Does the Forester XT have a WRX engine?
Yes — the Forester XT uses a turbocharged engine that is part of Subaru’s WRX engine family. The exact engine varies by generation and market, but throughout its history the XT badge has signaled WRX-derived turbo performance in a crossover package rather than the sport-focused WRX itself.
Engine lineage: how Subaru shared power under the hood
Subaru has a habit of sharing core engine designs across performance and crossover models. The Forester XT mirrors that approach by using turbocharged flat-four engines that originate from or are closely related to the WRX powerplants. However, tuning, displacement, and boost targets are adjusted to suit the Forester’s weight, aerodynamics, and market positioning.
Older Forester XT generations
The following broad overview explains the two primary engine approaches used in early and mid-generation Forester XTs. It focuses on the turbocharged flat-four layout rather than exact engine codes, which can vary by market.
- Early Forester XT (mid-2000s): a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four that was part of the WRX engine family, calibrated for a balance of performance and practicality in a compact SUV.
- Later mid-2010s Forester XT (roughly 2014–2018): a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four continuing the WRX-derived lineage, updated to newer engine architecture while keeping performance-oriented tuning for a crossover platform.
These configurations illustrate that the XT’s turbocharged powerplant is drawn from the WRX family, though it’s adapted for the Forester and varies by generation and market.
How this differs from the WRX engine lineup
While the WRX engine lineup focuses on peak performance and sport-sedan/launch metrics, the Forester XT’s turbo engine is tuned to deliver adequate acceleration and torque for a crossover role. The underlying architecture may be shared with WRX engines, but the details—boost curves, cooling, intake routing, and exhaust tuning—are optimized for the Forester’s weight, packaging, and daily-driving characteristics.
Summary
The Forester XT does indeed rely on a WRX-derived turbocharged engine, though the exact engine family, displacement, and tuning have evolved across generations. If you’re evaluating a specific model year, check the exact engine code, horsepower, and boost specifications to understand how it relates to the WRX’s lineup—and how that engine performs in a Forester compared with a WRX.
Which Subaru has the FA20 engine?
FA20D. The FA20D features both direct and port injection (Toyota's D-4S injection system) and Subaru AVCS variable valve timing system. It is used in the Subaru BRZ, and is identified by a Toyota engine family code known as the 4U-GSE, which is installed in the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S.
Does the Forester XT have the same engine as the WRX?
The XT model uses the same Mitsubishi Motors TD04 turbocharger used in the Subaru Impreza WRX. All Forester 2.5 L engines are of the interference engine type. The flat engine can be mounted lower in the car and gives the Forester a lower center of gravity than other 4x4s or soft roaders.
Does the Outback XT have the same engine as the WRX?
All all-wheel drive Subarus will ride on the same global architecture the Outback XT and the WRX. GT. Also do share the same engine and transmission. But with some crucial tweaks.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Forester XT?
Same reason they got rid of the XT. Not enough people bought them compared to the regular model. Sales of regular model go up, you need higher production. Easiest way to do that is to kill off the niche models.
