How many miles does a 2018 Subaru Forester get?
The 2018 Subaru Forester typically earns about 28 miles per gallon combined, with the standard 2.5-liter engine delivering roughly 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway; the turbocharged 2.0-liter XT models run about 25 mpg combined (23 mpg city / 27 mpg highway). Actual mileage varies by trim, drivetrain, and driving conditions.
This article explains the official fuel-economy figures for the two available engines in the U.S. market, how they translate to real-world driving, and what factors can influence the numbers you see on the road.
Fuel economy by engine and trim
Below are the EPA estimates for the two engines used in 2018 Forester models. All trims in the U.S. market came with all-wheel drive and typically used the CVT, which both influence efficiency.
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder (2.5i family: base, Premium, Limited, Touring): 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (XT): 23 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined.
These figures provide a quick reference across the main engine options and reflect EPA testing conditions for the 2018 Forester lineup.
Factors that influence fuel economy
Several variables can cause real-world mileage to diverge from EPA estimates. Driving style (aggressive acceleration or rapid cruising), trip length, traffic congestion, terrain (hills and rough roads), climate control use, and tire choice can all impact MPG. In general, the all-wheel-drive system and the CVT contribute to solid efficiency in normal use, but they can lower mileage slightly compared with front-wheel-drive configurations in certain conditions.
Real-world mileage versus EPA estimates
Owners often report mileage close to the EPA numbers in steady highway driving, with mixed driving yielding results around the mid to upper 20s mpg. Winter conditions and frequent short trips can reduce efficiency due to extended engine warm-up times and higher auxiliary loads (heating, defrosters). Real-world results for the 2018 Forester typically fall within a few mpg of the published figures, depending on how the vehicle is used.
Summary
The 2018 Subaru Forester offers two main powertrains in the U.S.: a 2.5-liter engine rated around 28 mpg combined (26 city / 32 highway), and a 2.0-liter turbo rated around 25 mpg combined (23 city / 27 highway). Real-world mileage tends to align with these estimates, with variations driven by driving conditions, trim, and maintenance habits.
