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If you've ever driven a Subaru, you might have wondered: where are these cars actually made? Whether it's the rugged Outback or the zippy Crosstrek, Subaru carefully balances domestic and international production to meet demand while staying true to its roots. Let’s dive into Subaru’s global manufacturing story and the specific models made in each location.
Subaru vehicles are produced in two countries: Japan and the United States. Subaru’s origins trace back to Japan in the 1950s, where it began as Fuji Heavy Industries, launching its first vehicles domestically. By 1968, it entered the American market, which blossomed into one of its largest customer bases. To support this growing demand, Subaru opened its first and only U.S. plant in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1989. Here’s how Subaru splits production:
| Model | Manufacturing Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru Legacy | Indiana, USA | Luxurious midsize sedan with all-wheel drive |
| Subaru Outback | Indiana, USA | Rugged SUV with off-road capabilities |
| Subaru Forester | Gunma, Japan | Compact SUV focused on versatility |
| Subaru WRX | Gunma, Japan | Sporty design built for performance |
| Crosstrek | Indiana, USA (as of 2023) | Compact SUV now tailored for U.S. consumers |
The Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant is the brand’s only production facility outside Japan. Situated in Lafayette, Indiana, this plant manufactures several of Subaru’s most popular models for the U.S. market, including:
With a production capacity of over 300,000 vehicles annually, the SIA plant underscores Subaru’s dedication to meeting the needs of its U.S. customer base.
Despite the importance of Subaru's Indiana plant, much of Subaru’s production remains in Japan. This includes several crowd favorites:
Subaru’s manufacturing strategy stems from logistical and economic factors. By producing vehicles in both Japan and the U.S., Subaru saves on transportation costs and ensures quicker delivery to its biggest markets. Additionally, shifts in production—like moving the Crosstrek to Indiana—reflect Subaru’s commitment to adapting based on consumer demand.
It’s worth noting that even Subaru models built in the U.S. contain about 30-40% of components sourced directly from Japan, including the drivetrain and the famed Subaru BOXER engine. This blend of international and domestic input ensures that no matter where your Subaru is made, quality remains a top priority.
Regardless of location, Subaru prides itself on producing vehicles that are reliable, safe, and capable. Central to this promise is Subaru’s BOXER engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, both of which are consistent across all models. This duality—the meticulous Japanese craftsmanship and the practicality of U.S. manufacturing—makes every Subaru a trusted companion for both city streets and backcountry trails.
So, whether you drive a Lafayette-built Outback or a Gunma-crafted Forester, Subaru’s dedication to quality shines through.
Do you currently own a Subaru, or are you thinking about buying one? Share which model speaks to you most—and whether the place of production influences your decision. Let us know in the comments below!
As you can see, Subaru’s dedication to quality shines through in every model, no matter where it's made! If you’re as excited about Subaru’s journey as we are, why not connect with us? We love sharing more about all things automotive and would be thrilled to have you join our community. Follow us on Pinterest for inspiring car designs, check out our Instagram for cool car photos, catch the latest updates on X (formerly Twitter), or join the conversation on Facebook. We can’t wait to hear your Subaru stories, so feel free to tag us and share your adventures!
While Toyota holds a minor stake in Subaru Corporation—formerly Fuji Heavy Industries—Subaru operates as a separate entity. The two companies collaborate on several models, including the Subaru Solterra, which is manufactured at a Toyota facility, and the BRZ, but Subaru remains an independent company.
Subaru vehicles are produced in two main locations: Gunma, Japan, and Lafayette, Indiana. The Gunma facility is responsible for models like the Subaru BRZ, XV Crosstrek, Impreza, WRX, STi, and Forester. The Indiana plant manufactures the Legacy sedan, as well as the Outback and Tribeca crossovers.
Subaru hails from Japan. The brand name "Subaru" means "unite" in Japanese, and is also associated with the Pleiades star cluster, which is featured in the company's emblem. Subaru's first mass-produced model, the Subaru 360, was introduced in 1958.
Subaru operates six manufacturing plants worldwide, with four located in Japan, specifically in the Subaru-chō area of Ota, Gunma Prefecture. At this 82-acre facility, Subaru produces models such as the Impreza, WRX, BRZ, and Crosstrek.
