Subaru Forester Gets a New STI Sport Edition: What You Need to Know

Subaru enthusiasts in Australia have something new to look forward to: the 2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport. This special edition, arriving in late September, brings a distinctive twist to the popular Forester lineup, though it won't offer performance upgrades beyond its standard offerings.

What’s New with the STI Sport?

The Forester STI Sport is based on the top-of-the-range Forester 2.5i-S AWD. While the STI badge might suggest performance enhancements, this edition focuses on refined driving dynamics rather than increased power. The STI Sport features re-tuned front and rear dampers, aimed at improving control, stability, and balance. However, the engine remains the same 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre flat-four, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Unique Styling and Features

Despite the lack of performance upgrades, the STI Sport stands out with its unique styling elements. It introduces:

• Interior Enhancements: Black and red Nappa leather upholstery, red stitching on the steering wheel and instrument panel, and STI branding in the instrument cluster and on the tailgate.
• Exterior Upgrades: Dark grey alloy wheels, black exterior trims, and STI branding.
• Exclusive Color Options: Available in Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, and Offshore Blue Metallic. Notably, colors from the 2.5i-S like green, bronze, and red are not available for the STI Sport.

Priced at $48,640 before on-road costs, the STI Sport commands a $1,500 premium over the 2.5i-S AWD. It's expected to be a collector’s item due to its limited availability.

Market Position and Sales Data

The Forester STI Sport arrives as one of the final updates for the current Forester model. With the new-generation Forester, unveiled in late 2023, expected to hit Australian shores next year, the STI Sport serves as a bridge to the next phase of the Forester lineup.

Sales data from VFACTS shows that the Forester has registered 9,273 units in Australia between January and August 2024. While this places it behind competitors like the Toyota RAV4 (38,050 units) and Mazda CX-5 (15,878 units), the Forester continues to maintain a steady presence in the compact SUV segment.

Current Forester Pricing in Australia

Here's a quick overview of the Forester pricing range:

• Forester 2.5i AWD: $38,690
• Forester 2.5i Luxury AWD special edition: $39,690
• Forester 2.5i-L AWD: $41,090
• Forester 2.5i Premium AWD: $43,890
• Forester 2.5i Sport AWD: $45,640
• Forester 2.5i-S AWD: $47,140
• Forester STI Sport AWD: $48,640
• Forester Hybrid-L AWD: $44,090
• Forester Hybrid-S AWD: $50,140

Conclusion

The 2025 Subaru Forester STI Sport offers a fresh take on the popular SUV, with unique styling and enhanced driving dynamics thanks to STI-tuned dampers. While it doesn’t bring performance improvements, its special edition features and limited availability make it a notable addition to the Forester lineup. As the automotive landscape evolves with new models and regulations, the STI Sport could very well become a sought-after collector’s item in the future.