The Subaru Forester is made by Subaru Corporation, a Japanese automaker headquartered in Tokyo, with all Forester SUVs assembled at Subaru’s Yajima plant in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
The Forester is known for its standard all-wheel drive, strong safety ratings, driver visibility through its tall greenhouse design, and a loyal following among buyers who prioritize practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability over flash or prestige.
The Forester is made by Subaru Corporation, the Japanese automaker that is majority owned by Toyota Motor Corporation, which holds approximately 20% of Subaru’s shares and maintains a broad strategic partnership across vehicles, platforms, and electrification.
Knowing where the Subaru Forester is made helps buyers understand that this SUV is assembled entirely in Japan, unlike several other Subaru models that are made in the United States.
This article covers where the Forester is made, who makes it, the current generation specs, and how the Forester compares to the Outback and other Subaru models in terms of manufacturing origin.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes the Subaru Forester?
Subaru Corporation manufactures the Forester as one of its core global models. Subaru is a publicly traded Japanese company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Toyota Motor Corporation is Subaru’s largest shareholder, holding approximately 20% of shares. This relationship has deepened over the years, with Toyota and Subaru co-developing the BRZ/GR86 sports car and collaborating on electric vehicle platforms.
The Forester sits alongside the Outback, Crosstrek, and Impreza as one of Subaru’s most important global models. It is the brand’s dedicated compact SUV, positioned above the Crosstrek and below the Outback in size and price.
Where Is the Subaru Forester Made?
All Subaru Forester models sold globally are assembled at the Yajima plant in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. This is Subaru’s largest domestic production facility and produces multiple Subaru models for global distribution.
The Forester is not assembled in the United States, unlike the Subaru Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, which are assembled at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana.
Buyers looking for a US-assembled Subaru should consider the Outback, Legacy, or Ascent. The Forester, along with the Crosstrek and Impreza, remains Japan-only in terms of final assembly. Full details are at Subaru’s official Forester page.
What Generation Is the Current Forester?
The sixth-generation Subaru Forester launched for the 2025 model year, representing the first fully redesigned Forester since 2019.
The sixth gen introduced Subaru’s new e-BOXER mild hybrid system as standard on most trims, pairing a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with a small electric motor for improved efficiency and low-speed electric assistance. The EyeSight driver assistance suite was also updated for the new generation.
The Forester continues to use Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every trim level, a consistent differentiator from competitors that offer AWD only as an option or upgrade.
Subaru Forester vs Outback vs Crosstrek: Where Is Each Made?
The three most popular Subaru models sold in the US are assembled in different locations, which surprises many buyers. The Outback and Legacy are assembled in Lafayette, Indiana, at SIA. The Ascent three-row SUV is also made in Lafayette.
The Forester and Crosstrek are both assembled in Japan at the Yajima plant in Gunma. The Impreza is also Japan-made. Buyers who specifically want a US-assembled Subaru should choose the Outback, Legacy, or Ascent.
Subaru of Indiana Automotive in Lafayette has been operating since 1989 and is one of the most significant Japanese-owned automotive plants in the American Midwest.
Subaru Forester vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V: Who Makes Each?
All three are compact Japanese SUVs from different manufacturers. The Forester is made by Subaru (majority owned by Toyota). The RAV4 is made by Toyota Motor Corporation directly. The CR-V is made by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. All three are independent Japanese companies with no shared parent ownership except Subaru’s Toyota relationship.
All three offer all-wheel drive, but the Forester is the only one that includes AWD as standard across its entire lineup. The RAV4 and CR-V offer AWD as an option or upgrade on many trim levels.
The RAV4 is the best-selling non-truck vehicle in the US, outselling the Forester and CR-V by a significant margin. The Forester competes most directly with the CR-V in terms of price range and buyer profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where Subaru Foresters Are Made
Is the Subaru Forester made in the USA?
No. The Subaru Forester is assembled in Japan at the Yajima plant in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture. Unlike the Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, the Forester is not made at Subaru’s Indiana plant. Buyers who want a US-assembled Subaru should look at those models instead.
When was the Subaru Forester first made?
The first-generation Subaru Forester was introduced in Japan in 1997 and launched in the US for the 1998 model year. It was positioned as a more practical alternative to the Subaru Legacy Outback for buyers who wanted SUV utility without full-size SUV bulk or cost.
Does the Subaru Forester have all-wheel drive?
Yes. All Subaru Foresters come with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment on every trim level. There is no front-wheel-drive Forester option. This is a key differentiating feature compared to most compact SUV competitors that offer AWD as an upgrade.
Is Toyota buying Subaru?
No. Toyota is not acquiring Subaru. Toyota holds approximately 20% of Subaru Corporation’s shares, making it the largest shareholder, but Subaru remains an independent publicly traded company. The relationship is a strategic partnership, not an acquisition or full ownership arrangement.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.