Subaru Is Counting On 2 New Models For Success This Year - They Are Not EVs

Subaru says they will draw in new customers this year with two newly-redesigned hatchback models. And one of those vehicles is not the all-new 2023 Solterra EV. Check out the report and which new models to watch in 2023.

Subaru of America is counting on two redesigned hot hatchback models to attract new customers to its retailers this year. And one is not the all-new 2023 Solterra battery-electric compact SUV. The two new models are coming that new car shoppers should watch this year.

A recent report from Automotive News gets insights from Jeff Walters, senior vice president of sales at Subaru of America. The Camden, N.J. automaker is at the Auto Team America Dealer/CEO/CFO Forum in conjunction with the 2023 NADA Show.

2024 Subaru Impreza hatch at the Tokyo Auto Salon

Walters told AN that Subaru retailers across the U.S. will now have the opportunity to get new buyers through the door who have never purchased a Subaru vehicle. They will do it with the redesigns of the next-generation 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV hatchback and the next-generation 2024 Impreza hatchback.

Walters says, "We just came off the last full year of the previous generation Crosstrek, and that car had its best year ever," at 155,142 sales in the U.S., Walters said. "From the Impreza five-door building up to the Crosstrek, when this production starts to come back, we can clock it, soak up some volume with these five doors, especially the Crosstrek."

2024 Subaru Crosstrek at the Tokyo Auto Salon

The Crosstrek had a record year and finished as Subaru of America's best-selling model in the all-wheel-drive lineup. The Crosstrek's impressive sales finished 2022 higher than the Outback and Forester SUV totals for the year.

The Subaru Impreza finished the year down in sales, but Subaru of America is counting on the all-new 2024 Impreza hatchback to attract new compact car buyers to the brand. The Impreza is positioned perfectly to capture "conquest" sales from other automakers because the all-new hatchback gets impressive new upgrades and it's fuel efficient.

Is Subaru excited about the all-new Solterra all-electric SUV?

Subaru National Retailer Advisory Board Chairman Jeff Williams told Automotive News Subaru retailers are excited about the new Solterra, but they have no more new Solterras to sell to customers. "Quite honestly, we're sold out. And that's the way it is for most retailers," says Williams.

Subaru of America provided two new 2023 Solterra EVs to its retailers, one for a service loaner and one that they can sell or keep for demonstration and display purposes. Williams keeps one for sale and one for a service loaner at his Subaru store in Lansing, Michigan.

Because the new 2023 Solterra EV is sold out for 2023, Subaru of America is counting on two next-generation models to help the automaker make a sales recovery. Its redesigned 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUV and all-new Impreza compact hatchback will attract new customers this year. Both are fuel-efficient hot hatchbacks and will have new infotainment and safety technology upgrades.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback arrives this spring, and the next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV makes its U.S. debut on February 9, 2023. Stay tuned.

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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru