Despite Subaru introducing the sixth generation of the Forester in North America, Japanese buyers must accept the current model that has been around since 2018. The 2024 version of the Forester in Japan receives minor updates, including the addition of the new STI Sport edition. The vehicle features an interior design with an all-black theme.
The exterior of the vehicle has remained unchanged since its last facelift in 2021. However, Subaru aims to keep buyers interested by adding new trims and special editions. For 2024, the company introduces a special edition of the Subaru Forester named the Forester STI, featuring a sporty black interior.
Based on the current STI Sport model launched in 2022, this edition features a darker interior design. It combines Nappa leather seats with silver stitching and piano black accents. Moreover, the STI Sport Black Interior Selection can be combined with an exclusive metal blue exterior color. Despite its association with the STI Sport badge, the model does not receive any power updates compared to the lower trims, producing the same 175 horsepower from a 1.8-liter turbocharged boxer engine. However, it does receive a set of STI-tuned shock absorbers, improving the driving experience.
Another feature of the 2024 model is the exclusive Geyser blue color available for the X-Edition and XT-Edition trims. This is the same color used in the US-spec Subaru Forester Wilderness and was originally introduced in Japan with the XT-Edition in late 2022.
Both the X-Edition and XT-Edition models come equipped with waterproof upholstery and durable cargo covers, along with black interior accents. The main difference is that the X-Edition features a 2.0-liter e-Boxer hybrid engine, while the XT-Edition boasts a more powerful 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. All Forester models come standard with all-wheel drive.
The starting price of the 2024 Subaru Forester in Japan is $20,040. For the special trims, the X-Edition starts at $22,051, the XT version at $22,411, and the STI Sport Black Interior Selection at $25,137.
This may be the last year for the fifth generation of the Subaru Forester in the Japanese market. The updated sixth generation model is expected to be launched in 2025 following its introduction in North America.
