Why did they stop making Forester XT?
The Subaru Forester XT, a turbocharged version of the popular Forester SUV, was discontinued in 2018 due to a combination of factors, including declining sales, stricter emissions regulations, and a shift in consumer preferences towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles.
Declining Sales of the Forester XT
The Forester XT, with its powerful turbocharged engine, was a niche product within the Forester lineup. While it appealed to enthusiasts who wanted a more performance-oriented SUV, its higher price tag and lower fuel efficiency compared to the standard Forester model led to declining sales over the years. As consumer preferences shifted towards more practical and fuel-efficient vehicles, the demand for the Forester XT waned, making it less viable for Subaru to continue producing it.
Stricter Emissions Regulations
In recent years, automakers have faced increasingly stringent emissions regulations, both in the United States and globally. The turbocharged engine in the Forester XT produced higher levels of emissions compared to the naturally aspirated engines found in the standard Forester models. To comply with these regulations and maintain the overall fuel efficiency and emissions performance of the Forester lineup, Subaru decided to discontinue the Forester XT, which was less environmentally-friendly than its counterparts.
Shift in Consumer Preferences
The automotive industry has seen a growing demand for more fuel-efficient and environmentally-conscious vehicles, driven by factors such as rising fuel prices, increased awareness of climate change, and government incentives for eco-friendly cars. As consumers became more interested in vehicles with better gas mileage and lower emissions, the Forester XT's performance-oriented nature and higher fuel consumption made it less appealing to the broader market. Subaru likely made the decision to discontinue the Forester XT in order to better align its product lineup with the changing preferences of its customer base.
In summary, the discontinuation of the Subaru Forester XT was a strategic decision driven by declining sales, stricter emissions regulations, and a shift in consumer preferences towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. Subaru's focus on meeting the evolving needs of its customers and complying with regulatory requirements ultimately led to the end of the Forester XT's production.
What are the weaknesses of a Subaru Forester?
Check out our list of Subaru Forester issues below.
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated.
- Transmission Problems.
- Oil Consumption.
- Electrical Issues.
Why did Subaru get rid of Forester XT?
There is a very good reason why Subaru discontinued the Forester XT - sales. They were not being purchased by consumers (or dealers were not ordering them to sell to consumers) in great numbers and the rate of sales (often seen as less than 5%) was not a reason to keep it around.
What are the common problems with Subaru Forester XT?
Some of the documented common problems linked to the Subaru Forester XT include regular engine failure, high oil consumption, broken coil springs, shuddering and jerking, transmission problems, and regular suspension challenges.
Is a Forester XT the same as a WRX?
The main differences performance-wise between the WRX/STI and the Forester XT are the use of a small TD04 turbo (same one found on the WRX), a top-mount intercooler that's smaller than a WRX's, a catted up-pipe like those found on a WRX, different ECU tuning (boost tops out around 11 psi on the Forester, whereas a WRX ...
Does the Forester XT have a WRX engine?
The XT has essentially the same engine as the WRX. The 08 WRX and the newer 2.5GT Impreza make the same 224HP. Basically, Subaru decided the WRX needed to be more of an enthusiast car so for 09 the WRX uses the STi turbo and a different exhaust to gain the additional HP (and it's manual transmission only).
Does Forester XT have same engine as WRX?
The "secret" lies in the fact that the '04-08 XT model Forester like Doug's came from the factory with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine very similar to the STI's. According to Doug, "The '04-08 Forester is basically a box-shaped WRX/ STI on stilts. Basically, if a part fits an '04 WRX/STI, it fits on a XT Forester.
How many miles will a Forester XT last?
Forester models are known for their long-lasting performance, with many drivers achieving 200,000 miles with minimal issues.
How long will a Forester XT last?
Forester: The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that offers a perfect blend of utility, comfort, and durability. Forester models are known for their long-lasting performance, with many drivers achieving 200,000 miles with minimal issues.
Does Subaru still make Forester XT?
Subaru has been offering a Forester with a turbocharged engine since 2003 and the all-new fifth-generation 2019 Forester marked a drastic departure from the sporty model. Subaru says they discontinued the 2.0XT because sportiness does not depend on power.
When did Subaru stop putting turbos in foresters?
The 1998 had the 2.5-liter DOHC (EJ25D) engine, and in 1999+ models changed to a 2.5-liter SOHC naturally aspirated engine (no turbocharged engines).
