Why The All-New Subaru Forester 1.8L Turbo Won’t Be Sold In The US
Subaru just revealed the vehicles it will launch in the Philippines next year, and the 2021 Subaru Forester 1.8-liter turbocharged model is not one of them. Motor Image, who is the Subaru distributor there, will launch the 2022 BRZ, second-generation Levorg, Evoltis (Ascent 3-Row), and refreshed Crosstrek (XV), Outback, and WRX.
The news is significant for customers in the U.S. because the all-new Forester turbocharged model could be a Japan-only model. Subaru Philippines expected to see the Forester 1.8-liter model, but they won’t get the new compact SUV. Like the Levorg sports wagon, customers in the U.S. won’t get the Forester turbocharged model either.
Subaru developed the 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine first for the all-new second-generation Levorg. The new engine helped the wagon win Car of the Year in Japan. The new wagon received recognition for its performance and fuel economy, paired with the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, providing smooth acceleration.
Will Subaru offer a Forester with a turbocharged engine in the U.S.?
Subaru stated in its 2020 Vision plan; it would bring new smaller turbocharged engines for its all-wheel-drive lineup. The Outback, Ascent, and Legacy now come with the 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine. The number-one selling 2021 Forester SUV only offers a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer. Forester is next to get a new turbocharged engine.
It’s our guess, Subaru of America knows customers in the U.S. want more power than the 1.8-liter engine’s 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The 2021 Subaru Forester 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
The Outback, Ascent, and Legacy’s 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque and would satisfy the American thirst for power. Subaru could bring back the Forester XT with more horsepower than the discontinued Forester XT 2.0-liter model with 250 horsepower.
Subaru CEO stated recently; the automaker will prioritize the U.S. market because it sells 66 percent of its vehicles. The Forester with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine wouldn’t excite fans, but a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower would sell in the U.S. market.
Subaru of America has something special planned for its U.S. customers. The 2022 Subaru Forester will get a significant refresh, and in year four of its life cycle, it is likely to get a new engine. Stay tuned.
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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 Corporation