Is Subaru made by Toyota?
Subaru is not made by Toyota. Subaru is produced by Subaru Corporation (the company behind the Subaru brand) and operates independently of Toyota, though the two companies maintain a long-running strategic partnership.
In this article, we explain Subaru’s corporate status, how ownership is structured, and the nature of the collaboration with Toyota, including notable joint projects and what customers should know about the relationship today.
Subaru’s corporate status
Key details about who controls Subaru and how ownership is structured.
- Subaru Corporation is the Japanese parent company responsible for the Subaru brand, developed from Fuji Heavy Industries.
- Subaru Corporation operates as an independent automaker, separate from Toyota Motor Corporation.
- Toyota Motor Corporation owns a minority stake in Subaru’s parent company (reported around 4.9% as of 2019), but this does not constitute ownership of Subaru itself or control over its operations.
- Ownership and control remain with Subaru Corporation and its shareholders, not Toyota, even as the two companies collaborate closely on technology and product development.
In summary, Subaru remains an independent brand under its own corporate structure, with Toyota holding a minority investment that signals a strategic partnership rather than a takeover or direct control.
Notable collaborations between Toyota and Subaru
The alliance between Toyota and Subaru has produced joint products and technology sharing that benefit both brands without changing Subaru’s ownership status.
- Co-developed the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ sports cars, offering twin models with distinct branding but shared engineering and platform elements.
- Shared platforms and engineering for all-wheel-drive systems and performance-oriented drivetrains, leveraging Subaru’s expertise in boxer engines and AWD dynamics.
- Collaborative work on safety technology, electrified powertrains, and future vehicle platforms to accelerate development of next-generation mobility solutions.
These collaborations demonstrate a deep, multi-faceted partnership aimed at efficiency and performance, while Subaru’s corporate independence and Toyota’s minority stake remain separate realities.
Current status and outlook
As of the latest available information, Toyota’s stake in Subaru is minority in nature, and Subaru continues to operate as an autonomous company with its own branding and management. The collaboration, particularly on the BRZ/GR86 and shared technology, is designed to strengthen both brands’ competitiveness in a rapidly evolving automotive market.
The future of the relationship is likely to emphasize continued joint development in performance, electrification, and safety technologies, while preserving Subaru’s identity as a distinct automaker with its own product lineup.
Summary
Subaru is not owned or produced by Toyota. It remains an independent brand under Subaru Corporation, with Toyota holding a minority stake and maintaining a strategic partnership. The collaboration has yielded co-developed models like the BRZ and GR86 and ongoing technology sharing, but ownership and branding remain separate.
