The New Subaru Forester STI Sport - You Want One But Can’t Have It

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Subaru released a new 2023 Forester STI Sport, but customers in the U.S. can’t have it. Check out the details.

Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International (STI) have partnered again to bring a unique 2023 Forester STI Sport, but it’s only available in Japan. Subaru Corporation announced the new Forester STI Sport with suspension upgrades and a turbocharged Boxer engine.

Subaru has previously offered the Forester STI to customers in Japan, and customers in the U.S. can only look and not touch it. Here is what the newly-announced Japan-spec Forester STI Sport offers.

The 2023 Forester STI Sport is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) four-cylinder, lean combustion Boxer engine. It produces 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

Subaru says the new Forester gets improved driving performance and handling with its new STI tuning damper. The Forester STI Sport comes equipped with suspension tuning developed by STI with a Hitachi Astemo Sensitive Frequency Response front Damper (SFRD).

Forester STI Sport also has custom black 18-inch aluminum wheels, a multi-information dash display, black Nappa leather seats with red stitching, and STI badging on the front and rear.

The Forester STI Sport

Forester fans would like to see Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International take the new Forester STI even further and build an actual STI performance model with a turbocharged engine to go along with the STI badging. The 2023 Forester STI Sport needs the FA24 2.4-liter Boxer turbocharged engine under the hood.

The current 2022 Forester Sport trim you can buy in the U.S. comes with the standard 2.5-liter producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. We’ve talked about the Forester getting a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Subaru uses the turbocharged engine in the 2023 Outback Onyx XT and Legacy Sport trims, but why not the Forester Sport?

Subaru of America could hit a sweet spot with customers if they brought a new 2023 Forester model to its U.S. customers. Many customers would buy the 2023 Forester STI Sport with comfortable seats, an upscale leather interior, and 260 horsepower. Many customers would jump on a new 2023 Subaru Forester STI Sport trim level.

Since Subaru dropped the Forester XT, U.S. driving enthusiasts have asked for a new Forester STI with a turbocharged engine. Let Subaru of America know in the comments below if you would buy a 2023 Forester STI Sport and what upgrades it should feature.

You Might Also Like: Two Subaru Models That Need The 2.4L Turbo Engine But You Won’t Get

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru

Submitted by Salty T (not verified) on June 27, 2022 - 10:02AM

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Yes yes yes!!!
If Subaru brought a Forester XT model back to the NA market, as long as it kept the current touchscreen and actual buttons and switches (NOT the 11” monster tablet style with everything buried in submenus) and added ventilated seats, rain sensing windshield wipers, a 360 degree camera system and a rearview mirror camera like on the Ascent, I would buy one for me, my son would buy one and my son-in-law too. That would compete extremely well in the segment and give a lot more “premium vehicles” a run for the money!!
That’s three pre-sells right there!!!

Submitted by Gary Longley (not verified) on July 2, 2022 - 2:11PM

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I have owned 3 Subaru's and I am waiting for Subaru to bring back the Forester XT. I definitely want one and will buy one once they become available again. Don't take to long Subaru as all your competitors offer a turbo model in the Forester class.

Submitted by Pat Barrett (not verified) on July 5, 2022 - 10:37PM

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I would preorder the STI. Have been waiting to buy a Forester with a large engine, 360 camera, and better interior colors. Great SUV but needs more options. Thanks

Submitted by Luis Villani (not verified) on July 9, 2022 - 6:23PM

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I am still waiting this car so i can change my 2016 xt….. or, doing the unthinkable… abandoning the brand to Mazda…

Submitted by Ken Ashley (not verified) on July 30, 2022 - 11:12AM

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I would buy a 2023 Forrester STI Sport with better engine, 18" wheels, Leather seats and trim, and any other uprgrades available. I would love a 2 position memory driver,s seat. I currently have a 2019 Forrester Sport.

Submitted by James Giebner (not verified) on September 7, 2022 - 11:41AM

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I’ve been waiting for years to buy a Subaru Forester XT and without a doubt I would buy today for me and my son. Having said that, get your engineers busy putting it all together. It’s like they say, you snooze you loose to the competition.

Submitted by James Chapman (not verified) on November 28, 2022 - 8:12PM

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Yes yes I would love a Forester with 260 horsepower and sti would be awesome put me down for one.

Submitted by Richard E. Sac… (not verified) on June 10, 2023 - 12:33AM

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I just put an STi 6-speed (witlegacySpec-B 5th & 6th gears) & Brembo brakes in my wife's 2008 Forester. Next is a 2" lift kit.
I would be HAPPY to BUY a NEW Forester XT or STi with a 6-speed and a STi tuned suspension. A shame Subaru has chosen to abandon it's performance fans.

Submitted by Richard S (not verified) on September 29, 2023 - 5:51PM

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I bought both 22’ WRX and a 22’ Forester Sport. I absolutely love both vehicles but wish my Forester Sport had my WRX engine. I’d preorder one now!