Which Subaru models are still made in Japan?
In brief: the BRZ is the Subaru model that remains regularly produced in Japan for global markets; most other current models are built in the United States or elsewhere. Production locations can shift with model updates and supply arrangements, so always check the latest factory notes for the specific year and market.
Subaru’s global manufacturing footprint has evolved over the past decade. While the company has expanded U.S. production (notably at Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette, Indiana) and established several plants abroad to meet demand, Japan remains the birthplace of some specialized or domestic-market models. Here is a snapshot of what is known about which Subaru models are still built in Japan as of the latest available information.
Current Japan-made models
The following list identifies the model that Subaru continues to manufacture in Japan for global distribution. It reflects the most widely cited and current production arrangements for mass-market models.
BRZ
- BRZ — produced in Japan as part of Subaru’s long-running sports coupe lineup, and shared with Toyota as the Toyota GR86; the car is marketed globally, including in the United States, as a Japan-made model.
Beyond the BRZ, Subaru’s broader lineup has increasingly shifted production outside Japan. The majority of mainstream models (such as larger SUVs and crossovers) are assembled at plants in the United States and other regions, with Japan focusing on a limited set of domestic-market or specialty vehicles. Market availability and exact production locations can change with model-year updates and regional supply agreements.
Context and implications for buyers
Where a model is built can influence delivery times, trim levels, and warranty considerations in different regions. For buyers in Japan or markets importing Japanese-assembled cars, the BRZ’s status as a Japan-made model may be a factor in perceived quality or timing. For buyers elsewhere, the vast majority of Subaru’s mainstream lineup is produced outside Japan, especially in the United States at SIA in Indiana, which has become a central production hub for many models over the past decade.
Because production arrangements can shift, the most reliable way to confirm current factory locations by model and year is to consult Subaru’s official production announcements or the model-year press materials provided by Subaru and its regional distributors.
What this means going forward
Subaru continues to optimize its global manufacturing footprint to balance demand, supply-chain resilience, and regional market needs. While the BRZ remains a Japan-assembled model, the rest of Subaru’s lineup appears to rely heavily on non-Japanese production sites, particularly in the United States. This strategy allows Subaru to respond more flexibly to changing market conditions while preserving the brand’s Japanese heritage in select models.
Summary: The BRZ is the principal Subaru model still regularly produced in Japan for global markets, with most other current models manufactured elsewhere (notably in the United States). Production strategies can evolve, so the latest factory assignments should be verified through Subaru’s official communications.
