Anticipation for the 2018 Subaru Forester near Covington, LA has been high. With plenty of worthy updates and a new trim level, the newest version of the Forester is easily the best yet. That's saying something for a car that has been topping the charts since its 1997 debut.
The compact crossover SUV class is more competitive than ever, and pioneers like the Subaru Forester are still setting the trends. Last year's major update of the Forester was a huge success, with drivers appreciating everything from new EyeSight safety features to the significantly quieter cabin.
A Choice Between Two Highly Capable Engines
The various trim levels available for the Forester this year can be broken up into two basic classes according to the engine configuration each includes.
A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine powers five versions of the 2018 Subaru Forester, putting out 170 horsepower and about 174 pound-feet of torque. With the 2.5-liter Forester models all weighing in around 3400 pounds, even the most basic trims have enough power to be fun to drive and sufficient torque to handle rough terrain capably.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine is part of the two upgraded XT trims of the new Forester. Basically, the same power plant that motivates the performance-focused WRX but in a slightly toned-down form, this engine is good for 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The two XT versions of the new Forester do add about 200 or so pounds of curb weight, but the nearly 50-percent boost in power the turbo-equipped engine enables makes up for this and more.
As with every Subaru outside of the two-plus-two BRZ, every version of the new Forester comes with the company's famed all-wheel-drive system, contributing to both off-road confidence and safety when the roads get slick. Most versions of the new Forester also feature a highly efficient continuously variable transmission, with a six-speed manual being available for the base and Premium configurations.
Seven Trim Levels, Including a Beautiful New Black Edition
Subaru has done a great job of making things easy for buyers by offering a range of trim levels that group together desirable options in sensible ways.
The base 2.5i model includes plenty of features that stand out from the competition, particularly given the affordable price point. New owners will appreciate the standard rear-view camera, spacious touchscreen display, and high-quality sound system.
The upgraded 2.5i Premium trim comes standard with the 17-inch alloy wheels that are an add-on option for the base model. Buyers get a large sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, additional StarLink features, and an upgraded sound system as part of the bargain. The small price premium this trim level commands relative to the base model makes it an especially attractive option given everything it delivers.
The new 2.5i Premium Black Edition is bound to command even more attention for the 2018 Subaru Forester near Covington, LA. It one-ups the regular 2.5i Premium with 18-inch wheels in a fetching black alloy, along with a black grille and other exterior details. Black cloth upholstery inside completes the picture, with this stylish new version of the Forester otherwise including the same 2018 Subaru Forester features and options found in the Premium trim.
The 2.5i Limited trim package nearly maxes out the naturally aspirated version of the 2018 Forester, adding in quality-of-life features like a powered rear hatch and leather upholstery. Forester 2.5i Limited buyers can also choose from a list of high-end option packages that include perks like a Harmon Kardon sound system and upgraded EyeSight safety features.
The high-end 2.5i Touring trim caters to buyers who want it all, offering as standard most of the optional upgrades for the Limited trim. Touring buyers do have the option of selecting a brand-new Saddle Brown leather upholstery package, with perforated black leather also being available.
The 2.0XT Premium adds the significantly more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine to the regular Premium configuration.
The 2.0XT Limited does the same for the feature-filled Limited trim.
A Longtime Favorite Returns in Its Best Form Yet
As always, every version of the new Forester is a pleasure to drive. Reviewers and owners have long been enamored with how well the Forester performs both on paved surfaces and rougher ones, and the 2018 take on the lineage is no exception.
In addition, the new Forester preserves all the practicality and value that have also helped make the line successful for so long. From the impressive visibility it affords drivers to the spaciousness and comfort of its interior, the new Forester retains and improves on everything owners have found to love about this long-running line of cars.
As a Subaru dealer in Covington, we're big fans of the 2018 Forester, and our customers are as well. It's easy to see why the Forester has been one of Subaru's best-selling cars for so long, and the new version is clearly the best of all. We're always happy to answer questions or arrange a test drive for those looking to find a 2018 Subaru Forester in the area, so stop by or get in touch soon.
