Subaru Forester Sport Gains New Turbo Engine

Oct. 22, 2020 6:35 AM ET by Martin Bigg Engine / 7 Comments

But will it come to the US?

In its previous incarnation, the Subaru Forester was offered with an XT trim that packed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 250 hp. This turbocharged trim was dropped for the current model, however, leaving the Forester lagging behind its competitors like the turbocharged Mazda CX-5 in the performance department.

Instead, the Forester is sold in the US with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Just as rumors suggested, Subaru is finally giving the new Forester Sport the turbo treatment. Replacing the previous model's 2.0-liter turbo unit is a new 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine rated at 177 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque.

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That's less power than you get from the 2.5-liter unit, but the new turbo engine has 45 more lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission. This is the same turbo unit found under the hood of the recently-revealed Subaru Levorg wagon. Like the Levorg, the turbocharged Forester Sport is currently only available in Japan and it's not clear if Subaru plans to sell it in the US.

As well as gaining a new turbo engine, the Forester Sport is fitted with specially developed dampers and coil springs for a sportier ride.

Subaru

Also distinguishing the Forester Sport is a blacked-out front grille, a roof spoiler, and 18-inch dark metallic aluminium wheels. Inside, the cabin is upgraded with suede and leather seats, suede door trim, and aluminium sport pedals. There's also a camera built into the instrument panel that detects the driver's face and adjusts the seating position, door mirror angle, air conditioning, and other functions accordingly.

In Japan, pricing for the new Forester Sport turbo starts at 3,289,000 yen ($31,434). For comparison, the naturally-aspirated Forester Sport sold in the US starts at $29,395.

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Subaru Forester Sport Gains New Turbo Engine

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Subaru Forester Sport Gains New Turbo Engine

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