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You Don't Want Subaru To Sell This New Model In The U.S.

Does Subaru sell a minivan? Subaru does have a minivan model, but Subaru of America will never sell this minivan to its customers in the U.S. Check out why here.
2023 Subaru Chiffon

Is there a reason Subaru does not sell a minivan to its global customers? Minivans are still popular for U.S. families, as sales in the year's first six months prove. 

Chrysler has sold 73,845 Pacifica minivans to customers so far this year, Honda Odyssey is next with 39,466 models delivered, Toyota Sienna has 27,940, and Kia Carnival sold 17,822 in the first half of 2023. 

2023 Subaru Chiffon minivan is too small for Americans

Both the Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey outsold the Ascent SUV. Subaru of America delivered 33,141 Ascent 3-Row family haulers to customers in the first six months of 2023. 

Subaru sells a minivan you likely don't know about because it's only sold in Japan. It's called the Subaru Chiffon. Subaru calls it a minicar because it's small and compact. 

2023 Subaru Chiffon minivan would not sell in the U.S.

You've heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words?" Check out the images here, as they speak volumes.  

North Americans are happy with Subaru's midsize, compact, and subcompact SUVs, compact hatchback, midsize sedan, and sports cars. Customers in the U.S. are not clamoring for a Subaru all-wheel-drive minivan. 

The one model missing from Subaru of America's lineup is a pickup truck. Subaru does sell a small pickup, but it's not the one you want. Subaru Corporation sells a light-duty Sambar pickup in Japan with a small footprint and is easily maneuverable on Japan's streets.

2023 Subaru Sambar pickup is sold in Japan

Americans would buy an all-wheel-drive midsize Baja pickup or Brat compact pickup nameplates. Even better would be a Subaru Baja or Brat Wilderness pickup trim. They would be a big hit with North American customers.

But Americans would not buy the Subaru Chiffon minivan or the Subaru Sambar pickup if Subaru of America offered them. They are better left to Japan's customers. 

Would you buy a Subaru midsize minivan if Subaru of America offers one? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Denis Flierl brings over thirty years of combined auto industry and automotive journalism experience to Torque News readers. He is an accredited Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) member. The last twelve years have been spent with Torque News, covering Subaru vehicles and the latest news. Check back daily for his expert Subaru analysis. You'll find the latest stories on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

RPC (not verified)    July 7, 2023 - 11:49AM

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The Subaru Sambar pickup looks like the perfect fit for those that need a small, practical and very versatile pickup and not a $40,000+++ luxury hauler.

Smith Nellon (not verified)    July 8, 2023 - 9:54AM

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"Would you buy a Subaru midsize minivan if Subaru of America offers one?"

Why ask? Author Flierl has already informed us, with great authority, that "Americans would not buy the Subaru Chiffon minivan or the Subaru Sambar pickup if Subaru of America offered them." and the headline states "You Don't Want Subaru To Sell This New Model In The U.S."

There you have it, no thinking involved. Like the rest of media, reporting has been abandoned and opinion writers tell you what to think. Case closed.