Introduction

Subaru of America has been on a roll of late, posting its 65th back-to-back month of record-breaking sales. Changes for the 2018 model year Forester have now been announced, and the car has the best safety features, fuel efficiency and cargo space you’ll find in a single package. Alongside the announcement of the pricing model for the 2018 year, Subaru also announced they are to introduce an all-new 2.5i Black Edition to the Forester family. 

Features and Technology

Subaru makes its cars with the occupants’ safety in mind, and an array of safety systems are housed with the latest 2018 Forester. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology ensures cruise control is optimized while constantly monitoring traffic and alerting driver whenever they are drifting and swaying from lanes, with pre-collision braking capable of engaging a full braking force in emergencies.

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert systems and Blind-Spot Detection with radar sensors warn users with a visual sign in each side mirror whenever there is a vehicle in a blind spot as well as detecting approaching traffic from the side when reversing. There are audible alerts and flashing indicators in the rear-vision camera display and side mirrors when this happens.

All models of the 2018 Forester will have these features and more, while the premium 2.5i Black Edition will add a Reverse Automatic Braking and Rear-Vision Camera, systems to help with maneuverability and backing up in tight spots to avoid collision with objects behind.

In addition, standard on all trims is the Power Rear Gate that allows for opening and closing the rear liftgate with the push of a key fob button, with extra controls on the dashboard and on the gate itself. One can also adjust the gate’s height clearance when overhead space is limited on the 2.5i Premium.

Other notable technologies are the Subaru STARLINK Multimedia system that connects you to music, news, navigation, podcasts and weather, by allowing wireless pairing and hands-free smartphone operations for safe and easy access to personal content through Pandora, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and other new and fun STARLINK applications.

The exterior features all-LED lighting with steering responsive headlights and high beam assist that actively monitor in the direction of a turn to enhance visibility in bends while also automatically shifting the headlights between high and low settings when an oncoming vehicle is detected, ensuring safe driving for all on the road.

The interiors have heated seats and steering wheel with memory seating that not only maintain warmth when the temperature gets low but also provide excellent comfort at a button’s touch with the available 10-way adjustable power driver’s seat with two-position memory function. Some Forester trims also include premium 8-speaker audio system and a 440-watt-equivalent Harman Kardon amp, a 7-inch high-res touchscreen, and SiriusXM All-Access Radio.

Performance

Engine variations in the Forester remain similar, with a 2.5-liter 170-hp flat-four arriving as standard on all models paired to a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 2.5i Black Edition Forester gets up to a fuel-efficient 32 MPG on the highway. The horizontal arrangement of the Subaru BOXER engine is housed below the frame so that it drives under the chassis in a front-end collision and protect the occupancy area while also permitting for a low center of gravity for better response and stability.

The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives you improved handling, efficiency, and a faster response to off-road journeys and uneven road situations. The 2.0-liter 250-hp turbo-four, similar to the WRX sports sedan’s unit, will probably remain the optional powertrain paired to the CVT.

Pricing

Subaru revealed that you could expect to pay an amount between $23,245 and $34,000 for the 2018 Subaru Forester, depending on trim level, with the lowest price being for the base model and the high-end Black Edition with premium features being the most expensive. The pricing is inclusive of delivery and destination charges. The mid-range Limited model comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine instead of the turbo 2.0-liter unit and has a standard six-speed manual transmission. Premium features like the 10-way power driver’s seat, 60/40-split rear seats, leather upholstery, heated front seats, backup camera, 7-inch touchscreen and push-to-start button will cost you more.

Additionally, customization totaling up to $31,790 could get you more features including the EyeSight safety suite and navigation system.  For enthusiasts going for the CVT automatic in the base model, an additional $1,000 price tag will be added to the car’s base price. The CVT is only $500 more on the Premium grade, and turbocharged XT models gain the Active Torque Vectoring system that was first debuted in the WRX sports sedan for $1,000.

The 2018 Subaru Forester will be available at Lee’s Summit Subaru, in Lee’s Summit, Kansas.