The 3 New Subaru Models To Watch Now

Subaru has dialed back some new model production and ramped up others. See what it means for customers and new Subaru model shoppers now.

Subaru Corporation released the production results of its new Japanese and U.S. models. It reveals which new models it has dialed back and which it has ramped up production. This has ramifications for new Subaru model shoppers. 

First, here are the production results for April, and then I'll break down what it means for shoppers in the U.S. and Canada. 

Even though these production numbers are for April, they give customers a pretty good idea of what to expect for Subaru's new model inventory in North America. Because there are shipping delays, it's a reasonably accurate representation of the current model inventory.

Production Drops In The Japanese Factory Again

Subaru Corporation reports a 20.1 percent drop in Japanese production in March. This is the third consecutive month of decrease at the Gunma, Japan, Subaru factory. There's been a 10.0 percent drop this year, but it's not as bad as it looks. 

The Gunma plant is where Subaru manufactures the U.S. spec 2025 Forester compact SUV, Base and Premium Crosstrek subcompact SUV trims, Impreza compact hatch, WRX sports car, and BRZ sport coupe.

Subaru is reducing the production of the Impreza compact hatchback, the WRX performance sedan, and the BRZ two-door sport coupe. All three have seen significant sales drops this year. 

I've seen that Subaru Corporation is dialing back those three models because of slower sales. Subaru can now give the all-new next-generation 2025 Forester compact SUV the highest priority on the production line. That's good news if you've been waiting for the redesigned Forester.

It's Full Speed Ahead For Forester

Since Subaru sells nearly 75 percent of its models in the U.S., it is ramping up new Forester production in Japan, expecting significant sales of the new compact. 

The previous-generation 2024 Forester is SOA's top-selling model this year, and the remodeled 2025 Forester should be a hot model along with the Crosstrek subcompact SUV. There should be ample inventory of both models this summer. 

The first 2025 Foresters arrived this week, and customer interest is high for the remodeled compact SUV. Read my recent report here. 

And there's more going on at Subaru Corporation. 

The top brass has decided to shift the new Forester production to the U.S. plant, Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), starting in and about 2026. Subaru will drop the Legacy sedan from its lineup to make room for Forester production in Indiana for the first time. 

SIA will now produce its top four selling models: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek Sport and Limited, Wilderness trims, and Ascent SUVs. In addition, SIA will begin making the new Forester Hybrid in 2026. Read my new U.S. Forester report here.

Production Increases In The U.S. Factory 

Subaru Corporation reports a 19.6 percent increase in its U.S. Subaru of Indiana Automotive factory production in April. This is the first increase in two months at SIA, and the yearly output increased by 19.8 percent. 

Subaru is ramping up production of the 2024 Outback midsize SUV and 2024 Crosstrek Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. These are Subaru of America's hot models now, and shoppers should see ample inventory this summer.  

SIA will scale back production of the 2024 Ascent 3-Row SUV and 2024 Legacy sedan as sales of those two models have slowed. Subaru will continue manufacturing the Legacy, and the 2025 Legacy will carry over for one more year.

I've seen that customer interest in the Legacy sedan is declining, which is the trend among all automakers. The midsize sedan will go away without much crying and gnashing of teeth. 

Exports From Japan Drop Again

Subaru Corporation reports a drop in the export total of the U.S.-spec model shipments to U.S. customers. According to the Subaru report, this was the second consecutive month of decrease. Subaru exports are down 8.1 percent for the year. 

The total export decrease is likely due to falling Impreza, WRX, and BRZ sales. These models may be in tighter supply in the coming months. On the upside, however, Forester's inventory has increased.  

Overall, I would say new Subaru shoppers will see more new 2025 Forester, 2024 Crosstrek, and 2024 Outback models on retailers' lots this summer. Because of this, you may be able to negotiate a better price.

Stay tuned for Subaru of America's May sales results. They will give more insights into which models are hot right now. I'll have my report for you tomorrow. 

Are you checking out the new next-generation 2025 Forester? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Competition Subaru