2023 Subaru Forester 2.5X Special Edition announced, here before Christmas

Subaru Australia has announced a special-edition version of the entry-level Forester 2.5i.

The 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5X will arrive in local showrooms by Christmas, priced from $37,890 before on-road costs – an identical price to the regular 2.5i.

It features an aftermarket 7-inch Alpine infotainment system, which replaces Subaru’s proprietary 8-inch unit – likely in response to the semiconductor chip shortage.

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Housed in a plastic double-DIN unit with a storage slot above, the 2.5X loses a CD player, a USB-A port (for a total of one) and voice recognition, but gains wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Wired smartphone mirroring is also available for those wishing to keep their phone charged while it's connected to the vehicle.

The standard unit – which remains on other Forester variants – is also compatible with over-the-air software updates, which are unavailable with the third-party Alpine system.

We've reached out to Subaru Australia to see if the switch to an aftermarket unit affects any other features or settings, and how many examples of the 2.5X will be produced.

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It retains a six-speaker audio system, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, an AUX port, and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming functions. Satellite navigation is limited to 2.5i Premium grades and above.

All other specification, including active safety features, remains identical to the Forester 2.5i.

Under the bonnet, the Subaru Forester is powered by a 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, matched with a CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

A hybrid powertrain is available on higher-end Forester grades.

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Above: the proprietary 8-inch unit in standard Forester grades

Subaru is the latest brand to adjust specifications in response to the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage, as it works to get vehicles to buyers sooner by temporarily removing items causing lengthy delays.

Last year, fellow Japanese brand Suzuki replaced its in-house 7-inch infotainment system with an aftermarket 9-inch unit for the Australian market, while the Mitsubishi Triton utilises a third-party ‘MiDisplay’ on select variants in place of the brand’s 7-inch system.

Many premium brands, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, have removed comfort features such as powered seats to improve wait times, while BMW has deleted touchscreen functionality from some vehicles.

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Above: 2023 Subaru Forester 2.5i-S

While the 2.5X is scheduled to arrive by Christmas, the standard 2023 Subaru Forester range is arriving now, with minor updates and price rises up to $1900.

2023 Subaru Forester pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.