The 2018 Subaru Forester is a compact crossover that competes with the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4.

The 2018 Forester is part of the fourth generation of Foresters sold in America. Very similar to the 2017 model, it is the recipient of added capabilities to the EyeSight safety suite. EyeSight-equipped models get high-beam assist and reverse auto braking for the first time. A new, up-level Black Edition trim is also offered for 2018. The Forester’s fifth generation will begin with an all-new 2019 model.

Here’s a quick outline of the Forester’s specifications.

• The 2018 Forester is built on a modified Subaru Impreza platform.

Pricing

• The 2018 Forester 2.5i starts at $22,795 plus a $915 destination charge.
• Top-of-the line 2.0XT Touring models reach $36,090 plus a $915 destination charge.
• The 2017 Forester 2.5i manual started at $22,595 plus an $875 destination charge.

Trims

• The 2018 Forester is available in seven trims: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Black Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring.
• The range-topping 2.0XT Touring model comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, black and chrome side cladding and foldable, body-colored exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Active torque vectoring, reverse automatic braking and high-beam assist headlights are included on Touring models.
• All models have a 3-year/36,000-mile vehicle warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year anti-perforation warranty.
• 17-inch steel wheels are standard on the base 2.5i Forester, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard on 2.5i Premium and Black Edition models, 18-inch alloys are standard on 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring, 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring models.

Dimensions

• The 2018 Forester has a 103.9-inch wheelbase, 181.5-inch overall length and a 70.7-inch width.

Powertrain

• All-wheel drive is standard.
• All 2.5i trims are equipped with a 170-horsepower horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. A turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower is standard in the 2.0XT Premium and 2.0XT Touring models.
• The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 174 pound-feet of torque, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 258 pound-feet.
• Selectable driving modes plus hill-descent control are standard on all Premium, Limited and Touring models with the continuously variable transmission.
• The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine uses a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine uses a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Towing

• Maximum towing capacity is 1,500 pounds.

Mileage

• EPA fuel economy estimates for Foresters equipped with the 2.5-liter engine and manual transmission are 22 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg in highway driving and 24 mpg combined.
• With the 2.5-liter and the CVT automatic the estimates are 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg combined.
• EPA fuel economy estimates for 2.0-liter-powered Forester models are 23 mpg city/27 mpg highway/25 mpg combined.

Safety

• All Forester models are equipped with advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, rollover sensor, side-impact sensor, tire pressure monitoring system, brake override, rearview camera with guidelines and anti-whiplash front seats.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which integrates adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and lane-departure and sway warning, is optional on the 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited. It is standard on 2.5i Touring and 2.0XT Touring. Limited and Touring models include blind-spot detection with lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.

Infotainment

• The standard infotainment system includes a 6.2-inch display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, USB port and an auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha and Pandora and STARLINK cloud applications that include iHeart Radio, Stitcher, news and weather. The screen also provides the display for the standard rear-vision camera.
• A similar 7-inch display system standard on the Premium, Limited and Touring trims adds Siri EyesFree mode, Bluetooth hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports. The optional navigation system features voice-activated controls and a three-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link along with four months of SiriusXM satellite radio.

Comfort & Convenience

• The Forester has 12-volt power outlets in the dash, center console and cargo area.
• All trim levels come with USB ports.
• The Forester’s liftgate is manually operated in the lower trims. Power rear liftgate with automatic close and height memory is optional in the 2.5i Premium and standard on Limited and Touring trims.
• Heated front seats are standard on the Limited and Touring models and optional as part of a package on Premium models. Leather seating is standard on Limited and Touring trims.

Editor’s note: All photos courtesy of Subaru