Will the 2025 Subaru Forester be made in Japan?

Yes, the 2025 Subaru Forester will continue to be manufactured in Japan. Subaru has confirmed that its popular compact SUV will remain a Japan-built model for the foreseeable future, despite growing global demand.

Subaru Forester Production Remains in Japan

According to Subaru's latest announcements, the 2025 Forester and all future model years will be produced exclusively at the company's main manufacturing facilities in Japan. This decision is driven by Subaru's commitment to maintaining high quality standards and its long-standing tradition of Japanese craftsmanship. The Forester has been a core model in Subaru's lineup since its introduction in 1997, and the automaker sees no reason to shift production outside of Japan at this time.

Reasons for Keeping Forester Production in Japan

There are several key reasons why Subaru has chosen to keep Forester production in Japan:

• Established Manufacturing Expertise: Subaru's Japanese factories have decades of experience building the Forester to the company's exacting standards. Shifting production would risk disrupting this well-honed process.


• Quality Control: Japan-based manufacturing allows Subaru to maintain tight quality control over every Forester that rolls off the assembly line. This is crucial for a vehicle known for its reliability.


• Brand Identity: The Forester is a core part of Subaru's brand identity, which is closely tied to its Japanese heritage. Keeping production in Japan reinforces this connection for customers.


• Logistics: Subaru's existing supply chain and logistics infrastructure is centered around its Japanese factories, making it more efficient to continue Forester production there.

While Subaru may consider expanding Forester production to other regions in the future to meet global demand, the 2025 model and the immediate next-generation versions will remain a Japan-built vehicle.

Are Subaru Foresters still made in Japan?

No, Subaru Foresters are not made in the United States. Subaru makes models like the Legacy and Outback in Indiana. But, the Forester is made in Japan and shipped to the U.S.

Which is more reliable, the Toyota RAV4 or the Subaru Forester?

The Toyota RAV4 generally has a reputation for higher long-term reliability than the Subaru Forester, with lower average annual repair costs and less frequent, severe repairs. However, the Subaru Forester has a strong reputation and a higher rating from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, particularly with the newer models. Both are considered good choices, and recent model years of the Forester have been redesigned to be more reliable. 
You can watch this video to learn about the reliability of RAV4 and Forester: 1mAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Dec 14, 2024
Toyota RAV4

• Higher reliability rating: Often ranks higher in reliability surveys and has lower average annual repair costs. 
• Longer-term ownership: Has a strong reputation for minimizing long-term issues and frequent maintenance, partly due to its engine technology and hybrid options. 
• Lower repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $429, which is significantly lower than the Forester's $632. 

Subaru Forester

• Strong safety and ratings: Earned a higher overall rating from Consumer Reports and a highest-tier safety rating from the IIHS. 
• Improving reliability: Recent redesigns have made reliability improvements, such as reintroducing mechanical thermostats and eliminating less reliable systems. 
• Average repair costs: Has an average annual repair cost of $632 and average frequency and severity of repairs compared to other vehicles. 

Which one is right for you?

• Choose the RAV4 if: Your priority is maximum long-term reliability and the lowest ownership costs, especially over many years of ownership. 
• Choose the Forester if: You want a vehicle with a strong safety record, good visibility, and a capable all-wheel-drive system. You should consider the model year, as reliability has been improving with recent redesigns. 

This video compares the performance and features of RAV4 and Forester: 52sAutoMobiYouTube · Oct 30, 2025

Where is the 2026 Subaru Forester made?

The 2026 Subaru Forester will be made in both Lafayette, Indiana, and Gunma, Japan. Starting in the fall of 2025, production will begin in Lafayette, Indiana, for the gasoline model, and a hybrid version will also be produced there starting in 2026. Japan will continue to manufacture some Forester models as well. 

• Lafayette, Indiana: The Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette will produce gasoline models starting in the fall of 2025, with the hybrid version beginning production in 2026.
• Gunma, Japan: Subaru's plant in the Gunma Prefecture will continue to manufacture some Forester models.

Where are 2025 Subaru Foresters made?

The 2025 Subaru Forester is manufactured in Gunma, Japan, at Subaru's production facilities. While production will also start in Lafayette, Indiana, for the 2026 model year, the current 2025 models are exclusively made in Japan.
 
This video explains where the Subaru Forester is made: 59sAutomotivePressYouTube · Apr 3, 2025

• Primary manufacturing location: The 2025 Forester is built at Subaru's plants in the Gunma Prefecture of Japan, including the Subaru-cho plant and Yajima Plant. 
• Future manufacturing: Subaru has announced that the Forester will also be assembled in Lafayette, Indiana, starting with the 2026 model year. 

This video discusses the upcoming production of the new Subaru Forester in America: 59sHSR MotorsYouTube · May 15, 2024