2018 Subaru Forester review

1. Off-road credentials as standard

The 2018 Subaru Forester comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it great in inclement weather. When you combine this with a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, it's also handy on rockier dirt roads. The available X-MODE^® terrain feature with hill descent control (only CVT models and not available on the base 2.5i trim) adds further off-road ability. Look out for this if you regularly venture off the pavement for camping trips.

2. Great engine options

The base 170-hp 2.5L engine is perfectly capable and is a great choice if you're looking for thrifty performance. It'll achieve an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined with the standard AWD and automatic gearbox.

If you'd prefer a six-speed manual, the EPA-estimated combined mpg drops to 24 with the 2.5L engine. If you're after a bit more power, there's an optional 250-hp turbocharged engine (2.0XT trims) that'll do an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.

3. Spacious cabin

The 2018 Forester is nicely laid out to maximize passenger space. In the front, you'll benefit from 43 inches of legroom while rear seat passengers can enjoy up to 38 inches. Cargo volume is decent too with 34.4 cu-ft available behind the back seats (this drops to 31.5 cu-ft with the moonroof). You've also got sensible places to store small items, as well as generous door bins that can accommodate large drink bottles.

4. Well-equipped interior

All base models come with handy features such as Subaru's STARLINK^™ multimedia system with a 6.2-inch screen. This includes a USB port and Bluetooth^® streaming capability with hands-free phone connectivity. You'll also get a standard backup camera to ease those reversing maneuvers. For more features, such as a six-speaker sound system, you'll need to climb to the Premium or Limited trims. If you're after maximum convenience and driver-assistance features — including pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control — take a look at the Touring trims.

5. Flexibility for adventuring

If you're making the most of the Forester's AWD and high ground clearance, you'll want interior flexibility too. If you're not carrying passengers in the back, you can fold the rear seats to open up a maximum of 74.7 cu-ft of space — though this drops to 68.5 cu-ft with the moonroof. This means you can load up camping gear or sports equipment for a weekend of adventure. There are also some great optional extras available to make life easier such as a power liftgate and removable cargo tray.