2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport

2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport Review

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The new version of the compact crossover appeared in Japan. Fans in the US will get it as the 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport. The unique package is not improving the specs sheet. Instead, the appearance is sportier. Still, the handling is enhanced with the special suspension system. We’ll see if the US version of the Forester is going to keep an old engine, or the STI Sport will carry over the powerplant it uses in its homeland. Anyhow, both 2.5 and 1.8 turbo units deliver similar outputs.

Currently, you can buy 6 trim levels of the Forester. The 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport is another option that expands the lineup. Soon, we might also see a hybrid unit, maybe even before the new trim level. So, there is a lot of speculations about the Forester, and the Japanese company is very quiet. Subaru doesn’t want to alert the competition.

2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport price

2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport Package

The STI Sport is the latest update in the lineup for the Forester. The company will launch the package in Japan, but other countries will also offer this model after some while. The 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport in the United States will carry over the styling of its Japanese cousin. The Sport badge in the nameplate might suggest that a more powerful setup is coming, but it is not the case. The carmaker prepared a more attractive appearance instead.

For example, large wheels are the first thing you will spot. There are also STI badges around the body. Finishes are also special, with gloss black details. You will spot them on exhaust tips, door handles, mirrors. On the inside, leather brings a touch of luxury, especially with red contrasting stitches. The highest level of EyeSight safety is added.

Engines: Replacement or New Unit

The 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport in Japan is using a 1.8-liter turbo-four engine. Of course, this is the Boxer configuration with a low center of gravity. Such a configuration makes riding Subaru vehicles a unique pleasure. Since the Forester is a compact crossover, the company is not boosting the outputs. A 1.8-liter mill is good for 177 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. It is not a big upgrade compared to the US configuration centered around a 2.5-liter unit (182 hp, 175 lb-ft). Well, some fans will love the extra torque.

The package is not enhancing the specs sheet, but the handling and maneuvering are going to be smoother for sure. In Japan, the STI Sport comes with a unique Hitachi Astemo SFRD suspension system. With those, you can compare Forester’s ride with some sedans and sports cars.

The new Forester was redesigned and the company revisited both styling and drivetrains. We saw no changes in the US, since the 2.5-l mill is still there. So, only a year after the big update, we could see another engine in the lineup. Well, for now, a hybrid unit seems to be a more likely upgrade, than a replacement.

2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport

Hybrid Engine Rumors

Since we are speaking of upgrades for the crossover, we must mention the hybrid system. It is an even older rumor, although the 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport is more realistic after its release in Japan. Anyhow, the market for hybrid engines is growing. Plus, the company made a partnership with Toyota, a leader in this segment. According to several sources, Toyota brings the hybrid technology, and Subaru is implementing it to its Boxer systems. Also, there is the e-Boxer mild-hybrid setup, but it needs a lot of work to catch up with the competition. The ultimate goal for the Japanese company is to build an all-electric SUV. If everything goes well, that will be Subaru Solterra.

What are the benefits of the 2024 Subaru Forester Hybrid? First of all, the crossover can deliver better gas mileage, especially in the city. Currently, the vehicle sits at 30 mpg. This is an excellent result, compared to the competition and having in mind that AWD is standard. So, with an improved fuel economy, the new Forester Hybrid could be one of the top choices for US buyers. A combination of this system with the 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport package would probably be unavailable.

2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport release date

When Will 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport Be Available in the US?

For now, the STI Sport debuted only in Japan. But, the news is spreading fast and fans from around the world are asking local dealers about the new package. The US version is not coming next year and the vehicle is set to debut as the 2024 Subaru Forester STI Sport. Experts believe that the price is not exceeding $35,000. On the other hand, upgrades in the safety and driving segments are improving the image significantly.

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