2018 SUBARU FORESTER

The 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium Sport Utility 4D stands as an exceptionally practical, highly capable benchmark in the compact crossover segment, representing the final, most refined production year of the fourth-generation platform. Built on an ultra-rigid high-strength steel unibody frame layout engineered for acoustic insulation, low noise-vibration-harshness (NVH), and high structural safety, this five-passenger utility vehicle shuns top-heavy crossover compromises in favor of exceptional all-weather traction, outstanding outward visibility, and vault-like highway composure.

Under the sculpted aluminum hood sits Subaru’s proven, naturally aspirated 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine, delivering 170 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 174 lb-ft of torque available at 4,100 RPM. Thanks to the engine's horizontally opposed layout, its low center of gravity enhances overall handling stability and cornering balance. This mechanical core is paired with a precise 6-speed manual transmission or the smooth, efficient Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with X-MODE® hill descent control on equipped models. Power is routed directly to all four wheels via Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which continuously monitors wheel speed and throttle input to distribute torque dynamically for maximum traction through rain, mud, gravel, or deep snow. The driving experience is complemented by a four-wheel independent suspension system featuring front MacPherson struts and a double-wishbone rear setup with front and rear stabilizer bars, supported by an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

On the exterior, the 2018 Forester 2.5i Premium executes a rugged, modern styling statement defined by a body-color front bumper, chrome-accented radiator grille, automatic halogen headlights, a power panoramic glass moonroof, and deep-tinted rear sun-screening privacy glass. Functional body contours feature protective lower body side cladding, body-colored power-adjustable heated side mirrors (All-Weather Package), roof rails with integrated tie-down points, a rear roof spoiler, and a confident stance rolling proudly on 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in heavy-duty all-season tires.

Inside, the driver-centric cockpit welcomes up to five occupants into a spacious, ultra-durable sanctuary lined with heavy-duty finishes and deeply cushioned seating draped in premium, wear-resistant cloth seat upholstery. This popular 2.5i Premium trim layout features a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, an available All-Weather Package with multi-stage heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, Automatic Climate Control with air filtration, reclining rear seatbacks, keyless entry, and an intuitive center stack. Modern digital connectivity is centered around a 7.0-inch STARLINK™ Multimedia touchscreen display screen, featuring Bluetooth® hands-free phone and streaming audio integration, dual USB media ports, auxiliary input jack, SiriusXM® satellite radio capability, Pandora® and iHeartRadio® app integration, and a crisp 6-speaker audio network.

Practicality and space utilization are where the fourth-generation Forester completely excels. The extended wheelbase provides class-leading headroom and legroom alongside 60/40 split-folding rear bench seatbacks with recline function. Opening the wide rear liftgate reveals 34.4 cubic feet of flat cargo trunk space behind the second row (31.5 cu. ft. with moonroof). Utilizing the quick-release seatback levers in the cargo area to collapse the 60/40 split rear bench completely flat into the floor, interior utility capacity expands exponentially to a cavernous 74.7 cubic feet of total flat cargo volume (68.5 cu. ft. with moonroof), providing an expansive, secure area to transport luggage sets, outdoor camping gear, media equipment, or daily commercial inventory.

Backed by a 15.9-gallon fuel tank to maximize interstate grand touring ranges, this highly optimized 2.5L BOXER powertrain achieves an efficient, budget-friendly EPA-estimated 26 MPG city and 32 MPG highway (CVT models), while supporting a solid conventional maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped. Safety is top-tier, securing an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating utilizing an ultra-high-strength steel Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame passenger safety cell with energy-absorbing front and rear structural crumple zones. The vehicle comes factory-equipped with a robust active driver protective safety net, including Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS), 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, a high-resolution Rearview Backup Camera, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), available EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology (Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure and Sway Warning), and an advanced multi-stage 7-airbag protection canopy network featuring dual-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag to guarantee absolute driving peace of mind across all road conditions.