Subaru’s New Model Rollercoaster Ride Continues

It’s an up-and-down ride. 

If you are a regular reader of my Subaru reports, you know it’s been like a rollercoaster ride for Subaru Corporation and Subaru of Indiana Automotive production of its new models. It’s up and down again. 

Although, in the amusement park the ride is fun, in automobile production it can be scary. 

Subaru Corporation released the most recent 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 in Japan for May, and then I'll give U.S. production data and then break down what it means for shoppers in North American markets, U.S. and Canada. 

What to Expect

The production numbers are for May, but it gives 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 new model inventory this summer.

The Outback is Up The Forester Is Down

Subaru Corporation’s production of the all-new 2025 Forester, Crosstrek Base and Premium trims, Impreza, WRX, and BRZ production is down again. 

Subaru Corporation announced that Japan production at its Gunma plant has decreased 6.8 percent. That’s the 4th consecutive month of decrease. The Japanese plant is down 9.3 percent for the year. 

In contrast, new model production of the 2025 Outback, Crosstrek Sport, Wilderness and Limited, and Ascent and Legacy has increased 8.6 percent in May. It’s Subaru of Indiana Automotive’s (SIA) second consecutive month of increase. SIA has increased its production 17.4 percent this year. 

Subaru must have had lots of 2025 Forester models they were getting ready to ship to U.S. customers because the export total increased 6.6 percent in May, the first increase in three months. However, the exports decreased 5.2 percent this year. 

There’s good news for new-gen Forester buyers.

Since Subaru sells nearly 75 percent of its models in the U.S., it is ramping up new 2025 Forester production in Japan, expecting significant sales of the new compact. 

The 2025 Subaru Forester is all-new and it’s arriving now at U.S. and Canadian retailers as Subaru Corporation made the shift from the fifth-gen models to the remodeled six-generation Forester compact SUV.

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

There are big changes coming

As I previously reported, the next-gen Forester will be manufactured at a U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana, starting next year. This move ensures a steady supply for its North American customers. 

Forester production will begin at SIA as soon as it stops manufacturing the discontinued Legacy sedan model after the 2025 models make their final run. 

New next-gen Forester Wilderness trims will also likely be built in Indiana as the new Forester production moves to the U.S., as well. This shift not only marks a significant change in Subaru's manufacturing strategy but also brings potential customer benefits.

Customers can expect reduced delivery times and improved availability of the popular Forester model, ensuring you can get your hands on the redesigned Forester sooner. Read my Forester Wilderness report here. 

Because SIA production has increased, there should be an ample number of new 2025 Subaru Outback midsize suva available for new car shoppers. Also you’ll se more 2024 Crosstrek subcompact SUVs on retailers’ lots this summer. 

That includes the all-new rugged 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness trim level. It’s also now made in the U.S. factory in Indiana. I expect it to be a hot trim level for Subaru in North America.

The 2025 Subaru Forester and 2025 Subaru Outback arrive now across the U.S. and Canada. Which model are you most interested in? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check back tomorrow for the latest Subaru news.

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: Tucson Subaru