Subaru Quietly Changed the Forester Again

The Subaru Forester is not the kind of SUV that relies on flashy redesigns. Subaru tends to evolve it quietly, one small update at a time, and that is exactly what is happening in Japan.

A little over a year after launching the sixth-generation Forester at home, Subaru has introduced a lightly revised lineup headlined by a new trim called Touring. The name may sound familiar to American buyers, but in Japan it serves a very different role. Rather than sitting at the top of the range, the Touring becomes the new entry point for turbocharged models.

Subaru has simplified a few things to keep the price down, though the Forester still feels well equipped. The exterior gets black bumper guards and matching cladding for a more rugged look, while 18-inch wheels help it avoid looking too basic.

Inside, fabric seats replace leather, and the digital instrument cluster gives way to traditional analog dials with a smaller central display. Still, the big 11.6-inch infotainment screen remains standard, along with heated seats, power-adjustable front seats, and folding mirrors.

For buyers seeking more technology, the Touring EX adds Subaru’s 12.3-inch digital cluster and the more advanced Eyesight X driver-assistance suite. Elsewhere, the Japanese lineup continues with trims like the rugged X-Break and the upscale Premium EX.

However, Japan still does not get the tougher Forester Wilderness offered in North America.

Under the hood, Subaru sticks with familiar hardware. Turbocharged models use the brand’s 1.8-liter boxer engine, producing 174 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while hybrid variants pair a 2.5-liter e-Boxer engine with an electric motor.

Pricing starts at ¥3,850,000 ($24,200) for the new Touring and rises to ¥4,642,000 ($29,200) for the flagship hybrid Premium EX.