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2018 Subaru Forester

The 2018 Subaru Forester is a compact SUV, rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year.

2018 Subaru Forester
© Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0
Combined MPG
28
NHTSA safety
Starting price
$29,000
Recalls
3

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Full specifications

Identity

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
MakeSubaru
ModelForester
Model year2018
Vehicle classCompact SUV

Engine & drivetrain

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Displacement2.5 L
Cylinders4
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City MPG26
Highway MPG32
Combined MPG28
CO₂ tailpipe315 g/mi
EPA annual fuel cost$2200

Available configurations

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
Forester AWD28 MPG combined
Forester AWD25 MPG combined
Forester AWD24 MPG combined

Fuel economy

SRC · EPA FuelEconomy
City26 MPG
Highway32 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Efficiency vs class average

Forester28 MPG
Class average32.2 MPG

About 13% below the class average.

Est. monthly payment
$511/mo
Amount financed
$26,100
Total interest
$4,541
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5-year fuel cost
$7,179

$1,436/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal

Combined MPG28
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Extended warranty & insurance

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Cost to own

Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.

Safety ratings & recalls

SRC · NHTSA vPIC
Overall
Frontal crash
Side crash
Rollover

Recalls (3)

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000 · 2021-07-29

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

  • AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION19V701000 · 2019-10-03

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

  • TIRES18V455000 · 2018-07-10

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the MPG of the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The 2018 Subaru Forester is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway).

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.

How safe is the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The 2018 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 4 stars in the frontal crash test.

How much does it cost to fuel the 2018 Subaru Forester?

At 12,000 miles per year, the 2018 Subaru Forester costs roughly $1,436 per year to fuel, or about $7,179 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.

What type of vehicle is the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The 2018 Subaru Forester is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.

Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC