Why is Subaru discontinuing the Forester XT?
The Forester XT is being discontinued primarily because demand for the turbocharged variant has been too low to justify its added cost and complexity, as Subaru shifts toward efficiency and future electrification across its lineup.
Historically, the Forester XT offered a turbocharged engine that appealed to buyers seeking higher performance and quicker acceleration from their compact crossover. In recent years, however, mainline Forester models with a naturally aspirated engine and a focus on safety, fuel economy, and reliability have dominated sales. As regulatory demands tighten and product development budgets tighten, Subaru has chosen to streamline the Forester lineup and align it with its broader push toward electrification and efficiency across its model range.
A quick look at the Forester XT’s life
Key milestones illustrate why the turbo variant is no longer part of the lineup.
- The Forester XT introduced in the mid-2010s as a turbocharged option (powered by a 2.0-liter engine) aimed at buyers wanting more horsepower and sportier performance than the standard Forester.
- Throughout its run, the XT variant offered higher performance but came with higher repair and maintenance costs, and it occupied a relatively small share of overall Forester sales.
- By the late 2010s, Subaru began to streamline its powertrain offerings in the Forester, focusing on the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine for most markets, and the turbo XT effectively disappeared from the U.S. lineup around the 2019 model year.
In short, the XT’s lifecycle reflects a broader decision: maintain a simple, efficient lineup that emphasizes safety and reliability over niche performance variants.
Why Subaru moved away from the XT
Industry context and official statements point to several factors behind the discontinuation.
- Weak sales performance of the XT relative to other Forester trims meant the turbo option contributed only a small share of total Forester volume.
- Higher operating costs and added mechanical complexity of a turbocharged engine increased maintenance risk and ownership costs for customers and dealers alike.
- Stricter fuel economy and emissions targets across regions increased the relative premium of turbo engines in a compact crossover, making the NA 2.5-liter option more attractive for Subaru’s overall portfolio.
- Operational simplification: reducing model complexity helps Subaru allocate resources toward core products and future electrification efforts rather than maintaining multiple powertrain options within a single model line.
- Strategic shift toward electrification: Subaru has pursuing electrified propulsion across its lineup (including hybrids and full electrics in other models and markets), which places emphasis on standardized platforms and efficiency over niche high-performance variants within traditional gasoline lines.
Taken together, these factors explain why Subaru chose to retire the Forester XT and keep the Forester lineup focused on efficiency, safety, and practical everyday capability.
What replaces or complements the Forester XT
Here is how the Forester lineup looks now and what buyers should expect in lieu of the XT.
- The Forester continues with its natural-aspirated 2.5-liter engine across most trims in the U.S. market, delivering a balance of daily usability and fuel economy rather than high-performance output.
- No turbo option is currently offered in the U.S. Forester lineup, meaning performance-focused buyers must look to other Subaru models or brands for turbocharged variants.
- Current Forester trims emphasize interior space, safety technology, all-wheel drive, and practical versatility, with off-road-oriented variants like the Forester Wilderness offering enhanced capability without a turbo engine.
- Subaru’s broader electrification strategy means future electrified variants are more likely to appear in different model lines or through hybrid options rather than as a turbo Forester variant.
For buyers seeking more punch within Subaru’s family, alternatives include considering other performance-focused models or waiting for future electrified offerings as the company continues to expand its tech and efficiency portfolio.
Broader context: Subaru’s electrification push
The discontinuation of the Forester XT fits into a larger industry and corporate trend toward electrification and streamlined product lines. Subaru has been pursuing a mix of mild-hybrid technology in select markets and models, while expanding its electrified footprint through crossovers and dedicated EV platforms in collaboration with its partner brands. In this environment, the company prioritizes scalable, efficient powertrains and advanced driver-assistance systems, which influence decisions such as removing niche turbo variants from popular models like the Forester.
What this means for buyers today
For current and prospective Forester buyers, the key takeaway is that the Forester XT’s horsepower-focused appeal is no longer on the table. The emphasis is on practical performance, safety, and efficiency within the standard Forester lineup. If you crave higher performance, you may need to look at different models within the Subaru range or explore performance-minded cars outside Subaru’s roster. For those who value efficiency and modern safety tech, the current Forester trims remain well-equipped and capable for daily driving and family responsibilities.
Summary
The Forester XT was discontinued because Turbo variants typically carry higher costs, lower sales, and greater complexity in a market that increasingly prizes efficiency and reliability. Subaru chose to streamline the Forester lineup, focusing on the 2.5-liter engine, safety features, and a clearer path toward electrification across its lineup. This move reflects broader industry trends and Subaru’s strategic shift toward a more efficient, technologically advanced future while keeping core attributes like all-wheel drive and practicality front and center for the Forester family.
