Subaru press release:

Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. (FHI), a global manufacturer of transportation and aerospace-related products and the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the introduction of its new Subaru Forester models in Japan. The facelift Forester models went on sale through its Subaru dealerships nationwide today. [editor's note: in Japan]

In further advancing the basic concept of crossover SUV with the best of both worlds, Subaru engineers have made substantial improvements on the Forester and raised its product appeal. Not only were driving performance and utilities enhanced, but sophisticated design and quality looks have been significantly improved. While the exterior design expresses dynamism and power, the interior design focuses on convenience, improved utility and quality, and includes such features as water-resistant fabric and interior lining, a multifunctional center console, and greater functionality in the rear luggage space.

From its foundation of outstanding driving performance, the handling stability of the Forester has been further enhanced through strengthened rigidity in its chassis, as well as in improvements made in suspension tuning, giving the driver peace of mind and a stable grip on the road, particularly on highways and winding mountainous roads.

Major Improvements

Exterior

• Demonstrating the concept of dynamic and modern styling, the exterior design emphasizes the power of a crossover SUV while maintaining the established flowing form of the Forester.
• While retaining the elegant flow from the front hood to the bumper, the large-sized grille design accentuates the powerful SUV face. By eliminating unwanted projections of bumper parts, the front bumper unit has been packaged to give an elegant and simple, yet sporty silhouette.
• The rear gate has been redesigned for a sophisticated look with expanded garnish and a bright molding, stressing the car’s wide and stable presence.
• The lower part of the rear bumper is colored black, emphasizing the ample road clearance of an SUV.
• The front headlamp packaging features round-shaped, four-beam headlights, augmenting both design factors and functionality. Rear combination lamps stress sportiness, with round-shaped lights in triangular lamp lenses.
• Door handles are elegantly chrome-plated, bringing out quality looks.
• The 6-star Subaru automobile emblem is attached on the streamlined rear gate, adding a unified Subaru image to the car.
• A new body color, Garnet Red Pearl, has been added. Evergreen Metallic is also available as a body color with the L.L. Bean edition.

Interior

• Water-resistant seat fabric has been adopted. The floor mat in the luggage space and the rear seatback are now made from new heavy-duty fabrics that help resist scratching, tearing, and dirt. The sides of the luggage space are also covered with heavy-duty, water-resistant material. In addition, railings are laid out on the luggage space floor to prevent luggage from sliding during travel.
• A bar for hanging towels and outdoor equipment has been fitted on each side in the rear luggage space and can be used even when a luggage compartment cover is used.
• The multifunctional center console can be used as an armrest, while providing an electrical outlet (DC12V) and cup holders.
• The built-in HDD navigation system with a 30-GB hard disk drive combines the functions of a DVD player and a high-end audio system. The touch-panel keys on the 6.5-inch navigation screen and high performance navigation functions ensure convenience and ease of use. The HDD navigation system is optional.
• The Forester with the built-in HDD and navigation option can be also fitted with a multifunctional box with a light inside. By diverting the cool air from the air conditioner, it becomes a small beveraga cooler that accommodates two 350-mL bottles. When the cooling function is switched off, it can be simply a storage box.
• The L.L. Bean edition comes with a standard, driver’s 8-way power seat with lumber support, providing comfort and the ease of operations. This driver’s seat is optional on the 2.0XT and 2.0XS.
• Two choices of interior colors, beige and off-black, highlight quality and elegance.
• Leather seats in beige are standard on the L.L. Bean edition. Optional leather seats in beige or off-black are available on the 2.0XT and 2.0XS.
• A MOMO leather–wrapped steering wheel, genuine leather-wrapped AT selector lever/MT shift knob and hand brake lever are standard on the 2.0 XT and 2.0XS.
• A MOMO leather and wood steering wheel, genuine-leather and wood-surface-patterned resin AT select lever, genuine leather–wrapped MT shift knob and hand brake lever are standard on the L.L. Bean edition.
• The L.L. Bean edition comes with a travel bag and cooler bag that were specially designed by L.L. Bean.

Chassis

• By incorporating a rebound spring in the front damper, adopting front subframes, and modifying the geometry of the front suspension, any pitching or rolling movements of the vehicle are substantially minimized.
• Outstanding handling stability has been ensured by adjustments to the damper force.
• Vehicle cornering stability has been improved through an enhancement at the rear crossmember, thus fortifying rigidity in the mounting of the rear suspension.
• Newly developed 17-inch tires help improve driving stability on road. All models except for the 2.0X are fitted with these tires.
• A new AWD system monitors each tire’s rotations and governs precise control of optimal four-wheel movements, delivering a smooth ride and vehicle stability, even on slippery roads.
• Brake performance has been improved through the use of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) with an electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system, as well as the adoption of 14-inch solid disk rotors in the rear disk brakes on the naturally aspirated engine model, an upgrade from the drum brake system.

http://www.subdriven.com/news/publis...icle_330.shtml

Oh and keep in mind the engine choices are different in Japan, and the 2.0X and 2.0XS models refer to those Japanes engine choices. As far as I know the Forester's current 2.5 liter engine choices will remain mostly unchanged for the U.S. market.