The All-New Forester 1.8L Turbo Vs 2.0XT And Subaru's Plan - You Won’t Be Happy

I see that you are writing about the past. As Toyota has shown us with the RAV-4 Hybrid and RAV-4 Prime, there are much more efficient, non-turbo means to quickly propel a car or SUV. What amazes me is how far behind Suburu, Honda and others are in mass producing low-end, non-plugin, electric hybrids. I'm more interested in the present and future, than the past.

Nope. 1.8L Turbo is not enough power for the Forester or the Outback. Maybe Crosstrek. Definitely suitable for the Impreza. I live in New England and have owned Subs since the original Brat. Does Subaru imagine it’s customers driving around in the city in exciting crossovers? That’s funny. A 3500lb+ vehicle needs the 175hp 200ftlbs+ torque in a non CVT transmission to tow and go. My 2006 Forester Premium never felt anemic with NA 2.5L Boxer getting 21mpg city. The 3.6R Outback Limited with 265hp+ tows and goes at 4500lbs+ loaded at 24mpg city. Why would you want a 1.8L turbo with more required maintenance a measly 24mpg? Adding insult to injury CVTs lay down power with low RPMs which make the engine mapping more anemic and a likely high turbo revs adding noise and more fuel consumption to make the 1.8L look good on paper. My advice to Subaru: switch to turbo diesel next year, OR build a 2.3L timing chain DI engine with more cam geometry and a higher dynamic compression. Flow the exhaust and intake using fluid dynamics to optimize efficiency. Possibly entertain a water or hydrogen injection system to lower the intake charge temps and milk more HP with less fuel. All current and not unobtainable tech that will be truly save fossil fuels versus the lower hotter higher revving maintenance hungry pygmy they plan to use now.

Well, it was a good run. But I, can't justify ever buying a 5th Subie under these circumstances.

Well, it was a good run. But I, can't justify ever buying a 5th Subie under these circumstances.

Subaru has jumped the shark

I average two Slowbaru passes per day in my Volvo wagon.

I switched my heart to Mazda.

Bye Subaru

Thinking Subaru has the formula wrong and needs to make all their vehicles plug in hybrid to be on the right side of history.

We all have to grow up. The era of fast, gas-burning, fun-to-drive cars is over. We have to convert to non-polluting energy sources if our grandchildren are to survive.

I'll never get rid of my 06 forester XT standard transmission. Subaru's taking the fun out of driving...

What is still missing is a turbo manual hatchback/wagon in the US. WRX Hatch anyone? How about turbo manual in the Crosstrek?

This is great news for those of us that want Subaru to continue to lead in efficiency while maintaining their great off road ability. It would be great if they somehow labelled their new turbos as green so people know that buyers are making a green choice when they buy a Subaru.

All 2020+ Subaru vehicles are equipped w/ useless AutoStartStop, boring engines, trans, chassis (in hatchbacks); sad times indeed:/

I remember my 2004 Forester XT w/ manual (COBB Stage 2), 275hp/290trq in 3200lbs vehicle... a car that was more like a sleeper gokart than grocery getter. The joy and 9 years of exhilarating driving unlike any before and after.

Dear Subaru; there are Drivers, Commuters and those who who drive out of necessity. I guess through your (SoA stockholders) wisdom you've decided to cater to the latter two. Shame on you for selling your soul so cheaply.

Hello Mazda!

Lame. My Camry Hybrid has more horsepower AND torque than this thing. At least the turbo Forester will have a CVT so the engine can stay at peak torque constantly while accelerating; that will help more than most people expect. But 175hp is not enough for a vehicle that big, plain and simple. If they can't build a good Forester while meeting global emissions standards, then they should stop building Foresters at all until the necessary tech becomes available.

Went from a brumby to a sf5 foz gt, had 7 other foz gt's and another 3 xt's. Even haf a stack of na fozs inbetween. Ill stick to the 1999 models but good on you subaru for continuing combustion engine technology. This is why i will continue to support you.

175 HP was fine for the older Forester with AT. The new models must weight more, and all CVT feel anemic due to their fundamental design. It's all about torque with the CVT. Power uses fuel period. Toyota now has invested in Subaru so maybe they can provide some tech capital and get Subaru HP/Torques up.

Love my Forester 2.0XT precisely because of the power. Luckily for us, Mazda CX-5 has an SUV with a 250 hp turbo. That is my next car. Goodbye Subaru.

I am so disappointed I want a performing Forester and definitely not 175 hp

The 2022 Forester XT will probably get the FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.

I love my 2014 Forester 2.0 XT. Just started shopping for next year and learned it’s not coming back. I drove a new 2021 loaner forester while mine got serviced and I wouldn’t have made an even trade. It was a slow unresponsive dog of a vehicle. Reminded me of a lawn mower we once had. I’m looking into Volvos.

I have had two Volvo turbo wagons. Liked the comfort and performance but both turned into money pits.