Report - A New Subaru Forester Turbo And Why It Makes Sense Now

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Would you buy a 2024 Subaru Forester if a turbocharged engine were available? A new report says it could be coming. Check out the details here.

The next-generation Subaru Forester needs two things to be one of the top picks for compact SUV shoppers. The 2023 Forester was the number-one-selling model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup. Forester has dropped to third in total sales for the Camden, N.J. automaker.

What would bring back interest in the Forester SUV? A new report from Australia says the next-generation 2024 Subaru Forester could get a turbocharged engine upgrade. The latest information from CarsGuide says a turbocharged Forester appears to be coming for an Australian launch next year.

The report says Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read did not confirm the Forester turbocharged model, but he didn't deny it when asked about the new model.

"Next year marks 50 years of Subaru in Australia as an official importer. We have some exciting plans around special editions that will appeal to the Australian public," said Read.

CarsGuide says, "Once deemed unlikely for Australia, a turbocharged Forester variant seems to now be firming for our market and could even appear next year. The only question is, which one?"

There could be two options for the next-generation Forester. Subaru has the FA18 1.8-liter turbocharged Boxer engine they use in the second-generation Levorg hatchback. Subaru could sell it in Australia and Europe, but the powerplant is too small for the U.S.-spec Forester.

The FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged direct-injection Boxer engine from the 2023 Outback XT and Wilderness trim levels would be a better option to power the Forester. What would make sense is Subaru of America offering a next-generation 2024 Forester Wilderness with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine upgrade.

Will Subaru offer a Forester hybrid?

Subaru offers a Forester hybrid, but not in North America. In Subaru's new corporate report released in November, the Japanese automaker said by 2030, at least 40 percent of its global sales will be battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) or Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs). We expect a U.S.-spec Forester hybrid will be one of Subaru of America's next models to get hybrid technology.

Will Subaru offer a Forester EV?

A next-generation Forester hybrid will likely come first, and a Forester battery-electric model will follow. Subaru Corporation announced earlier this year they will begin making electric vehicles in mixed production with internal combustion vehicles at its Yajima plant in Japan by 2025.

Subaru will start offering hybridized powertrains sourced from Toyota by 2025 and will build battery-electric cars itself in a new factory in Japan in the latter half of the decade.

Subaru has yet to confirm a next-generation turbocharged Forester trim level as they remain tight-lipped about its future model changes. New Forester hybrid and all-electric models are likely coming in the next seven years. Stay tuned.

Would you buy a 2024 Subaru Forester if a turbocharged engine were available? Let Subaru of America know in the comment section below.

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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 USA

Submitted by Jeremy Bates (not verified) on December 17, 2022 - 6:24PM

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I would, I drive a 2022 Forester Wilderness right now, I have a service loaner that is a Outback Wilderness, love the engine.

Submitted by Taz (not verified) on December 17, 2022 - 9:06PM

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I currently have an Outback 6cyl that I regularly tow 2k lbs. I would gladly and preferably have a turbo Forester!

Submitted by SaltyT (not verified) on December 17, 2022 - 10:27PM

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Yes yes yes - PLEASE!!
That is the one thing keeping the current version out of my garage. Bring on the turbo 2.4!!

I have been keeping my 2014 Subaru forester because I want the 2024 Subaru forester.Well I was in the most horrific terrifying rollover accident with a drunk driver that registered 2.7 on the breathalyzer. I believe my Subaru forester & seatbelts saved my daughter & my life.

Submitted by Lamar (not verified) on December 17, 2022 - 10:29PM

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The reason I did not buy a Forester is because it does not have enough power
and the Turbo is not available. If the 2024 model comes out with a turbo, I will buy.

Submitted by Constructiongal (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 11:00AM

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I was in the market and ready to buy a new Subaru this year, when I realized the color I wanted was only available in the Forester and no turbo I opted to wait and see.

Submitted by David ODEA (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 11:53AM

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It took forever for Subaru to make a boxer engine that didn't require oil every thousand miles or a head gasket every 5,000 mi why would I trust them with a turbo.

Submitted by David (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 11:55AM

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Look at the actual numbers for 0 to 60 and 1/4 mi they're really not that much different for the Forester or the CRV or the rogue or the Mazda do you really need a 0 to 60 time that's half a second faster

Submitted by Butch (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 11:58AM

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Since 2015 I have purchased 9 new Subaru's. 6 Outbacks and 3 Foresters. I currently have a 2023 Outback. I would love a 2024 turbo Forester or preferably a 2024 Forester Hybrid, I don't understand why you don't sell the Forester hybrid in America right now. I would also be interested in a hybrid Outback.
I hope the 2024 models are slightly larger than the 2023's with straight lines on the sides, it makes it easier to judge distances. Please bring the 2024's out early, like in May or June of 23, already itching for my next Subaru.

Submitted by David (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 12:03PM

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The Forester has about the same horsepower as my Toyota Camry and they weigh about the same. SUVs are top-heavy and extra horsepower doesn't help anyone. Look at the numbers for the rogue and the CRV how different are they really

Submitted by David (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 12:09PM

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For years Subaru couldn't make a Forrester boxer engine that didn't need oil every thousand miles or head gasket every 10,000 mi. Why would you trust them with a turbocharger

Submitted by Jim Norton (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 12:43PM

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I would definitely be interested in a Subaru Forester with a 2.4 turbo or a HEV. I have been driving a 2019 Forester and I love it. So easy to get in and out of and the drivability is amazing. Can’t say enough about it……

Submitted by Jim giebner (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 2:38PM

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I had a 2019 Outback and loved it but when Mazda came out with the turbo for the CX-5, that’s the way I went, Now, if Subaru wants to get on top again, they better put a turbo in the 2024 Forester.

Submitted by Tom Bavis (not verified) on December 18, 2022 - 10:10PM

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My wife and I have owned four Foresters - 2000, 2009, 2014, 2017 - all with manual transmission. Guess Subaru doesn't want to sell us another one.

Submitted by patrick bianco (not verified) on December 19, 2022 - 1:25AM

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A new Forester equipped with a turbo powered engine would be a welcome no brainer selling point

Submitted by Jeremy (not verified) on December 19, 2022 - 9:58AM

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Bring back a 2.0 or larger XT I was a previous 18XT owner miss the larger room in that chassis or wagon STI

Submitted by Otto Rosemeyer (not verified) on December 19, 2022 - 10:26AM

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I am a dual citizen of the United States and the EU. I used to sell and drive both Volkswagen and Subarus. Both excellent car brands. Just got back from a trip to Europe and most cars that are still internal combustion engines are turbocharged for their fuel economy. I would be very happy with a 1.8 T gasoline engine in the United States for its fuel economy and fun smooth power of a turbo. If you think about it you probably get the same or slightly more horsepower than from the naturally aspirated 2.5 boxer engine in the United States. 34 MPG - probably. Certainly would be happy with the 2.4 T as well. Most people never tow anything anyway and I would just use it for a bike rack - the trailer hitch.

Submitted by Karen Lavallee (not verified) on December 19, 2022 - 1:51PM

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Yes I would look to buy a 2024 Forester if it has a 2.4 Liter Turbo. I love my 2020 Forester Touring just would like to pull more than 1500 lbs and do not want the Wilderness model but a Touring with a 4.5 Turbo.

Submitted by Derik (not verified) on December 19, 2022 - 1:54PM

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I would have a new one right now if they hadn't taken out the FA20's. Had a 14 and now a 16 xt touring. the FA24 would be a game changer for me.
The ascent is zippy as heck for such a big rig with the 2.4
Fa24 in a Forester!? Take my money!!

Submitted by Tim parcon (not verified) on December 20, 2022 - 10:19PM

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I still drive a 2006 Forester fxt manual. The last of MANUAL turbo Forester. Bring back the turbo but with a manual not no cvt. Wifey drives an ascent and I have to admit it's pretty nice. Not sporty at all. Fxt used to play with unsuspecting sports cars. No cvt/auto even with a turbo can take on the sports cars of 2023

Submitted by Maverick (not verified) on December 21, 2022 - 9:40AM

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SUBAROOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! It's time for a turbo Forester! I have a Legacy turbo, Outback XT and want to add a Forester turbo to MY lineup. And bring back the manual!
Let's go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by Clarence Lester (not verified) on December 22, 2022 - 9:00PM

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I've been waiting to buy a Forester with a turbo or hybrid for 2 years.Its a no brainer.