Guess Which 2 New Subaru Models Get Good Design Awards

I've been covering Subaru for decades, and the Japanese automaker is known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles, but they aren't known for their drop-dead looks. Bland exterior styling on the 2023 Forester and other new models is the norm when anyone thinks of the automaker's exterior styling.

Not everyone agrees because Subaru just won two new model design awards. Fans may not be excited about Subaru's design language, but the Japanese automaker picked up four recent awards from the Good Design team. Subaru announced two new models picked up the award.

Crosstrek and Impreza pick up awards.

I am surprised the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and 2024 Subaru Impreza are recipients of the Good Design Award 2023. The two new models are all-new, but little has changed on the exterior styling. 

I have covered the Good Design awards for years, and it's not the first time the Japanese automaker has won awards for the best design language.

The winner in 2012 was the 2013 XV Crosstrek, and the Impreza compact and the Forester SUV took home the honors in 2014. The 2016 Subaru Outback wagon and Legacy sedan also picked up awards. In 2022, the 2023 Subaru Outback, 2023 Solterra, 2022 WRX, and 2023 BRZ all picked up awards.

The Global Design Awards are given to numerous companies and organizations from Japan and around the globe. The awards are held annually and are aimed at using design to solve societal challenges and themes while improving the quality of living.

The Crosstrek and Impreza got complete redesigns, but most changes occurred under the sheet metal. The two models get new grilles, front facia, and newly redesigned taillights, but the two models are easily recognizable and have yet to get significant changes on the outside. 

Even though Subaru's exterior styling barely changes from the previous generation to the next-generation models, the 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV and 2024 Impreza compact hatchback take home the best design trophy.

I have to look twice to determine which generation model they are. Why doesn't Subaru bring more extensive exterior design changes to Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, and other next-generation models?

Part of the reason is Subaru wants to keep superior visibility in its vehicles from the driver's seat. If you rake the top of the car too much, you'll lose the large greenhouse windows, like in the Forester. 

Another reason is that extensive design changes are expensive, and retooling the entire vehicle is not easy to recoup over the vehicle's generation life cycle. Subaru is one of the smallest automakers with limited resources, unlike the largest automakers.

I like the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza upgrades, but I would prefer Subaru was more aggressive in its exterior design language. 

It's time for your Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza comments. 

I have said before that Subaru models are unexciting and dull, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What do you think of the new generation design?

Thanks for reading, everyone. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report story.

For additional articles related to the Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza, here are a few of my top stories:

• The New Subaru Impreza Outperforms The Hot Crosstrek
• 10 Cars Worth Waiting For - Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Trails The Top Picks
• Head To Head 2024 Subaru Impreza Vs. Crosstrek - Hot Hatch Or Off-Road Warrior

You may enjoy this video from Redline Reviews - The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Is A Beefy Off-Road Capable Small SUV

Denis Flierl - I have over twenty years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Subaru Report, All Subaru and WRX STI social media channels:  Also Facebook, Social Platform X, and Instagram. 

I’ve got you covered! Subaru Report - I cover all Subaru all the time. 

Please leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and post X to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru