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.
Follow us today...
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.
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.
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.
You Might Also Like: The 2 New Subaru WRX S4 Upgrades You Won't See On U.S. Models
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.
Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.
Leave your comments below, share the article with friends and tweet it out to your followers!
Photo credit: Subaru
Follow us today...
Would absolutely need one.
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! :-)
Im enjoying my 2014 forester
Im enjoying my 2014 forester xt, 136k kms++. I hope subaru will bring back the turbo forester with 260++ hp
I want to buy a new f
I want to buy a new f
Forester but want the turbo that the Outback offers.
"Subaru could offer two trims
"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!!!
YES. Subaru needs to offer
YES. Subaru needs to offer their Forester models with the same upgrades as their Ouback line,
ESPECIALLY, the 2.4L Turbo engine.
I don't understand Subaru's
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
The End is near for the ICE,
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?
I bought a 2011 Forester S
I bought a 2011 Forester S edition. 257bhp stock. 10 years later I still love it.
I will love Forester STI, and
I will love Forester STI, and I will swap right a way with my Ascent !!!!!
I would definitely get the
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!
I would trade my 2018
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
have a 2020 forester touring
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.
I am waiting patiently for
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.
I guess I'll just have to
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.
I have a 2020 Touring. I'd
I have a 2020 Touring. I'd trade it in for a 2024 STI with the 2.4 turbo in a hot minute.
2018 Fozzie XT Owner. Def
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