Subaru Introduces New STI Edition and Updates Old Forester in Japan
Although Subaru debuted the sixth generation of the Forester in North America, Japanese consumers are stuck with the current model, which has been in production since 2018. Minor model year changes are made to the domestic Forester for 2024, with the new STI Sport Black Interior Selection trim having an all-black interior motif.
Since the SUV’s most recent redesign in 2021, the exterior has not altered. Subaru does, however, want to keep customers interested with new trims and limited editions. The business unveils the Subaru Forester STI Sport Black Interior Selection special edition for the 2024 model year.
This model, which is based on the current STI Sport trim that was unveiled in 2022, has a darker interior with piano black inlays and Nappa leather upholstery for the seats along with silver stitching.
Moreover, the unique Offshore Blue Metallic exterior color can be paired with the STI Sport Black Interior Selection. Despite the STI Sport emblem’s connections, the model’s 1.8-liter turbocharged boxer engine produces the same 175 horsepower (130 kW / 177 PS) and lacks any power increases over lower trims. It does, however, come with a set of STI-tuned dampers, which enhances its handling capabilities.
One notable feature of the 2024 Model Year is the Geyser Blue hue, which is limited to the X-Edition and XT-Edition trim levels. This hue, which debuted with the XT-Edition in late 2022 in Japan, is also featured on the US-spec Subaru Forester Wilderness.
Black interior highlights, a sturdy cargo floor cover, and water-repellent upholstery are standard features on both the X-Edition and XT-Edition trim levels. The primary distinction is that the XT-Edition has a more powerful 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, while the Forester X-Edition has a 2.0-liter e-Boxer hybrid powertrain. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a standard feature on all Forester trim levels from Subaru.
In Japan, the starting price of the 2024 Subaru Forester is ¥3,069,000, or $20,040. The X-Edition, priced at ¥3,377,000 ($22,051), the XT-Edition, at ¥3,432,000 ($22,411), and the STI Sport Black Interior Selection, at ¥3,850,000 ($25,137), are the special trim levels.
It’s possible that the fifth-generation Subaru Forester will not be available in Japan after this model year. The sixth-generation model could be modified and released in 2025 after being released in North America.
