Subaru special editions make Outback, Forester more luxurious

Subaru has revealed special editions of its popular Forester and Outback crossovers, which take the base models of each but add a range of niceties.

They’re due in Australian showrooms in mid-May.

Subaru hasn’t said exactly how many examples of each will be brought here, but has said they will be “limited volume” models.

Forester 2.5i Luxury AWD Special Edition

The Forester 2.5i Luxury AWD Special Edition is priced at $39,690 before on-roads, just $1000 more than the base 2.5i AWD.

It gains the following equipment from the flagship 2.5i-S and Hybrid S variants:

• Black leather upholstery
• Upgraded dash panel accents
• Upgraded centre console trim
• Upgraded door panel trim

It’s available only in Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Horizon Blue Pearl and Magnetic Grey Metallic exterior finishes.

Otherwise, equipment is the same as the base 2.5i. This includes:

• Automatic, active cornering LED headlights
• LED front fog lights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 6.3-inch multi-function display
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• DAB+ digital radio
• Six-speaker sound system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter

As with most Foresters, the only powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 136kW of power and 239Nm of torque, mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

Pricing for the 2024 Forester range is unchanged.

Outback AWD Premium Special Edition

The Outback AWD Premium Special Edition is $3500 more than the base model at $47,190 before on-road costs, but adds features from the more expensive Sport and Touring.

These comprise:

• Black Nappa leather-accented seat trim
• Heated front seats
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Satellite navigation
• Hands-free power tailgate

That’s in addition to features found in the base Outback AWD, which include:

• 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
• Dual-zone climate control
• Six-speaker sound system
• Rain-sensing wipers

It’s available in the full range of Outback colours apart from Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

It’s offered only with the entry-level Outback powertrain: a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four with 138kW and 245Nm, mated with a CVT and all-wheel drive.

Pricing for the 2024 Outback range is unchanged.

MORE: Everything Subaru ForesterMORE: Everything Subaru Outback