48/100
2018Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDRegular

2018 Subaru Forester AWD

EPA ID: 38646
26
City MPG
28
Combined MPG
28MPG· Average
32
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Subaru Forester AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (av-s6), this small sport utility vehicle 4wd features All-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 Forester AWD produces approximately 315 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Forester AWD performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2.5L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions315 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score6/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,150
5-Year Cost DeltaN/A

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
28.4
Impact vs EPA
$-26
/ year
💨

The Brick Effect: Highway Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Because the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD has a large frontal area, expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by up to 25% at high speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$518/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$13,860
44.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,375
30.2%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,459
24.0%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,094

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #21V587000·2021-09-24
critical
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Campaign #19V701000·2020-02-11
critical
Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Campaign #18V455000·2018-07-26
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Subaru Forester AWD configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD Alternatives

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,150

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City26 MPG
Highway32 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

63.0 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 78 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.