Subaru Forester Could Bring Turbo Power Back With the STI Sport

Take this all with a big ol grain of salt, but details emerged through a Japanese report that was subsequently deleted that a new fun-focused Fozzie might be on the horizon. Rumor has it that the new turbocharged Forester will start at 4,466,000 yen, or roughly $30,000 at current exchange rates. That's approximately $5,500 more than its predecessor, but it's a number, and with a number, we can extrapolate (at least somewhat) that production is coming.

Under the hood, the revived STI Sport is expected to use a 1.8-liter turbocharged flat-four engine with direct injection. Unlike Subaru's increasingly popular hybrid Forester variants, this version would reportedly stick with conventional gasoline power.

The previous Forester STI Sport offered more than cosmetic upgrades, including STI-tuned Hitachi Astemo front dampers, Nappa leather upholstery, and distinctive black exterior accents. Whether those features return for 2027 remains unclear, but they provide a template for a crossover that could appeal to enthusiasts who need everyday practicality.

One reported omission is Subaru's latest EyeSight X driver-assistance technology, potentially making the higher price harder to justify for buyers prioritizing modern safety features. There's another important caveat, though: The reported model is intended for Japan, and Subaru has not confirmed plans to sell it in the United States. We will cry along with you.

For American enthusiasts hoping for a genuinely sporty Forester, the STI Sport's reported return is encouraging. However, until Subaru reveals the final specifications and availability, this turbocharged crossover remains an intriguing possibility rather than a confirmed addition to the U.S. lineup. All we can do is cross our fingers... and toes...

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