Why was Forester XT discontinued?
The Subaru Forester XT, a turbocharged version of the popular Forester SUV, was discontinued in 2018 due to declining sales and a shift in consumer preferences towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. The Forester XT was known for its powerful turbocharged engine, but it also came with higher fuel consumption and emissions compared to the standard Forester model.
Declining Sales and Changing Consumer Preferences
The Forester XT was introduced in the early 2000s as a more powerful and performance-oriented variant of the Forester lineup. However, as consumer preferences shifted towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-conscious vehicles, the Forester XT's high-performance, turbocharged engine became less appealing to many buyers. The Forester XT's sales had been declining for several years before Subaru decided to discontinue the model.
Stricter Emissions Regulations
In addition to changing consumer preferences, stricter emissions regulations also played a role in the discontinuation of the Forester XT. The turbocharged engine in the Forester XT produced higher levels of emissions compared to the standard Forester model, making it more difficult for Subaru to meet increasingly stringent emissions standards. As automakers were under pressure to reduce their carbon footprint and improve fuel efficiency, the Forester XT's high-performance, high-emissions profile became less viable in the long run.
Shift Towards Electrification and Hybrid Powertrains
The automotive industry has been undergoing a significant shift towards electrification and hybrid powertrains, driven by both consumer demand and regulatory pressure. Subaru has been investing heavily in developing more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles, including the introduction of the Crosstrek Hybrid and the all-electric Solterra SUV. In this context, the Forester XT's turbocharged gasoline engine was seen as less aligned with the company's long-term strategic direction.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Subaru Forester XT was a result of a combination of factors, including declining sales, changing consumer preferences, stricter emissions regulations, and Subaru's shift towards more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicle technologies. While the Forester XT was a popular model among enthusiasts, its high-performance, high-emissions profile ultimately made it less viable in the current automotive landscape.
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the biggest problem with the Subaru Forester?
Number six lackluster acceleration. Now let's start with one of the biggest problems of the Subaru Forester. And that is the lackluster acceleration of this vehicle.
