Which Subaru Forester Has Turbo? The Answer Might Shock You!

If you’re a car aficionado, chances are the thought of having a car with a turbo has crossed your mind one time or two thousand. 

If you’re not only a car aficionado but you are also a fan of Subaru, you may be curious if they have any turbo cars available. We all remember those videos of Imprezas rallying up and down windy roads.

Who knows when you will need some extra power in a car, besides, how cool does that sound? And this not only applies to the Impreza, but also the Forester.

So, which Subaru Forester has turbo options? Let’s find out.

Only one Subaru Forester has turbo options and it’s the 2018 model. The Japanese manufacturer has, since then, pulled the plug on turbo options. Let’s find out why.

Which Subaru Forester Has Turbo Powerplants?

The only Subaru Forester available in the United States with turbo is the 2018 model year. It’s possible the upcoming Forester model years will again offer turbo and other Subaru models like the Ascent come in turbo.

But the 2018 Forester is the only Forester year that offers turbo. Out of all the trim lines, which Subaru Forester has turbo? To answer the question directly, the car with the turbo engine is the 2018 Subaru Forester XT.

Subaru’s AWD system is capable and adept at handling the extra power and this Forester uses a CVT.

Can We Get This Car in the United States?

As of now, if you want a turbocharged Subaru, you will need to get the 2018 model. However, Japan may have something in the works.

Sounds all good, but what about the ones who are not aficionados, or they’re just about to get into the world of cars.

What is turbo, what are the benefits, how much power does that mean. Keep reading to learn more about these feats and more.

What Is A Turbo?

Turbo is a brand name for an exhaust-driven compressor that increases the density of air entering an engine. 

The excess hot gas from the combustion process in the cylinders powers the turbo.

How Much Horsepower Will A Turbo Add?

The horsepower depends on how much power you have currently.

A turbocharger makes more pressure, so you will have a similar horsepower gain to the original engine.

Is There a 2022 Forester Turbo SUV in Japan?

Yes, but this won’t make it to US shores anytime soon. 

Subaru and Subaru Tecnica International have joined up to create the 2022 Forester STI. 

You have to be in Japan to test it out though. To be honest, the US may not see a new turbo Subaru until 2024.

What Is Subaru’s AWD System?

Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is considered some of the best in its class.

Subaru uses an asymmetrical AWD layout with front-mounted horizontally opposed (BOXER) engines.

The platform has an unequal-length control arm rear suspension, low center of gravity, and limited-slip differentials.

It all adds up to excellent grip on both dry and wet pavement, as well as dirt roads.

There are some other Subaru models with turbo such as the Subaru Ascent, but the Forester has the most horsepower under its hood.

How Much Is a Subaru with Turbo?

The 2018 Forester starts at $23,710. You can also get a turbo Subaru Legacy for just under $35,000.

What do People say About the Turbo Engine?

Some say that this turbo engine has a long run time and is excellent on gas mileage. 

The CVT makes it operable with no stalling, so regular driving is smooth.

The 2018 Subaru Forester tips the scale at almost 3,500 lbs., so it may not be the ideal choice for rough roads or off-roading. 

The turbo engine has a small tank size of about 11 gallons.

What Are Some Similar Cars?

The turbocharged 2018 Subaru Forester 2.0XT is the only one available in the US at this time. 

If you googled “which Subaru Forester has turbo?”, here are some other models may interest you though:

• Ford Escape: The turbo model gives you a total of 245 hp.
• Kia Sportage: This one will get you almost 25 mpg highway.
• Nissan Rogue Sport: The belt-driven motor makes almost 200 hp.

How Much Mid-Range Torque Will It Have?

Turbocharged cars tend to have much lower torque in the midrange. 

You will see that it has great acceleration, adding power as you go along.

How Much Horsepower Does A Subaru Have?

Right now, the base Forester engine makes about 170 horsepower and there are three trims available (2.5i, 2.0XT, and Limited). 

You can also get the turbo engine with about 250 hp for the 2018 model. This is part of the appeal of those who want to know which Subaru Forester has turbo.

What Does The Subaru Forester Offer?

The hand-operated AWD (all-wheel drive) is a common feature on many of their models. 

All but one have 2.5L engines and a standard CVT transmission.

There are two types of transmissions available, the CVT and 6-speed manual.

There are three trims offered for this model: 2.5i base, 2.0XT Premium, and Limited.

The XT trim has a turbocharged engine that gives you about 250 hp while still maintaining great gas mileage.

The 2018 Subaru Forester offers excellent safety features to keep your family safe on the road.

What Is the CB18 Engine?

This engine gets the optimal fuel economy due to its design. 

It is done by strategically placing the oil inside the piston wells. 

The cylinders are smaller, and the pistons have a unique shape. The oil is placed in the piston well. It keeps it cool under extreme conditions. 

It belongs to a new family of engines. 

You can get this engine in both Subaru Forester and Crosstrek models.

What Type of Driver Would Want a Subaru Forester with Turbo?

When people ask which Subaru Forester has turbo, they’re a very specific crowd. Here’s the answer.

It is an ideal SUV for all-over family use. If you are looking for an escape vehicle, this would be a perfect choice. 

The turbo engine has plenty of power to get out of tight spaces when necessary. 

If you can’t wait to get your hands in the latest version, unfortunately you might have to wait a couple years. 

What Are Some 2018 Subaru Forester Pros and Cons?

Pros

This is a great family SUV with plenty of room. 

The Forester features Subaru’s new DriverFocus safety feature, so your driver can stay focused on the road ahead.

Cons

Since this is a larger vehicle, it may not be as good for those looking for off-road capabilities. 

There are only two trims available and they both have the same engine. 

Some say that this model does not feel like a 2018 vehicle inside or out.

Is Subaru Forester Turbo Worth It?

This turbocharged model gets excellent gas mileage while still having plenty of power to get out of dangerous situations.

It has great interior features, such as the available hands-free infotainment system with smartphone integration and Apple CarPlay.

It is probably worth it for those looking for a family SUV with power to spare.

This turbo 2018 Subaru Forester model gets excellent fuel economy and has everything you could ever want in an SUV at the same time.

The base engine is very efficient but lacks power when needed. 

The turbocharged model gives you plenty of power for your money and has everything you need in an SUV.

Final Thoughts On Which Subaru Forester Has Turbo

The 2018 Subaru Forester Turbo gives you a lot of power with its 250 hp. 

You can explore the open road and get up to 28 mpg on the highway and 22 in the city.

There is plenty of room for your family and some cargo space as well.

The turbo engine gives you the power necessary for a great escape vehicle especially with all of its safety features.

The 2018 Subaru Forester Turbo offers you a lot of features inside and out. 

If you are looking for more room in your family SUV, this may be a perfect choice. 

We should all keep our eyes peeled for the next version of the Subaru Forester Turbo 2 to come out – hopefully no later than 2024.