Which Subaru Forester has a turbo?
Turbocharged Foresters are the XT variants, notably the older 2.5XT and the later 2.0XT, while the current U.S. lineup generally does not offer a turbo engine. If you want turbo performance in a Forester, you’re looking at used, older-generation models rather than the contemporary lineup.
Turbo Forester variants by generation
Below is a quick overview of the turbocharged Forester models that Subaru has offered across its generations. The XT badge has long signified a turbocharged engine in the Forester lineup.
- Forester 2.5XT (early to mid-2000s): Turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four, producing roughly 230–250 horsepower depending on the year, with all-wheel drive and a focus on sporty performance. This generation is part of the fourth generation that ran roughly from 2004 to 2008.
- Forester 2.0XT (2014–2018): Turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four, around 250 horsepower and substantial torque, paired with a CVT or manual-like shifting in some trims. This was part of the fifth-generation redesign that began in 2014.
- Current U.S. market (2019–present): No turbo option is offered in the United States. The Forester remains equipped with a 2.5-liter normally aspirated engine in standard trims, with no turbocharged variant in the lineup.
In sum, if you want a turbocharged Forester, you’ll be seeking the XT variants from older generations (2.5XT or 2.0XT). The modern Forester, as sold in the U.S. today, does not include a turbo option.
What to know when shopping for a turbo Forester
Prospective buyers should note that turbo models are older and can have higher mileage, and maintenance histories are important given the turbocharged engine and related components. If you’re considering a used turbo Forester, verify service records for the turbo, intercooler, and CVT transmission, and be prepared for potentially higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs compared with NA engines.
How to identify a turbo model
The presence of an XT badge (or references to XT in the trim name) typically signals a turbocharged Forester. For 2004–2008, look for the 2.5XT badge; for 2014–2018, look for the 2.0XT badge. If a Forester is newly purchased in the United States as of the mid- to late-2010s onward, it will likely be a non-turbo 2.5L model rather than an XT.
Summary
Turbo Foresters exist primarily in the XT variants from earlier generations, specifically the 2.5XT (roughly 2004–2008) and the 2.0XT (2014–2018). The current U.S. market Forester does not offer a turbo option. For turbo performance today, buyers must look to older models or consider other Subaru models with turbocharged engines, such as the Legacy/Outback line, or explore market-specific offerings where turbo options may differ from the U.S. lineup.
