Is Subaru Forester XT worth it?
The short answer: there isn’t a Forester XT offered in today’s Subaru lineup in the United States, so you won’t find a new turbocharged Forester with the XT badge. If turbo performance matters, you’ll need to look at other models or a used Forester XT from earlier generations. For most buyers, the current Forester focuses on efficiency, safety, and practicality rather than turbo power.
What happened to the Forester XT?
Historically, the Forester XT badge signaled a turbocharged engine and sportier dynamics. In earlier generations, the XT used a turbocharged boxer engine with noticeably more power than the base Forester. Over the last few years, Subaru shifted the Forester lineup away from a turbo option in the U.S. market, focusing on a single, more efficient powertrain and a broad emphasis on safety and all‑wheel-drive capability. As a result, the current Forester lineup does not include a turbocharged XT variant, and buyers must consider either a naturally aspirated engine or look to other models (or a used XT) if turbo performance is a priority.
Current Forester lineup and what that means for buyers
Today’s Forester is built around a single engine option: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivers a respectable balance of power, efficiency, and reliability, paired with Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive and a suite of safety technologies. The top trims add more comfort and tech, but they do not add turbocharged power. If you want stronger acceleration or a sportier driving feel from Subaru right now, you’ll likely consider higher trims within the Forester’s lineup for features, or turn your attention to other Subaru models or used Forester XT vehicles from previous generations.
Key current characteristics to know
- Powertrain: Naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine in the Forester with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system as standard on most trims.
- Efficiency and practicality: Solid real-world gas mileage for an AWD compact SUV, plus generous cargo space and comfortable passenger room.
- Safety and tech: Advanced driver assist features are common across trims, with more features available on higher grades.
In short, the modern Forester offers strong value for daily driving, family duty, and light hauling, but it does not deliver turbo-simplicity via an XT variant on new models.
Pros and cons of the current reality
Before weighing a decision, consider the following factors that commonly influence buyers’ views on the Forester today.
- Pros:
- Excellent all-wheel-drive capability with good ground clearance for a compact SUV.
- Strong safety ratings and a comprehensive set of driver-assistance features.
- Balanced ride and comfortable interior with practical cargo space.
- Good reliability history for the 2.5-liter engine and CVT in typical daily use.
- Overall value: competitive pricing in its class with broad dealer support and resale value.
Conclusion: For most buyers, the current Forester represents a solid, well-rounded choice that prioritizes efficiency, safety, and practicality over high-performance turbo power.
- Cons:
- No turbocharged option in new Foresters; if turbo power is a must, you’ll need a used XT or another model.
- Some enthusiasts may find the base acceleration modest compared with turbo rivals or legacy turbo Subarus.
- Maintenance costs can rise with higher trims and optional tech packages, though overall reliability remains solid for the class.
Conclusion: The lack of a current turbo option is the primary trade-off for buyers who want peak performance from Subaru’s compact SUV lineup now.
Alternatives for performance-minded buyers
If turbo power is non-negotiable, consider these paths, noting they come with different trade-offs in price, efficiency, and ownership experience.
- Subaru Outback with the 2.4-liter turbo engine offers stronger acceleration while maintaining Subaru’s all-wheel-drive philosophy, though it sits in a slightly higher price and size category.
- A used Forester XT from earlier generations, if you’re open to shopping older model years—potentially lower mileage examples can be found, but with typical higher maintenance needs and fewer modern safety features.
- Other Subaru or non-Subaru competitors with turbo options, if you’re chasing performance per dollar and aren’t committed to AWD or the exact footprint of the Forester.
Conclusion: If turbo performance is your primary criterion, you’ll likely pay more or compromise on features or warranty by choosing alternatives or a used XT rather than a new Forester today.
Summary
In today’s market, the Forester XT badge isn’t part of Subaru’s new-vehicle lineup in the United States. The current Forester focuses on dependable all-weather capability, safety, and efficiency, with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and a comprehensive feature set. For buyers who want turbo performance, options exist in other models (notably the Outback with a 2.4-liter turbo) or in the used market via the older Forester XT. The decision of whether it’s “worth it” hinges on whether you prize newfound turbo power or practical reliability and efficiency. For most buyers, the current Forester delivers strong value; turbo satisfaction, if needed, requires looking beyond today’s XT badge.
