2018
Subaru Forester

Starts at:
$22,795
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New 2018 Subaru Forester
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2.5i Manual
    Starts at
    $22,795
    MPG
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i CVT
    Starts at
    $23,795
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i Premium Manual
    Starts at
    $25,695
    MPG
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i Premium CVT
    Starts at
    $26,195
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i Premium Black Edition CVT *Ltd Avail*
    Starts at
    $27,345
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i Premium Black Edition w/EyeSight CVT
    Starts at
    $28,540
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i Limited CVT
    Starts at
    $29,395
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.0XT Premium CVT
    Starts at
    $29,495
    MPG
    23 City / 27 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.5i Touring CVT
    Starts at
    $33,090
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs
  • 2.0XT Touring CVT
    Starts at
    $36,090
    MPG
    23 City / 27 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All Wheel Drive
    Shop this trim See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester 2018 Subaru Forester

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

The good & the bad

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
See all specifications

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2018 Subaru Forester base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
Combined side rating front seat
Combined side rating rear seat
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
Overall side crash rating
Rollover rating
Side barrier rating
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
16.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
Side pole rating driver front seat
16.9%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 years / 80,000 miles
Basic
Coverage available for purchase
Dealer certification
152-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2018
    4.8
    Subaru Forester
    Starts at
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    2018 Subaru Forester
    MPG
    22 City / 28 Hwy
    Seat capacity
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    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
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    All-wheel drive
    Compare
  • 2020
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    Subaru Forester
    Starts at
    $24,495
    2020 Subaru Forester
    MPG
    26 City / 33 Hwy
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    Drivetrain
    All-wheel drive
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    Starts at
    $24,995
    2016 Subaru Outback
    MPG
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    Seat capacity
    5
    Engine
    Regular Unleaded H-4
    Drivetrain
    All-wheel drive
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  • 2016
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    Starts at
    $21,795
    2016 Mazda CX-5
    MPG
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    Seat capacity
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    Engine
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    Drivetrain
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  • 2018
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    Honda CR-V
    Starts at
    $24,250
    2018 Honda CR-V
    MPG
    26 City / 32 Hwy
    Seat capacity
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    Engine
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    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

94% of drivers recommend this car
Based on 514 reviews
Write a review
Comfort
4.7
Interior
4.6
Performance
4.7
Value
4.7
Exterior
4.7
Reliability
4.8

Most recent

  • By Tony P. from New York
    Owns this car
    September 22, 2025

    Great value considering the superior safety features, low

    Great value considering the superior safety features, low maintenance and reliability. Rear wheel bearings have been replaced twice and just had the AC compressor and serpentine belt replaced. Albeit expensive repairs, all cars need something after the first 3 years. It's been 8 years and the car still run and drives like new.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Deena B from Rancho Santa Margarita, California
    Owns this car
    November 7, 2024

    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
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    4.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Jj
    Owns this car
    June 13, 2024

    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.
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    3.0
    Performance
    3.0
    Value
    3.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    3.0
    4 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Driver 9 from Fort Collins, CO
    Owns this car
    March 30, 2024

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By N from Virginia
    Owns this car
    November 1, 2023

    Foresters are a rip off.

    Don’t buy a Forster my 2018 has been high maintenance over $6,000 in repairs just after it reach 30k warranty limit including new ac, front control arms, bushings, drivers side window operator and windshield needed replacement after warranty ran out. Doesn’t handle well and drives like a go cart. Never had buyers remorse so badly.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    2.0
    Performance
    2.0
    Value
    1.0
    Exterior
    3.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    13 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ray s from Wisconsin
    Owns this car
    June 3, 2023

    Love my forester

    2018 forester 105000 miles it's smooth, quiet and very reliable it's needed nothing but a rear wheel bearing and oil changes. Has great visibility and drives really nice the gas pedal is a little touchy, and it sips gas I ave 30mph in winter and 34mph in summer
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    15 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By None from Tucson,AZ
    Owns this car
    January 7, 2023

    Stay away

    Bushings and arm needed replacement after 36K miles. $640 just for labor. Very upsetting. Have had other cars with more miles and never needed this.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    2.0
    Interior
    2.0
    Performance
    1.0
    Value
    2.0
    Exterior
    2.0
    Reliability
    3.0
    21 people out of 25 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Retirement from Barberton Ohio
    Owns this car
    November 27, 2022

    Dangerous

    CRT transmission has serious hesitation issues. Cause’s problem when pulling out in front of traffic because this hesitation can cause a accident and this problem is intermittent causing anxiety issues
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    2.0
    Value
    3.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    4.0
    23 people out of 26 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Barry from Swartz Creek, Michigan
    Owns this car
    October 29, 2022

    2018 Forester

    10/29/2022 2 wks ago i bought 2018 forester premium. Overall very happy with the vehicle. It feels solid for a small car.The drivers seat is very comfortable for me. Im 6"0 and weight 230lbs. My only complaint so far is freeway driving. Seems to wander alot and if on grooved payment with wind then it becomes a chore to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    15 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Benny the Subaru Guy from Ravenna Ohio
    Owns this car
    June 30, 2022

    Best Small SUV on the market

    Best Small SUV for your money !!! Highly recommend Great fuel ⛽️ economy in these times of high fuel costs and it’s FUN TO DRIVE.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    4.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    4.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    9 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Randi from Old bridge nj
    Owns this car
    June 26, 2022

    Great reliable car

    I love my car. I take it in every six months for service. Never had a problem in the four years I have it as long as you take care of it all is well
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort
    5.0
    Interior
    5.0
    Performance
    5.0
    Value
    5.0
    Exterior
    5.0
    Reliability
    5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Matt from Alexandria, VA
    Owns this car
    June 12, 2022

    Buyer Beware, look at service records first!!

    I bought the car new in 2018. Based on everything I had heard and read about Subaru I thought it would be a great fit for commuting to and from school (about 200 miles round trip). I have about 112k miles on it as of writing this review. The car was absolutely great! Until around 60k miles… Around that time odd things started to pop up. I starting having to replace a lot of light bulbs, which I thought was odd. Since then I have had to replace dozens, DOZENS, of light bulbs. I’ve also had to replace the battery and assume the new one will be going out soon (very corroded). Seems as though there might be an electrical problem somewhere. I’m not a “car guy”. Other than electrical stuff, the mechanics of the car began fading quickly around 70k miles, which I thought was like infancy in Subaru miles. Currently at 112k miles and I’ve had to replace suspension components, engine components, axle components, and now the compressor is out (fyi the part alone is almost $900!). There seems to be some kind of serious exhaust leak that comes into the cab when sitting still and (again not a car person) the engine just overall sounds not good. But hey the light bulbs have stopped burning out! Overall I am very disappointed in this car and will not be purchasing another Subaru. From the extensive research I’ve done on the car since I’ve owned it, it looks like it is an overall great car, just not mine. I’ll be looking to get rid of it ASAP as to avoid putting another dime into it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort
    3.0
    Interior
    4.0
    Performance
    2.0
    Value
    2.0
    Exterior
    4.0
    Reliability
    1.0
    17 people out of 19 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The 2018 Subaru Forester is available in 6 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • Limited (1 style)
  • Premium (3 styles)
  • Premium Black Edition (1 style)
  • Premium Black Edition w/EyeSight (1 style)
  • Touring (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The 2018 Subaru Forester offers up to 22 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The 2018 Subaru Forester compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2018 Subaru Forester has an average reliability rating of 4.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2018 Subaru Forester owners.

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2018 Subaru Forester. 94.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 514 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.8

Subaru Forester history

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