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Here Is The New 2022 Subaru Forester Turbo STI You Want Now But Can’t Get

Subaru offers a unique 2022 Forester STI, but U.S. customers can’t get it. Here’s why you won’t see it in North America.
2022 Subaru Forester STI

Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International have partnered to bring a unique 2022 Forester STI, but U.S. fans will never see this performance model. This refreshed 2022 Forester performance SUV with a turbocharged engine is only offered in Japan.

Performance enthusiasts in the U.S. would jump at the chance to get their hands on a 2022 Forester with a turbocharged engine and suspension upgrades. The Japan-spec model comes with the Levorg-sourced 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) four-cylinder, lean combustion Boxer engine. It only produces 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque.

2022 Subaru Forester STI

Fans in the U.S. still want a Forester with an FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. That would make the Forester a sought-after STI along with an aerodynamic body kit, suspension upgrades, and Brembo brakes.

Subaru would hit a home run with many customers if they brought this new Forester STI to the U.S. and other markets around the globe. We are guessing plenty of customers would buy a Forester STI riding on the new Global Platform, with Recaro performance seats, an upscale interior, and 260 horsepower. Many customers would jump on a new 2022 Subaru Forester STI.

2022 Subaru Forester STI

The current 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. The Outback-sourced 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine with 260-horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque under the hood would significantly upgrade the discontinued Forester XT.

Forester gets a complete remodel in 2024, and it would be time to bring a next-generation Forester STI trim level. Subaru could offer two trims with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine; the Forester Wilderness and an all-new Forester STI.

It’s our guess there are plenty of customers who would buy a 2024 Forester STI riding on the new Global Platform, with comfortable seats, an upscale leather interior, and 260 horsepower. Would you jump on a new 2024 Subaru Forester STI? Let us know what you think in the comments 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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Comments

David Warren (not verified)    November 26, 2021 - 10:25PM

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Would absolutely need one. Looove sleeper Subarus. Had two 2.5 GTs (one a sedan, the other a wagon) and really miss the extra fun/performance factor. The wagon was black and my kids called it the Batmobile! :-)

Ibnesco (not verified)    November 27, 2021 - 6:10AM

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Im enjoying my 2014 forester xt, 136k kms++. I hope subaru will bring back the turbo forester with 260++ hp

Harold Dean Hansen (not verified)    November 27, 2021 - 11:22AM

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I want to buy a new f
Forester but want the turbo that the Outback offers.

OJA (not verified)    November 27, 2021 - 11:45AM

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"Subaru could offer two trims with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine; the Forester Wilderness and an all-new Forester STI." ABSOLUTE HOME RUN OF AN IDEA!!!

David Klinger (not verified)    November 28, 2021 - 2:42PM

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I don't understand Subaru's reluctance to bring several models offered in other countries to the USA.. I visited Montenegro only to discover a 2 liter six speed turbo diesel Forester.. A Forester that gets 45 MPG would sell here very well. It may be environmental limitations... Maybe Exxon doesn't want us to have good mileage vehicles that would cut into gas sales revenue.. I'd buy a diesel Forester in a heartbeat

Graham Gould (not verified)    November 28, 2021 - 4:57PM

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The End is near for the ICE, Subaru should be flooding the market with as many Sub option models as possible across the whole line-up in North America!!! Including the XT. The Question is why aren't they?
Any thoughts Denis Flierl?

Greg (not verified)    January 14, 2022 - 12:01AM

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I would definitely get the Forester STI! Really want that extra power the Turbo provides ! Please Subaru include the larger Turbo with the new Hybrid system in 2023!. Thank you!

Pamela L Chell (not verified)    February 27, 2022 - 12:13AM

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I would trade my 2018 Forester XT for the Forester STI today if it was available. I don’t understand why Subaru does not make the Forester XT. I love my Subaru

mary alonzo (not verified)    March 10, 2022 - 1:27PM

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have a 2020 forester touring my 2nd one.would love the 260 h.p.2024 forester touring for my next one.i know of 3 other forester owners that want the more powerful engine forester.make it happen subaru,and not limited production.sales will soar.

Susan Luehring (not verified)    April 9, 2022 - 6:23AM

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I am waiting patiently for Subaru to give more power to the Forester engine. The engine that is in the U.S. Forester is underwhelming to say the least.

Douglas Janisch (not verified)    May 16, 2022 - 7:46PM

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I guess I'll just have to keep driving my 2006 Forester XT until Subaru "gets the memo". My only gripe with my old XT is the 1500 lb tow capacity.

Soar Outdoors (not verified)    August 16, 2022 - 9:13PM

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2018 Fozzie XT Owner. Def bring back the XT but not the 1.6L; current 2.4L or better. I love how the XT is a nice balance between comfort/ performance/ function. It goes when I want it to, handles like a car, and x mode for those unpaved routes (especially w Falken Wildpeak AT Trail’s). What I haven’t read about in the comments is INCREASED TOWING CAPACITY. PLEASE!! The XT drives better than the 4Runner but can’t tow a small trailer. The current sport model has 3000lbs towing capacity; is 5000 too much to ask? Want an XT to cruise the highways and hook up an adventure trailer for the weekends