Which Subaru Crosstreks are made in Japan?
The Crosstrek sold in the United States is not manufactured in Japan; it is assembled in Subaru’s U.S. factory in Lafayette, Indiana. In Japan, the corresponding model is called the XV and is produced domestically. So, Japan-made Crosstreks are essentially the XV sold in Japan, while U.S.-market Crosstreks come from Indiana.
Subaru’s global production network assigns assembly locations by market. The North American Crosstrek line relies on a U.S. plant, while the Japan domestic-market XV reflects Japan-based manufacturing. Model updates and electrified variants can further influence how and where specific units are produced, but the general pattern remains: U.S. Crosstreks are built in Indiana; Japan-market XVs are built in Japan.
Where Crosstreks are built by market
The following summarizes the primary production locations for Crosstreks/XV by market as of the latest model years.
- United States and Canada: Built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, primarily for North American demand. This factory supplies Crosstreks for the U.S., Canada, and sometimes exports to neighboring markets.
- Japan domestic market (XV): The XV for sale in Japan is produced in Japan at Subaru’s domestic plants, reflecting standard practice for domestically marketed models.
In short, these are the two main production paths relevant to the question: U.S. Crosstreks are not built in Japan; Japan-market XVs are produced in Japan.
Additional context: model naming and electrified variants
Crosstrek vs. XV naming conventions
Subaru uses the Crosstrek name in North America and the XV name in many other markets. The production location generally follows the market, so the XV sold in Japan is produced in Japan, while the U.S. Crosstrek is produced in Indiana. Electrified variants and year-by-year changes can influence production allocations, but the overarching pattern remains consistent.
What buyers should know
If you are shopping for a Crosstrek in the United States, expect the vehicle to be manufactured in Indiana. If you are in Japan and buying the XV, it will be produced in Japan. For specific trims or mixed-market imports, always verify the VIN or dealer documentation for the exact production site of a given unit.
Summary
Bottom line: U.S.-market Crosstreks come from Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana, and are not built in Japan. The Japan domestic-market equivalent, the XV, is produced in Japan. The Crosstrek/XV naming reflects market branding rather than a single global production site, and buyers should check vehicle documentation to confirm the exact manufacturing origin of a specific unit.
Which Subaru models are still made in Japan?
Subarus are made in six factories around the world, four of which are in Japan: Subaru-chō, building the Impreza, WRX, BRZ, and Crosstrek, as part of an 82-acre facility in Ota, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Yajima plant in Ota that builds the larger SUVs.
Where are Subaru Crosstreks made in the US?
Lafayette, Indiana
The Base and Premium trim levels of the Subaru Crosstrek are made in Japan. The Sport, Limited, and Wilderness configurations, which have a 2.5-liter engine, are made at the SIA in Lafayette, Indiana. The compact Crosstrek provides just as much capability as its larger siblings, just in a smaller package.
Which Subaru Crosstrek is made in Japan?
All non-Hybrid Crosstrek models are produced in the United States, while the Crosstrek Hybrid is produced in Japan.
What year to stay away from a Subaru Crosstrek?
Years to potentially avoid for the Subaru Crosstrek include the 2016 and 2018 models due to issues like drivetrain vibrations, infotainment problems, and oil consumption. The early years of the first generation, specifically 2013-2015, should also be approached with caution due to common issues like oil consumption and head gasket problems with the 2.5-liter engine.
Years with more reported issues
- 2016: Has been associated with drivetrain vibrations and faulty infotainment systems.
- 2018: This model year is known for excessive oil consumption, glitchy technology, and a serious safety concern regarding the rear wheels kicking out, causing fishtailing.
- 2013-2015: These early models, particularly with the 2.5L engine, are prone to head gasket problems and excessive oil consumption. The 2012 Impreza shared this generation and also had issues with its CVT and oil consumption.
Other years to consider
- 2017: Generally considered a safer bet with fewer reported issues and recalls.
- 2019: While some sources suggest avoiding it due to numerous recalls and a significant number of complaints related to the ECM software causing unexpected engine stalls, other owners have reported it as reliable.
- 2021: This model year has received positive marks for reliability.
- 2023: This year is often recommended as one of the better choices in the second generation.
