The 2018 Subaru Forester lasts around 250,000 miles with some relatively minor windshield and rattling issues reported. At $18,050 to $24,700, it’s a decent value for a comfortable small SUV with good reliability ratings.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Subaru Forester since reliability ratings are high & the all-wheel drive system is great. Owner reviews praise the safety features, nice cabin, as well as the relatively low ownership costs as they age.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 Forester. Stay away from models from 2014–2015 since they have engine problems, 2016–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is good from the upgraded turbocharged 4-cylinder engine for a small SUV.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2019 Forester is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, as well as lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 445 miles of range from the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $60 cheaper than average, at $146 per month.
- Value 8/10 – Depreciation is slow on the 2018 Subaru Forester, making it a great long-term value for shoppers, even if it’s more expensive up-front.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Forester?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Subaru Forester stands out from the crowd of small SUVs as a good choice, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Forester at 4.4/5, praising the higher ground clearance, but doesn’t like the unresponsive CVT transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 Forester a 4.3/5, enjoying the great all-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the raspy-sounding engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Subaru Forester Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Subaru Forester include a broken windshield, excessive rattling from the dash, and a broken backup camera. Overall, these problems are very minor compared to other small SUVs, leading to lower than average repair bills as it ages.
A broken windshield is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Forester owners in the first 30,000 miles. There are some models which have weaker windshields than others due to manufacturing defects, making them more susceptible to cracking. Replacing the windshield is the only way to fix it, costing around $800.
Excessive rattling from inside the dash has also shown up on some Forester models in the first 10,000 miles. There are a lot of clips and screws in the dash which can come loose early in the ownership experience. Finding the source of the problem and replacing any damaged parts costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
A broken backup camera has also been mentioned by some Forester owners at around 40,000 miles. Usually, when the camera does not display an image on the dash, it’s a sign of a software problem, and simply restarting the car fixes it. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need an update which is usually installed for free. If the camera itself is damaged then it costs roughly $650 to replace.
There are three recalls on the 2018 Subaru Forester, which is similar to other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers a fuel pump failure which can cause the engine to stall. Subaru will replace the fuel pump in affected models for free. Other recalls cover incorrect tire information labels, as well as a software update to the airbag system, which are both not mechanical concerns.
How Long Will the 2018 Subaru Forester Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Subaru Forester can last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $484 per year.
As a used 2018 Subaru Forester reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the drive axle costing $850, oil pressure sensor costing $400, as well as the A/C compressor which is around $900.
So far I have had no problems with it. I got a letter about an impending recall on it, but that is about it.
I have no encountered any issues with my Subaru forester, if I do, I will be going to a Subaru dealership to handle them.
This is an extremely reliable vehicle. We have not had any issues with it since we first started driving it a little over a year and a half ago. We actually plan to buy it once the lease is done!
This vehicle is extremely reliable- I live in snow country and it has never let me down. It is great in snow and on ice. I feel secure in the Subaru forester.
Haven't had any problems other than a malfunction in window switch having a mind of its own when trying to put it up.
My Subaru has no problems. I have had it for over a year and have gotten regular maintenance. We've had the inside air filter replaced and that is only because of the number of miles I was driving it and the conditions on those roads.
Have had absolutely NO problems with it and yes I consider it very reliable. So far in the year I've had it - it's been wonderful.
I think it is, especially as a car for leasing; it is maintained on a regular basis. Currently it does not have any problem.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good since the Forester offers a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen with Subaru’s Starlink software. There’s a 7-inch touchscreen on 2.5i Premium and higher models.
Standard safety technology is good, with a rearview camera. Subaru EyeSight is an optional upgrade. The advanced safety features in EyeSight include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, as well as reverse automatic braking.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Subaru Forester is a good value since it offers decent reliability as it ages, with a nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $18,050 to $24,700, making it more than a Kia Niro or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price was $22,795 to $36,090. Depreciation is better than some other small SUVs, losing only about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Forester?
There are six models of the 2018 Subaru Forester offered from the 2.5i all the way up to the 2.0XT Touring model. All Forester models come standard with all-wheel drive.
2.5i is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Height-Adjustable Driver Seat
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seatback
- Bluetooth Phone Connectivity
- Driver Information Display
- Rearview Camera
- 2-Inch Touchscreen
- Four-Speaker Sound System
2.5i Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Reclining Rear Seats
- Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Voice Commands
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Starlink Safety Plus
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Sound System
2.5i Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Power Liftgate
- Leather Upholstery
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Cargo Area Cover
- Upgraded Driver Information Display
2.5i Touring adds features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Adaptive LED Headlights
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- One-Touch Folding Seatbacks
- Standard EyeSight Safety
2.0XT Premium offers more items including:
- Unique 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Larger Brakes
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Shift Paddles
2.0XT Touring is the flagship model with:
- Power Liftgate
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirrors
- Eight-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System
What Engines Come In the Subaru Forester?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It’s offered with either a six-speed manual transmission, or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the strong turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder which produces 250 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. It’s only offered with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Performance is good, taking 6.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Forester Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Forester?
Overall, the 2018 Subaru Forester is a very comfortable small SUV. It has a smooth ride and supportive seats, and most owners say that it is easy to drive for long periods of time without feeling tired or stressed.
The Forester also has a good amount of legroom and headroom in both the front and back seats, which can be important for longer trips or for taller passengers. The cabin is also relatively quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, which can contribute to the overall comfort of the Forester.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Forester Have?
Cargo space is similar to other small SUVs, giving enough space for 6-7 suitcases behind the rear seats, and over 15 with the back seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Subaru Forester came out in 2014, and was replaced by the fifth generation in 2019.
2015: Upgraded 18-inch wheels offered, standard rearview camera on all models.
2016: New stereo system with 6.2 or 7-inch touchscreens available.
2017: EyeSight safety system has lane departure intervention, minor front grille changes.
2018: Black edition package available with darker wheels and trim.
2019: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with more passenger room, stronger engines, and better safety technology.
2020: All-weather package added to Premium model, standard lane-centering assistance across the lineup.
2021: Automatic high beams are standard on all models.
How Does the Subaru Forester Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Subaru Forester is a great compact SUV since it offers a nice interior, good reliability ratings, and a great all-wheel drive system which helps it stand out from the pack.
The Subaru Outback is another SUV offered by Subaru which costs around $1,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Subaru Outback, while the Subaru Forester is more nimble and fun to drive. We recommend the Subaru Outback since you get more practicality for your money, although both are nice choices.
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV which costs around $1,700 more. Ownership costs are slightly lower on the Toyota RAV4, while the Subaru Forester is much quicker with the optional engine. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since they will be cheaper to own long-term, although both are worth checking out to see which you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Forester?
Yes. The gas mileage is great. There are hardly any blind spots. My whole family fits easily into it and I love how it handles. I also love the options it comes with and the safety features.
Yes. It meets all of my needs and I feel safe in my vehicle. It is reliable and has not had any issues.
Yes, I never thought I would drive an SUV, but this was the perfect transition vehicle for our expanding family and my comfort level. We also specifically sought out a Subaru because of the safety features and are very happy with how they perform. Also, the visibility is greatly improved from my previous vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra.
The 2018 Subaru forester is an excellent vehicle. It perform excellently in snow and ice, is great on gas, has a sophisticated style and a great price. I love it.
Subaru forester is a good vehicle to have great in inclement weather great on road traction great vehicle all together.
It is a very good vehicle. It is my daily driver, it is comfortable, safe, and gets good gas mileage.I've has it for over a year now and have driven it in the hills, on the highway, and in the snow. It handles like a dream in all conditions. Knowing about the traction control tire technology make me feel an extra level of safety when traveling in the snow over the holidays, I even drove in the snow and ice- no problem.
Very much so. love it. Very safe car. Love driving it. A step up from my previous smaller sized SUV. Feels sturdy and is great on gas mileage. Drives great in bad weather conditions.
It is a great car for me for several reasons: spacious interior to tote my two boys around, has a nice height for a driver and space in the back trunk.