by Subaru Forester Model Line Update for Japan
Subaru has introduced updates for the sixth-generation Forester in the Japanese market. The most notable change is the introduction of a new entry-level trim called Touring, which offers access to the turbocharged version at a lower price.
Unlike the North American market, where the Touring name is associated with premium equipment and leather interior, in Japan this trim plays a different role. It becomes a new entry point to the turbo engine lineup, reducing standard equipment to lower the cost.
Exterior and Interior
Externally, the JDM Forester Touring features unpainted black front and rear bumpers, along with matching side moldings. The SUV is equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels with a five-spoke design, similar to the Sport and X-Break trims, but with a bi-tone diamond-cut finish.
Inside, it uses fabric upholstery with a choice of black or gray-platinum color schemes. The seats feature blue stitching, and the gear selector has a silver finish.
Unlike the base version in the US, which has a 7-inch display, the Japanese counterpart comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. However, the digital instrument cluster has been replaced by analog gauges with a 4.2-inch display in the middle. The Touring trim also includes a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, an 8-way power front passenger seat, heated front and rear outboard seats, and power-folding side mirrors.
For those seeking more, the Touring EX version is available, adding a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the Eyesight X ADAS technology, which is absent in the base Touring.
Other Trims and Powertrains
The rest of the Japanese lineup includes the Sport EX with bronze accents, the darkened Sport EX Black Selection, the off-road-oriented X-Break, and the flagship Premium EX (analogous to the US Touring). Japanese buyers do not have access to the Forester Wilderness version.
The technical side remains unchanged. The Touring, Touring EX, Sport, and Sport EX trims are equipped with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder boxer engine producing 174 hp (130 kW) and 300 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT gearbox and the Symmetrical AWD system.
The X-Break, X-Break EX, and Premium EX versions are offered exclusively with the S:HEV hybrid setup. It combines a 2.5-liter e-Boxer with 158 hp (118 kW) with an electric motor producing 118 hp (88 kW) and a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.1 kWh.
Equipment Updates and Prices
In addition to the new trims, the Forester has received a Smart Rearview Mirror with higher resolution and a faster wireless smartphone charger. Furthermore, all hybrid models come standard with a 100 V AC outlet with up to 1500 W of power.
The updated Forester is already available for order in Japan. The cheapest Touring version starts at ¥3,850,000 ($24,200), while the Touring EX costs ¥3,993,000 ($25,100). The flagship Premium S:HEV EX is priced at ¥4,642,000 ($29,200).
For comparison, in the US, the base Forester Base starts at $29,995 but comes standard with the Eyesight system. The American Forester Touring Hybrid is the most expensive in the lineup, starting at $41,545.
Interestingly, Subaru continues to differentiate markets by offering different sets of options and powertrains. The Japanese buyer gets access to the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, which is not offered in the US, where the focus is instead on hybrid technologies. Meanwhile, the US market does not see the Wilderness version, which could be in demand among outdoor enthusiasts. This strategy allows Subaru to tailor the model to the specific needs and preferences of local buyers, as well as optimize certification and logistics costs.
