The Subaru Forester might have just received a facelift, the all-new next-generation model is already under development. The next iteration of Subaru’s SUV model will be allegedly fitted with hybrid technology from Toyota and is rumored to debut after 2023.
Unlike the Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ sportscars and the Toyota bZ4x / Subaru Solterra electric SUVs that were co-developed as sister models, the next Subaru Forester is not expected to be a rebadged Toyota RAV4.
Instead, according to a report from Japanese Mag-X, it will be based on a revised version of the Subaru Global Platform that is currently underpinning Subaru’s entire range, and will most likely feature evolutionary styling.
Read More: Subaru Unveils Facelifted 2022 Forester Alongside New Wilderness Edition Priced From $32,850
The off-road-focused 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Taking advantage of Toyota’s parts bin, Subaru will allegedly equip the Forester with a full hybrid system. The report suggests that the hybrid powertrain will combine two electric motors and a gasoline engine based on the Atkinson cycle.
In a typical fashion, the next Forester will be offered with permanent AWD, not forgetting its off-road credentials. At the same time, a larger battery and the improved efficiency of the hybrid powertrain will allow for significantly lower emissions and fuel consumption ratings compared to the current generation.
The hybrid system currently used by the Toyota RAV4 PHEV
The fifth-generation Subaru Forester was unveiled in 2018 and received a facelift in 2021 benefiting from a redesigned face, new trim options, a more refined ride, and better safety equipment.
In Japan and in Europe, the SUV is offered with the mild-hybrid 2.0-liter e-Boxer engine producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) but in the US customers get the more powerful but also more thirsty 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 182 hp (184 PS / 135 kW). Japanese buyers also get the option of a turbocharged 1.8-liter motor producing 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS).
