that makes 250hp and 258 lb. ft. of torque. The additional horsepower has negligible effects on fuel mileage; the XT gets 23mpg city/27mpg highway on regular fuel.

 

Options and Standard Features

The 2018 Subaru Forester near Hammond, LA is available in two different models and four trims. They include the 2.5i, the Premium, the Limited, the Touring, the 2.0XT Premium, and the 2.0XT Touring edition.

·         The 2.5i has a six-speed manual gearbox, a backup camera, AC, Bluetooth, cruise control, tilt and telescoping steering, power mirrors, doors, and locks, keyless entry, 60/40 split rear seating, rear washer/wiper, and 6.2” audio display. Available options include an alloy wheel package and the CVT.

·         The Premium gets everything listed above along with a moonroof, upgraded audio display, StarLink multimedia system, satellite radio, 17” alloys, auto climate controls, power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, and an all-weather package that includes heated front seating and side mirrors. Models with the CVT get hill descent control and X-Mode, but the all-weather package becomes an option. Unlike manual-equipped models, CVT Foresters can get a power liftgate, rear cross traffic monitoring, fog lights and EyeSight.

·         The 2.5i Limited adds X-Mode and the CVT, along with rear cross traffic alerts, leather seating, blind spot monitoring, a leather-covered steering wheel, and the all-weather package. Available options include Harman Kardon audio, navigation, and the EyeSight system, which includes various safety and driver assistance features.

·         The Touring edition gets EyeSight, HID headlamps, navigation, heated steering, memory driver’s seat, an upgraded audio system, easy-fold rear seats, automatic high beams, reverse auto breaking, keyless entry and start, dual climate controls, PIN access and 18” wheels. Buyers of the Touring trim can get a special brown leather interior at no additional cost.

·         The XT Premium gets a 2.0L turbo four, a sport-tuned suspension, 18” wheels, a high torque CVT auto, and dual exhaust tips. Unlike the 2.5i Premium, the XT Premium doesn’t come with optional EyeSight or a power liftgate.

·         The 2.0XT Touring adds all 2.5i Touring features to the XT Premium edition.

All Forester models with StarLink can get a subscription-based Safety and Security Plus package that comes with remote unlock, vehicle location, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, emergency assistance, collision notification, monthly vehicle condition reports and reminders, and roadside assistance. Visit our dealership to find out about all the dealer options Subaru offers.

 

Safety Benefits

The 2018 Subaru Forester has all government-mandated safety features, along with extra protection from a reinforced frame and driver knee airbags. In government crash testing, the NHTSA gave the Forester a five-star rating, while the IIHS gave it a Superior rating for its accident avoidance tech. It also got the Top Safety Pick+ designation for the 2017 model year.

 

Driving the Forester

The 2.5L engine’s performance is surprisingly strong, with ample acceleration and whisper-quiet operation. The 2018 Subaru Forester near Hammond, LA drives and rides more like a compact car than an SUV with almost nine inches of clearance. The steering wheel is nicely weighted, which makes it easy to keep the car on a straight track. We like it for its comfortable ride and quiet cabin.

With its numerous features, great ride quality and surprising fuel economy, it is easy to see why many of Hammond’s drivers are turning to the Forester. To learn more about it, call us at (888) 486-3576 or visit our local showroom to take a test drive.