For this update, Subaru has dropped the normally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-4 (FB25) in its home country in favor of this new 1.8-liter DIT flat-4. Codenamed CB18, it’s the same one used in the 2021 Levorg. This new engine puts out numbers comparable to the larger NA engine—177 horsepower from 5,200 to 5,600 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 3,600 rpm. Mated to a Lineartronic CVT, Subaru says it can do up to 13.6 km/L—comparable to the hybrid’s 14.0 km/L.

Style-wise, the Forester Sport is easily distinguishable with its dual muffler with a diffuser-style rear bumper guard. It also gets gray-painted door mirrors, 18-inch wheels, and a gray metallic roof spoiler. Like top-grade models, it also gets LED front fog lamps.

Inside, the Forester Sport gets a leather steering wheel with a contrasting silver stitching and leather/suede upholstery. A power driver’s seat that adds an auto retreat function for easier ingress/egress, while the door mirrors have also been linked to the power seat memory. It also retracts automatically when locked.

Currently, it is unknown whether Subaru will offer the Forester Sport (or the brand-new turbocharged engine) outside of Japan. Likely, it will reach North America first before being offered to other markets such as the Philippines.