What subarus are built in Japan?
Subaru’s most widely known model built in Japan for global markets is the BRZ; nearly all other Subaru cars sold worldwide are produced outside Japan, largely in the United States or in China for local markets. This article explains which Subarus are made in Japan and how Subaru organizes its global production.
Where Subaru builds its cars
Subaru operates a global production network. While a large portion of its lineup is produced in North America and elsewhere, Japan remains a site for a limited set of vehicles and for certain components destined for domestic use. The following section highlights the Japan-based production, with context on the rest of the company's plants.
Japan-built models
The following model is known to be produced in Japan for global or domestic markets. This reflects Subaru’s current production practices and may change with model-year updates or corporate retooling.
- Subaru BRZ — assembled in Japan (Mizushima Plant, Okayama Prefecture) as part of the Toyota–Subaru joint development and production arrangement.
Beyond the BRZ, Subaru’s broader lineup is largely assembled outside Japan, with major production hubs in the United States and China. The BRZ stands as the primary example of a Subaru model that remains built in Japan for export and for the domestic market.
Why production is distributed globally
Subaru distributes its manufacturing across several regions to balance supply, demand, and logistics. The United States hosts Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, which produces several models for global distribution, while production in China serves the Chinese market through a FAW–Subaru joint venture. In Japan, limited production of specific models like the BRZ supports domestic demand and export coordinated with partner plants and between Toyota and Subaru.
Global production footprint (high-level)
For readers seeking a broader view, here is a succinct overview of Subaru’s major production centers outside Japan.
- United States — Subaru of Indiana Automotive (Lafayette, Indiana) produces several popular models for North American and international markets.
- China — FAW–Subaru joint venture produces models tailored to the Chinese market.
These hubs collectively account for the bulk of Subaru’s global output. Japan remains a small but notable site for specific models such as the BRZ, reflecting a strategic alignment with the car’s performance-focused branding and a legacy of Japanese manufacturing.
Summary
In summary, the Subaru BRZ is the standout model built in Japan today. Most other Subarus sold worldwide are produced outside Japan—primarily in the United States and in China—while Japan retains a niche role for certain models and domestic production. If you’re curious about a specific model’s origin, check the latest production details from Subaru for that model year, as plant assignments can shift with new generations or regional demand.
