Will the 2024 Subaru Forester have a turbo engine?

The 2024 Subaru Forester will be available with a turbocharged engine option, providing drivers with more power and performance. This marks a significant change from previous model years, where the Forester was only offered with naturally aspirated engines.

Turbocharged Engine Details

According to sources, the 2024 Subaru Forester will be available with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing an estimated 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant increase in power compared to the current naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, which generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.p>

The turbocharged engine will be paired with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, ensuring the Forester maintains its renowned off-road capabilities and all-weather performance. Fuel economy figures for the turbocharged model are expected to be slightly lower than the naturally aspirated version, but still competitive in the compact SUV segment.

Reasons for the Turbo Option

Subaru's decision to offer a turbocharged engine in the 2024 Forester is likely a response to customer demand for more power and performance in the popular compact SUV. The turbocharged option will help the Forester better compete with other compact SUVs that offer more powerful engine choices, such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4.p>

Additionally, the turbocharged engine will appeal to drivers who prioritize a more engaging driving experience, while still maintaining the Forester's renowned practicality and versatility.

Availability and Pricing

The 2024 Subaru Forester with the turbocharged engine option is expected to be available at dealerships in the fall of 2023. Pricing for the turbocharged model is likely to start slightly higher than the base naturally aspirated version, but Subaru has not yet released official pricing information.

Overall, the addition of a turbocharged engine option to the 2024 Subaru Forester is a significant development that will appeal to a wider range of customers and further solidify the Forester's position as a versatile and capable compact SUV.

What is the difference between the 2024 and 2025 Subaru Forester?

The main difference is that the 2025 Subaru Forester is a redesigned model with updated styling, a refreshed interior, and improved technology, while the 2024 Forester is the outgoing model with the previous generation's design. The 2025 model features a new exterior, updated infotainment options including a larger screen, and other interior refinements. While the standard 2.5L engine on the 2025 model has a slightly lower horsepower rating than the 2024, it has been updated with a stiffer chassis for better performance, and the new model also introduces an available hybrid option.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2025 vs 2024 Subaru Forester, focusing on the redesign: 59sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · May 3, 2024
Exterior and interior

• Exterior: The 2025 model has a completely redesigned exterior with a bolder grille and new headlights, while the 2024 has the previous generation's look. The 2025 also features new squared-off wheel wells and a redesigned rear with the Forester logo spanning the hatch. 
• Interior: The 2025 model offers a modern cabin with updated seats that have more aggressive bolsters, new design cues, and more premium materials. The base model of the 2025 also includes a dual-screen setup, whereas the 2024 has a smaller standard touchscreen. 
• Technology: The 2025 model includes an available 11.6-inch Starlink Multimedia system, a hands-free liftgate, and upgraded EyeSight driver assist technology. 

Performance and engine

• Engine: Both models are powered by a 2.5-liter BOXER engine, but the 2025 version makes slightly less horsepower (180180180 hp vs 182182182 hp). The 2024 model uses the older engine, while the 2025 model uses a new engine with a wider torque band for improved acceleration. The 2025 also offers an available hybrid version for better fuel efficiency.
• Chassis: The 2025 model features a 10% stiffer chassis for improved handling. 

Other differences

• Trim: The 2025 model includes an additional Wilderness CVT trim. 
• Cargo: The 2025 model has a redesigned cargo cover with a single handle for easier one-handed operation. 
• Price: The 2025 model will have a slightly higher starting price due to the updates and redesign. 

This video compares the exterior and interior features of the 2024 and 2025 Subaru Forester Sport models: 1mSubaru of PuyallupYouTube · Jan 7, 2025

Will Subaru release a turbo forester?

Engine Options: 2025 Subaru Forester vs 2024 Subaru Forester
While the 2024 model features a tried-and-true 2.5-liter BOXER engine, the 2025 Subaru Forester will offer an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine.

Which Subaru Forester models have a turbo?

Subaru Forester turbo models have historically been designated with the XT trim and featured turbocharged Boxer engines, such as the older 2.5-liter or the more recent 2.0-liter versions. The current generation (2025) does not have a Forester turbo model available in the US, with the latest turbo option being the new 2.4-liter engine found in other Subaru models like the Outback. You can identify older XT models by features like a hood scoop. 
Historic turbo models

• Forester XT: Turbocharged versions were marketed under the XT designation. 
• Engine options: Historically, these models used engines like a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with around 224 hp or a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. 
• Distinctive features: An easily identifiable feature of these models was a prominent hood scoop, designed to direct air to the intercooler. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Subaru Forester XT's performance and features: 57sKirk KreifelsYouTube · Sep 6, 2018
Current situation

• No Forester turbo in the US for 2025: The 2025 Subaru Forester does not have a turbo model available in the United States. 
• Shift in strategy: Subaru discontinued the XT turbo version due to a focus on improved standard performance and fuel economy in the current generation. 
• Alternative turbo models: Subaru offers other vehicles with a turbocharged engine, such as the Outback Wilderness and XT trims, which feature a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine. 

Is the Subaru 2.4 L Turbo a good engine?

Yes, the Subaru 2.4L turbo engine is generally considered a good engine, offering significantly more power than the naturally aspirated versions while being built to be reliable and overbuilt. It provides better acceleration, towing capacity, and performance at high altitudes, but it is also more complex than a non-turbo engine and has lower fuel economy. Proper maintenance, such as more frequent oil changes, can help ensure long-term reliability.
 
Advantages of the 2.4L turbo engine

• More power and torque: It provides a significant increase in torque, making it feel much more responsive than the 2.5L non-turbo engine. This is especially beneficial for passing and merging. 
• Stronger performance: The engine is more capable in situations that require more power, like climbing hills or towing. 
• Built for reliability: It's considered an overbuilt engine, designed to be more reliable than older Subaru turbo engines, addressing some of the issues seen in previous generations. 
• Can use regular fuel: The engine is designed to run on 87 octane regular gasoline. 

Potential considerations for the 2.4L turbo engine

• Fuel economy: The turbo engine generally gets slightly lower fuel economy compared to the 2.5L non-turbo. 
• Complexity: Turbocharged engines are more complex than naturally aspirated ones, which can mean more potential maintenance points, such as oil supply bolts and gasket leaks. 
• Maintenance: To maximize longevity, frequent oil changes (every 3,750 to 5,000 miles) are recommended to prevent potential oil-related issues. 

Verdict
The Subaru 2.4L turbo is a good engine if you prioritize power and performance. It's a reliable and capable engine, especially when you perform diligent maintenance. If your priority is the lowest possible maintenance complexity and fuel cost, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine might be a better fit.