2022 Subaru Forester Preview - Upgrades And A New Model But What About A Turbo?
When will the 2022 Subaru Forester arrive at retailers in the U.S.? The 2022 Subaru Forester has been delayed because of plant closures in Japan where it is manufactured, but it's coming sometime this summer. The fifth-generation Subaru Forester is in its fourth year of the compact SUVs model life cycle. It's when the most prominent design, drivetrain, and safety changes happen.
Subaru will give the 2022 Forester compact SUV a "refresh" with some exterior and interior modifications to upgrade its appearance, but will the Forester get a turbocharged engine upgrade?
Subaru has been slow to change the current generation Forester because it's selling better than all other models. The Forester is the hottest model in the lineup, outselling the Outback SUV, so the automaker doesn't need to make changes.
So far this year, the 2021 Subaru Forester has been nothing but sensational for the Camden, N.J. automaker. Subaru of America delivered a record 19,452 Forester SUVs last month, its best April ever. Subaru's next best-selling model, the Outback, took a step back when it was a top model in 2019.
photo credit: Competition Subaru
Subaru hasn't needed to upgrade Forester with a turbocharged engine because it's been the hot model for the Japanese automaker. Subaru's plan could be to wait for the Forester Wilderness sub-brand trim coming later this year.
We know the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness will have an advanced dual function X-Mode, elevated 9.5-inch ground clearance, standard front and rear skid plates, and an upgraded suspension.
Forester Wilderness will wear 17-inch Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires and come with a full-size spare tire. The new Forester will also feature a modified Lineartronic CVT automatic (Continuously Variable Transmission) and an upgraded rear differential with a final drive ratio of 4.44:1.
Will the Forester Wilderness have a turbocharged engine?
What we don't know is what engine will power the rugged adventure-ready 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness trim. Subaru is upgrading all its models with direct-injection turbocharged (DIT) Boxer engines, and the Forester is the next model in the lineup to get one.
The logical engine would be the proven FA24 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The additional power would make the new Forester Wilderness a more capable off-road-ready vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts.
Will the 2022 Subaru Forester compact SUV get a new direct-injection turbocharged Boxer engine when it arrives later this summer? Stay tuned.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Subaru