Subaru used the 2018 Chicago Auto Show to launch special 50th Anniversary Edition models for each of its vehicles as a celebration of the five decades the Japanese automaker has been selling inside the U.S. While no mechanical upgrades are made, there are several visual changes that help distinguish the 50th Anniversary Editions from their standard counterparts.

These 50th Anniversary Editions are based on upper trim levels. For the 2018 Forrester, that means the Touring model – including both the 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder and the turbocharged 2.0-liter Boxer-four engine options. The Continuously Variable Transmission comes standard on the Touring trims, as does Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system with X-Mode and Hill Descent Control.

Continue reading for more information.

What Makes the 2018 Forrester 50th Anniversary Edition Special

Most notably, the crossover features Subaru’s Heritage Blue paint. The color is complemented by Satin Chrome on the side mirrors and grille. The 18-inch wheels have the same design as the standard Forester Touring, but skip the black accent paint for a medium gray hue that looks similar to the stain chrome on the mirrors and grille. Lastly, Subaru adds a 50th Anniversary badge to the front fenders.

The Forester’s black leather interior is upgraded with silver contrast stitching and a stylized 50th Anniversary logo embroidered on the seatbacks and floor mats. The logo A pop of color in the star helps attract attention while the star itself references Subaru’s logo, which is modeled after the constellation Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. Silver seatbelts round out the interior upgrades.

Beyond the visual, Subaru makes its Eyesight safety system standard equipment in the 50th Anniversary Editions. The system includes adaptive cruise control; lane keep assist and sway warning, pre-collision braking, and pre-collision throttle management.

As for the drivetrain, the Forester’s base engine is the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Boxer flat four-cylinder. The engine makes 170 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque while getting 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The optional 2.0 XT is a turbocharged Boxer flat four-cylinder kicking out a more respectable 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The extra power does pull fuel economy rating down a bit, measuring an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. It’s also worth noting the 2.0-liter’s power ratings are measured on premium fuel. Both the 2.5- and 2.0-liter engines come standard with the CVT in the Touring trim.

Pricing for the 2018 Subaru Forester 2.5i Touring starts at $34,305 and will be limited to 800 examples. The 2.0 XT Touring starts at $37,305. Only 250 examples will be made, making it a bit rarer.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru Forester.

Read more Chicago Auto Show news.

Read more Subaru news.