2018 Subaru Forester Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Jul 16, 2021

 

 

What is a Subaru Forester? A car, yes, but one loaded with several impressive features that will make you fall in love with its exterior, interior, and smooth ride. It is impossible to explain it in a word because it has so much to offer. So, let’s start!

 

Subaru Forester is a 5-seater compact yet sport AWD SUV. Available in noteworthy 7 trim levels, they all look fantastic. Coming to the latest 2018 Subaru Forester, you would love it. Especially the addition of a spectacular “Black Edition Package”. The choice of turbo and non-turbo motors, along with a highly intuitive automatic braking, add up to its value. The company hasn’t compromised on its visibility, quality, or comfort. All things backed up with the classic off-the-line response feel wonderful.

 

This car is extremely safe to drive. It has a valuable suite of active safety features. This suite can be called EyeSight. Well, for the same value for money, you might be able to find a more refined, spacious, and advanced interior. But, an SUV does carry practicality. Among all the trims, 2.5i Premium has something special. Sunroof and improved seats! Media interface and other conveniences!

 

Engine and Road performance:

The company has equipped the 2018 Subaru Forester with high-quality machinery. It ensures a well-rounded driving performance. You can find it in a variety of two engine configurations. These are 2.5L and 2.0L and both work amazingly smoothly. They provide a sharp, clean and maneuverable ride. Most of the trims have a 2.5L horizontally placed 4-cyl engine. If you want to ride in its 2.0L engine, you need to spend massive money on 2018 Subaru Forester XT trims, either premium or touring.

 

First, choose what would you like? Turbo or non-turbo. A 2.0L is a turbocharged engine showing commendable power. Both configurations guarantee a balanced ride and surefooted handling. No matter what machine you pick, you can use the 2018 Subaru Forester daily. The compatible transmissions are installed to level up the speed, power, and torque. The base powertrain comes only with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but you can go for the CVT (Continuously variable automatic transmission). It is also a reliable pick.

 

Once you start driving, you would love its authoritative acceleration and good road grip. You must be thinking why we called it an all-rounder. Because it is made to handle light off-roading, too. The controlled body motions make it a usable car. Rest assured, the tires are surprisingly grippy, so you always experience a firm ride. To keep the ride engaging, the throttle is made highly responsive in Subaru Forester 2018. The throttle and pedals, brakes and suspension, everything is coordinated. So, you get immediate access to engine power.

 

When all of this fantastic equipment is supported with the confident braking kit that is also easy to modulate, the on- and off-road handling gets refined in all of its multiple driving modes. Apart from providing ample stopping power, it does manage to decrease the body roll brilliantly while enhancing the cornering abilities. Road handling is decent considering the 2018 Subaru Forester a crossover. The standard AWD makes driving confident even in bad weather.

 

Fuel consumption rates:

✓ 2.5L 4-cylinder, 6-speed manual transmission: 22mpg for city and 28mpg for highway

✓ 2.5L 4-cylinder, CVT: 26 mpg for city and 32 mpg for highway

✓ 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl, CVT: 23 mpg for city and 27 mpg for highway

 

What makes this SUV an excellent long-distance cruiser? The minimal road and wind noise regardless of the high or low acceleration. All you will feel is an inimitable buzz from the steering and pedals. There is no doubt, Forester provides a smooth and hassle-free ride even on the gravel roads. Everything is good except one thing that is PERFECT, and that is “e-BOXER hybrid powertrain”. Infused with the Lineartronic CVT, it has brilliantly helped improve fuel consumption rates. Another advantage is the power support it delivers to enhance the drivability.

 

Design:

A car has also a wonderfully spacious cabin and stylish exterior. This SUV can grab everyone’s attention with its high quality and muscular build. The 2018 Subaru Forester seats 5 people in 2 rows. Even the rear row seats are made highly comfortable. It provides ample knee, head, and legroom, so you enjoy a pleasant ride. With incredible visibility and commanding view, you will get the maximum practicality.

 

Want to stash large bags of grocery? There is no shortage of space. For additional storage, generous door pockets on the front and rear are installed. There are adequate IT features that will guarantee a relaxed ride. Since last year's model, Subaru has significantly worked on its comprehensive and improved display graphics.

 

Every switch and control is easy to understand. Volume and climate controls and tuning knobs are featured for extra ease and fun. You might not like its simple Bluetooth connectivity, but it is responsive. Honestly speaking, you would not find something extra inside the cabin. Although, you will be amazed at the use of high-quality material. If you are one of those drivers who like everything well-laid and less complicated, this is for you!

 

One of the most discussed problems is an unusually high seating position. It can affect the driving angle and comfortability. Other classic features like two multifunction touchscreens, too many menus, nicer finesse, and soft-touch accents compensate. The 2018 Subaru Forester feels robust and well-constructed.

 

2.5i specifications:

✓ 6.2-inch Multimedia with smartphone app integration

✓ Driver’s auto-up/down power window

✓  Manually adjustable AC with air filter

✓  Cloth-wrapped interior

✓  High-resolution LCD touchscreen display

✓  4-speaker audio setup with AM/FM/CD player compatibility

✓  17-inch sturdy steel wheels

✓  Analog gauges

✓  USB portal and auxiliary jack

✓  Bluetooth audio streaming

✓  6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat

✓  4-way manually adjustable passenger’s seat

 

2.5XT premium specifications:

✓  18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

✓  Panoramic moonroof

✓  Cloth upholstery

✓  10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

✓  4-way manually adjustable passenger’s seat

✓  Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

✓  Automatic climate control system

✓  7.0-inch Multimedia Plus in high-resolution LCD touchscreen display

✓  Voice-activated controls

✓  6-speaker audio setup

✓ USB portals and AUX

✓  Bluetooth audio streaming and fast connectivity

 

2.5i Premium specifications:

✓  17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

✓  Panoramic moonroof

✓  First-row auto-up/down powered window

✓  Raised roof rails

✓  10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat

✓  7.0-inch Multimedia Plus with smartphone app integration

✓  6 speakers audio system with AM/FM/CD player

✓  Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming

✓  High-resolution LCD touchscreen display

✓  Voice-command controls

✓  Dual USB portal and AUX inlets

✓  Automatic climate control system

 

2.5i Limited specifications:

✓  Fog lights

✓  Automatic headlights

✓  Powered rear gate (automatic close and height memory)

✓  Leather-trimmed interior with shiny silver metallic and piano black accent

✓  Analog gauges

✓  Color LCD

✓  Electroluminescent lighting

 

2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring specifications:

✓  18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels

✓  LED Steering Responsive Headlights

✓  High Beam Assist headlights

✓  Push-button Start

✓  PIN-code vehicle access

✓  7.0-inch multi-touch Multimedia with Navigation in high resolution

✓  USB portals and AUX jacks

✓  Bluetooth audio streaming

✓  Voice-activated controls, Navigation, Phone and Audio System

✓  Harman Kardon premium 8-speaker audio system

✓  Heated steering wheel

✓  2-position driver’s seat memory

✓  Dual-zone automatic climate control

 

Safety features:

All 2018 Subaru Forester have Eyesight Driver Assist Technology. The Touring trim also has the Subaru DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.

 

Available advanced safety features:

✓  Forward collision warning

✓  AEB

✓  Lane assistance

✓  Head-up display

✓  Blind-spot monitoring

✓  Rear cross-traffic alert

✓  Reverse AEB

 

Cons of buying 2018 Subaru Forester:

✓  EyeSight cameras visibility is hindered

✓  Seats are not designed supportive enough

✓  Subpar quality interior

✓  Compared to the rivals, the list of standard features is short

✓  expensive

✓  Sometimes, CVT gets less reactive

✓  Not so sporty handling

✓  Very basic cabin design

 

Final verdict:

With outstanding cargo capacity, the 2018 Subaru Forester is guaranteed to provide reasonable mpg ratings. It comes with a lot of sophisticated and advanced safety features. Interior and construction quality might give cheaper feels, but it is useful. Although basic, the layout is practical. Its standard AWD is smooth, and the engine offers a trouble-free ride. It works without sinking fuel economy. It comes with adequate off-road stability. All credit goes to its suspension and powerful engine.

 

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