Japan’s Subaru Forester X-Edition Special Not Afraid To Get Wet

The 2020 Subaru Forester has received a new special edition model in Japan called X-Edition.

Going on sale on January 23, 2020, the Subaru Forester X-Edition brings subtle styling tweaks and equipment upgrades that make it better prepared for off-road incursions. Design-wise, it gets 18-inch gunmetal aluminum wheels combined with a dark treatment for the front grille, Subaru logo and fog light trim.

These changes are said to contribute to a tougher appearance – though we’ll let you be the judge of whether or not that’s true.

Meanwhile, the upgrades made to the interior ensure the Subaru Forester X-Edition is more versatile. That’s because it gains water-repellent upholstery combining fabric and synthetic leather joined together by silver stitching, as well as a water-repellent cargo floor board. As a result, muddy and wet items can be loaded without hesitation; plus, the floor rails enable luggage to slide easily in and out of the trunk.

Usability is also enhanced by the LED lamps above the cargo area and on the tailgate, which illuminate a wide area and are convenient in dark places.

Additionally, the EyeSight Safety Plus system including a front view monitor and smart rear view mirror is standard equipment. The two cameras help reduce the number of blind spots at both ends of the vehicle.

The Subaru Forester X-Edition is based on the Premium trim level powered by a 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 184 PS (181 HP) at 5,800 rpm and 239 Nm (176 lb-ft) of torque at 4,400 rpm. A CVT and the Symmetrical AWD system are standard features. Prices in Japan start from 3,179,000 yen ($29,250).