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2018 Subaru Forester

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$22,795

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

24

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

181.5” x 68.2”

Dimensions

All-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(513 reviews)

The good:

  • Visibility
  • Backseat space
  • Backup camera standard
  • Off-the-line response

The bad:

  • No stick shift for 2.0XT model
  • Liftgate should open higher
  • EyeSight cameras intrude
  • Seats not supportive enough
  • Choppy ride

7 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2018 Subaru Forester trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2025

Notable features

  • New Black Edition Package available
  • Turbo or non-turbo four-cylinder engine
  • Manual transmission or CVT
  • All-wheel drive standard
  • Forward and reverse automatic braking available

Consumer reviews

(513 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.6
  • Performance 4.7
  • Value 4.7
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
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Most recent consumer reviews

Love my 2018 limited Forester , Great as you the very

Love my 2018 limited Forester , Great as you the very comfortable love how it drives good gas mileage so far.. highly recommend this car great for transporting kids also… Very quiet driving experience

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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The back cargo area doesn’t lie flat.

The back cargo area doesn’t lie flat. That is some thing that I think is needed in a SUV. The control arms went out at 40k the AC compressor Went out 60k . Drives like a go cart was written below. I guess that’s taking a lot away from go carts. But it definitely isn’t powerful. Off road ability is poor for something that’s supposed to be dirt road capable.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Does not recommend this car
1 person out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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My 4th Subaru is my favorite

I've had three other Subarus and this one is my favorite. One of the best parts about this car is how spacious it feels inside. The tall roof combined with the panoramic sunroof bring the outside in and make for a happy drive. It also has the famous Subaru boxer engine and AWD. Road noise is a bit louder than competitors, but that's ok to me because it makes the ride more fun. Also like the Eyesight suite of safety features. It adds a level of confidence to my commute. It also holds a lot of cargo when it needs to do it.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 513 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2018 Subaru Forester base trim.
Combined side rating front seat
5
Combined side rating rear seat
5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4
Overall rating
5
Overall side crash rating
5
Risk of rollover
16.9%
Rollover rating
4
Side barrier rating
5
Side barrier rating driver
5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Subaru
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Coverage available for purchase
Powertrain
7 years/100,000
Dealer certification required
152-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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