2018 Subaru Forester 2.0
The 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Non-Turbo is a variant of Subaru's popular compact SUV that emphasizes reliability, practicality, and the brand’s renowned all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This version features a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize efficiency and comfort over high performance. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specs and a comprehensive review.
2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Key Specifications
Engine and Performance
2018 Subaru Forester 2.0
The 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Non-Turbo is a variant of Subaru’s popular compact SUV that emphasizes reliability, practicality, and the brand’s renowned all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. This version features a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize efficiency and comfort over high performance. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specs and a comprehensive review.
2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Key Specifications
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer (FB20)
- Power Output: 110 kW (148 hp) at 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 198 Nm at 4,200 rpm
- Transmission Options:
- 6-speed manual transmission (available in lower trims)
- Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drive Type: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Fuel Economy (combined):
- Manual: 7.2 L/100 km (~33 mpg)
- CVT: 7.4 L/100 km (~32 mpg)
- Top Speed: ~190 km/h (118 mph)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): ~10.5 seconds
Dimensions
- Length: 4,595 mm (180.9 inches)
- Width: 1,795 mm (70.7 inches)
- Height: 1,735 mm (68.3 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,640 mm (103.9 inches)
- Ground Clearance: 220 mm (8.7 inches)
- Curb Weight: 1,470-1,540 kg (depending on trim and equipment)
Interior and Comfort
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Upholstery: Fabric upholstery (leather available on higher trims)
- Infotainment System:
- 7-inch touchscreen with Subaru’s Starlink system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Bluetooth, USB, and AUX inputs
- Climate Control: Manual air conditioning (automatic climate control available in higher trims)
- Cargo Space:
- 505 liters (rear seats up)
- 1,592 liters (rear seats folded)
Safety Features
- Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist (available on higher trims):
- Pre-Collision Braking System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management
- Airbags: Dual front, side, curtain airbags, and driver’s knee airbag
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC): Stability control and traction control
- Additional Safety Features:
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
- Rearview camera
- Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist
2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Review
Pros:
- All-Wheel Drive as Standard: Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is one of the best in the industry. It provides excellent traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions, from wet roads to light off-roading.
- Spacious and Practical Interior: The Forester offers plenty of headroom, legroom, and cargo space, making it ideal for families or those who require a versatile vehicle for daily driving and outdoor adventures.
- Ground Clearance: With 220 mm of ground clearance, the Forester can handle rough terrain better than many other compact SUVs in its class. This makes it suitable for those who frequently drive on unpaved roads or in snowy conditions.
- Fuel Efficiency: For a non-turbo SUV with AWD, the 2.0-liter engine delivers respectable fuel economy, especially when paired with the CVT transmission.
- Safety: Subaru is known for its safety features, and the availability of EyeSight driver assist technology (on higher trims) makes the Forester a very safe choice for families. The inclusion of adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking is a big plus.
- Smooth and Comfortable Ride: The Forester is designed with comfort in mind, and it absorbs road imperfections well. It’s particularly comfortable for long trips, with seats that provide good support.
Cons:
- Underpowered for Some: While the 2.0-liter engine is adequate for everyday driving, it can feel underpowered, particularly when the car is fully loaded or during highway overtaking maneuvers. The non-turbo engine doesn’t offer the kind of acceleration or sporty performance that some competitors do.
- Interior Materials: While practical and functional, the interior materials in the base and mid-level trims are a bit basic. There’s more hard plastic compared to rivals, which can make the cabin feel less premium.
- Infotainment System Could Be Better: Though the infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the user interface can feel a bit outdated compared to more modern competitors. Some users may find the system’s responsiveness to be slightly sluggish.
- No Turbo Option in This Variant: Those looking for more power may be disappointed by the lack of a turbocharged engine in the 2.0 variant. To get more power, buyers would need to look at the 2.5-liter or XT turbocharged versions of the Forester.
Driving Experience
The 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Non-Turbo delivers a pleasant and predictable driving experience. It’s not a performance SUV, but it handles everyday driving tasks with ease. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine offers smooth acceleration, but it’s not particularly fast. The CVT transmission is well-suited to urban driving and helps keep the engine in its power band. However, the manual transmission offers a bit more engagement for those who prefer to shift gears themselves.
The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight city streets and parking lots. The AWD system comes into its own on slippery or uneven surfaces, providing confidence in all conditions. Additionally, the suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness, absorbing bumps and road imperfections to ensure a smooth ride.
Interior and Technology
The Forester’s interior is designed for practicality and durability. It has a spacious cabin with large windows, which enhance visibility and create an airy atmosphere. Both front and rear seats are comfortable for long journeys, and the high driving position gives a commanding view of the road.
In terms of technology, the Starlink infotainment system is functional but basic. The addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a welcome feature, making it easier to integrate smartphones for navigation and entertainment. However, the overall design of the dashboard is simple and lacks the premium feel found in some competitors like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V.
Competitors
- Honda CR-V: A more premium-feeling interior with a powerful turbocharged engine option and similar fuel efficiency. The CR-V also offers more rear seat space.
- Mazda CX-5: Sportier handling and more refined interior materials, but with less cargo space and slightly lower ground clearance.
- Toyota RAV4: Offers similar reliability and practicality, but the AWD system is not as advanced as Subaru’s. The RAV4 is known for being very efficient and having good resale value.
Verdict
The 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0 Non-Turbo is a well-rounded compact SUV that excels in practicality, safety, and all-weather capability thanks to its standard AWD system. While it may not be the fastest or most luxurious SUV in its class, it is a great choice for those who prioritize reliability, comfort, and the ability to handle rough roads or adverse weather conditions. The non-turbo engine provides adequate performance for most daily driving needs but may feel underpowered for drivers seeking more excitement. Overall, it’s an excellent family car with strong resale value and a reputation for durability.