The 2018 Subaru Forester near McComb, Ms is in a crowded market, and despite its aging design, it continues to be one of the best buys in the compact crossover segment. While it's not the most stylish vehicle in the bunch, it has more than enough positive reviews to put it among Subaru's best sellers. The tall roof and wide windows create a great view for passengers, while its standard AWD and high ground clearance give it some off-road credibility. Subaru dealers like the Forester for the great fuel economy, kid-friendly rear seating, technologically advanced safety features, and more.
New for 2018
For this year, Subaru has introduced a Black Edition package that's only available on the 2.5i Premium. A Black Edition Forester gets black trim and wheels, steering-responsive LED headlamps, paddle shifters, and four paint choices: Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Dark Gray Metallic, and Crystal Black Silica. The 2.0XT gets torque vectoring technology, while the Touring model gets navigation and EyeSight driver assistance technology. All EyeSight-equipped models also get reverse auto braking and auto high-beam assistance.
Fuel Economy
The 2018 Forester gets a 2.5L flat four that puts out 170hp and 174 lb. ft. of torque. With the CVT, the 2.5L gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, which is very competitive for the class. A six-speed manual gearbox comes standard on the base and Premium models, and its AWD results in slightly reduced fuel economy.
Options and Standard Features
The 2018 Forester has various models and trim levels, which are discussed below.
- The 2.5i has a six-speed manual transmission, AC, cruise control, a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and tilt steering, along with power windows, mirrors, and door locks, keyless entry, 60/40 split rear seating, and a 6.2" touchscreen infotainment system. Available options include an automatic CVT and alloy wheels.
- The 2.5i Premium gets a power moonroof, upgraded infotainment system, Starlink multimedia, Siri EyesFree, 17" alloys, auto climate controls, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, and more. CVT models can get an optional power gate, blind spot warning, fog lights, and EyeSight.
- The 2.5i Limited gets X-Mode and CVT with hill descent control, blind spot monitoring, leather seats, an all-weather package, auto headlamps, a power lift gate, and a leather-bound steering wheel. Available upgrades include Harman/Kardon audio, navigation, and Eyesight.
- The Touring model adds HID headlamps, navigation, EyeSight, heated steering, upgrade audio, easy-fold rear seats, responsive headlights, reverse auto braking, keyless entry and start, and an optional brown leather interior.
All Foresters with StarLink can receive an optional Security Plus and Safety Plus package that includes remote access, vehicle location and recovery, emergency assistance, vehicle health reminders, and collision notification. See local Subaru Forester dealers to learn about other available options.
Safety
The 2018 Subaru Forester near McComb, Ms has all government-mandated safety features, with a reinforced passenger compartment frame and a knee airbag for the driver. NHTSA gave it a five-star rating, while the IIHS rated it Superior for its accident avoidance tech.
A Look Behind the Wheel
The 2.5L engine's performance is strong, with quiet operation and good acceleration. The 2018 Forester rides more like a car than an SUV with almost nine inches of ground clearance, and the balanced steering wheel keeps the vehicle on the right track. Drivers and passengers will immediately notice the lower cabin noise and the comfortable ride.
The upgraded XT trim offers an even sportier ride, thanks mostly to the stiffened chassis, bigger brakes, and increased spring rate. We found that the 18" tires on the XT model provide greater handling without sacrificing comfort or increasing cabin noise. The power from the XT's turbo engine is a real joy and, if a driver wants more passing power, this is the engine we recommend. The CVT on the XT includes the same SI-DRIVE system found on the Subaru WRX. It has three modes: sport shift, sport, and intelligent. In sport shift and sport modes, the CVT can mimic a six- or eight-speed manual gearbox for maximum throttle response. While the performance is slightly less than that of the WRX, the XT model can still get from 0-60 in just over six seconds.
What We Recommend
If creature comforts and better fuel economy are at the top of a customer's list of priorities, the 2.5i Premium with the all-weather package, CVT, and power rear lift gate is what we recommend. Conversely, if performance and power are important, the turbo 2.0XT is our top choice. While navigation and EyeSight aren't available on the 2.0XT Premium, they're available on the XT Touring model. However, once a customer gets to the touring trim level, they'll pay almost as much as they would for a similar Outback.
The 2018 Forester is available at Subaru dealerships near McComb, MS. Call to learn more about it, or visit us today for a no-obligation test drive.
