Special Subarus confirmed: 2024 Subaru Forester and Outback special editions revealed for Australia to tackle the mighty Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sorento

Subaru is freshening up its Outback wagon and Forester SUV line-ups with two new special editions.

The Outback Premium and Forester Luxury special editions are due to arrive in dealerships later this month.

Both models bring improved cabins to the lower end of their respective ranges.

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The Forester Luxury special edition is priced from $39,690, which is $1000 more than the base Forester mid-size SUV.

It brings black synthetic leather seat trim and higher quality materials on the dashboard centre console and door panels.

The Outback Premium special edition costs $47,190, which is $3500 more than the base wagon.

It builds on the cheapest Outback with premium black Nappa leather upholstery, heated front and rear window seats, in-built sat nav and a hands-free tailgate.

The Outback special edition is 00 more than the base version.

Subaru Australia boss Scott Lawrence said both models are loved by Australian families with a sense of adventure.

“We are delighted to introduce these two special editions which build on the already incredible value these two models represent and offer our customers more options to choose from,” said Lawrence.

There are no mechanical upgrades to either car and both remain powered by the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 136kW and 239Nm in the Forester and 138kW and 245Nm in the bigger Outback. Both use a CVT auto to drive all four wheels.

The two special editions add a bit of life into the ranges, which are starting to show their age compared to newer and more tech heavy rivals.

The Outback gets some big interior upgrades.

Forester sales are down more than 27 per cent this year and the Outback is down 17 per cent.

The Forester has a mild-hybrid option, but neither Subaru has a true hybrid variant to match it with the Toyota RAV4 and Kluger SUVs. 

Kia has just launched a hybrid version of the Sportage, and Hyundai will soon have a petrol-electric version of the Tucson, which is more bad news for the Forester.

Subaru does have a hybrid version of the Forester in the works, which will borrow its engine and battery set-up from the Toyota RAV4, but Subaru Australia hasn’t said when that will arrive.