2018 Subaru Forester — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Subaru Forester is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Forester workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Subaru Forester: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 34 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4450 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 31 urban / 38 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 26 city / 32 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 196 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2018 Subaru Forester across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 28 mpg (US), or 29 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (23/27) | 223 | $3,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (26/32) | 196 | $2,400 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/28) | 229 | $2,800 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Subaru Forester
Running Costs: 2018 Subaru Forester
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Subaru Forester at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Subaru Forester (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Air bags (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V587000, reported 29 July 2021. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 19V701000, reported 3 October 2019. Risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
- Tires — campaign 18V455000, reported 10 July 2018. Risk: Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 498 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Forester. The most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (135), Air bags (99), Unspecified (84). Complaints include 26 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 9 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 208 complaints across the 17 Subaru Forester model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Subaru Forester
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Visibility (135 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 99 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (71 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Subaru Forester compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 34 mpg figure is 7 mpg better than that average. Its 196 g/km CO₂ figure is 57 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Subaru models in our database. Its 196 g/km CO₂ figure is 10 g/km lower than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 17 Subaru Forester model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined, against a high of 35 mpg). See every Subaru Forester year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Subaru Forester
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Subaru Forester: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Subaru Forester?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Subaru Forester cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Subaru Forester (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Fuel system (1), Air bags (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Among the 498 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (135 complaints), Air bags (99 complaints), Unspecified (84 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Subaru Forester's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.