Subaru’s Fast Start In 2021 Takes A Downturn - One SUV Flies High

Subaru’s sales report for February is dismal compared to how they started the new year. January saw a record, and February (48,300 vehicle sales) sees a 6.6 percent decrease compared to February 2020 (51,695).

Subaru says the cold weather last month threw challenges that upset their goal for another upturn. “In February, Mother Nature brought us a multitude of challenges; however, we are proud of the ways our dedicated network of retailers, distributors, and employees persevered,” said Tom Doll, President, and CEO of Subaru of America.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek continues its success

But it wasn’t all bad news for the Camden, N.J. automaker. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek just had its best February ever, with retailers delivering 10,691 subcompact SUVs to U.S. customers, an increase of 29 percent compared to February 2020.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has been the big story since it received a refresh. The all-new Crosstrek Sport and Limited trim now come with a 2.5-liter Boxer engine delivering 30 more horsepower. Subaru says sales have been brisk for the two new models with the larger engine.

Photo credit: Capitol Subaru

The other top three SUVs saw mixed results. The 2021 Outback SUV/Wagon saw a 0.0 percent increase, with retailers delivering one more vehicle (12,666) to customers in 2021 than 2020 (12,665).

The 2021 Forester kept up its number-one-selling nameplate status with 13,482 compact SUVs delivered in February but dropped 18.1 percent compared with 2020 (16,458).

The Ascent 3-Row family hauler dropped 22.8 percent (4,619 vehicle sales) from the previous February (5,982). The 2021 Impreza saw the biggest drop in the lineup (-30.9 percent) compared with February 2020.

The automaker also reported year-to-date sales of 94,700, a 3.4 percent decline compared to the same period in 2020.

What’s next for Subaru?

The performance lineup of WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ all come with redesigns in 2021. The 2022 WRX will launch in late 2021, and the BRZ will be in Subaru showrooms this month. The Impreza also gets a complete remodel for the 2022 model change. Forester gets a refresh and will make its dealer launch this summer.

Two new outdoor-themed models are coming this year. If reports are accurate, a new 2022 Subaru Forester and 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition models are in the works.

The new models will begin production this spring. Recent spy shots of the new Outback Wilderness model show a lifted chassis, all-terrain tires, new fog lights, and a more aggressive body kit.

The Forester and Outback will be the first models to get the “Subaru Wilderness” badge and should hit showrooms this summer. Please read our full report here.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is the high-flying model in the all-wheel-drive stable to start the new year. New models are coming, and Subaru expects to bounce back from weather-related problems in February. Torque News will bring you updates on the new models as they arrive this spring.

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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