Subaru’s Boldest Ideas: 16 Concept Cars That Paved the Way

Subaru has been known for its reliable, adventure-ready cars that can tackle any terrain. But there’s a side of Subaru not everyone sees: the world of concept cars.

These are prototypes that show off the brand’s vision for the future, from bold designs to futuristic technology. Here’s a look at some of the most innovative Subaru concept cars that give us a glimpse into where Subaru could be headed next.

Subaru Viziv Concept

Subaru VIZIV Concept Car
Felix König – Subaru VIZIV Concept Car / Wikimedia Commons

The Viziv Concept kicked off Subaru’s exploration of futuristic design in 2013. Short for “Vision for Innovation,” this concept featured bold lines, a powerful stance, and Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive.

Inside, it hinted at the tech-forward cabin we see in today’s models, with digital displays and an emphasis on driver engagement. It set the tone for Subaru’s future, blending the ruggedness fans expect with a sleek, modern touch.

Subaru B9 Scrambler

Subaru B9 Scrambler
160SX – Subaru B9 Scrambler / Wikimedia Commons

The B9 Scrambler was Subaru’s take on a compact roadster with some off-road flair. Launched in 2003, it was a small but fierce car designed to appeal to adventurous drivers looking for fun on both pavement and dirt.

Though it never hit the production line, the B9 Scrambler showed Subaru’s willingness to step out of its comfort zone and experiment with sporty, untraditional designs.

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept

Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept
TAKA@P.P.R.S – Subaru Advanced Tourer Concept / Wikimedia Commons

The Advanced Tourer Concept, unveiled in 2011, combined luxury and utility in a sleek, family-friendly wagon. It boasted a turbocharged engine with hybrid capabilities, providing both power and efficiency.

Inside, it was fitted with high-quality materials and a large touchscreen interface. Subaru used this concept to experiment with bringing premium features to practical family cars.

Subaru WRX Concept

Subaru WRX Concept
Vincent Dumont – Subaru WRX Concept / Wikimedia Commons

In 2013, Subaru debuted a WRX Concept that took the iconic sports car to new heights. Its aggressive body lines, larger wheels, and muscular stance signaled Subaru’s vision for a high-performance WRX that could dominate both the street and the track.

Fans loved the bold redesign, and while the final production model didn’t mirror it exactly, this concept still influenced the WRX’s evolution.

Subaru Legacy GTk

subaru legacy GTk concept car
Subaru

Unveiled at the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Subaru Legacy GTk concept was a track-ready sport wagon. It featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine, enhanced to deliver 300 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission for an engaging driving experience.

Visually, the GTk stood out with a custom black-over-red paint scheme, a front air dam with integrated fog lights, hood vents, and smoked taillights. A unique highlight was a spacious cargo area, designed to accommodate a Coyote Motorsports XP kart, emphasizing its dual nature as both a family hauler and a weekend track warrior.

Subaru Cross Sport Design Concept

Subaru Cross Sport Design Concept
Loadbeta – Subaru Cross Sport Design Concept / Wikimedia Commons

This concept car was an experiment in creating a compact SUV with a sporty edge. Debuted in 2013, the Cross Sport Concept was smaller than the usual Subaru SUV but packed with all the off-road readiness Subaru is known for.

Its purpose was to test the waters for a sportier crossover, balancing compact size with adventure-ready features. It paved the way for the Crosstrek and similar models.

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept

Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept
kosabe – Subaru Hybrid Tourer Concept / Wikimedia Commons

Unveiled in 2009, the Hybrid Tourer Concept showcased Subaru’s early interest in eco-friendly designs. It featured a sleek exterior, a luxurious interior, and a hybrid powertrain for improved fuel efficiency.

This concept allowed Subaru to experiment with sustainable technology and give fans a look at how a Subaru hybrid could function, without sacrificing power.

Subaru Viziv-2 Concept

Subaru Viziv-2 Concept
Idej Elixe – Subaru Viziv-2 Concept / Wikimedia Commons

The Viziv-2, released in 2014, took the Viziv’s ideas further with a more futuristic design and advanced hybrid technology. This SUV concept showed off Subaru’s idea of a “go anywhere, do anything” car.

Packed with safety features and powered by a plug-in hybrid system, the Viziv-2 was an early hint at Subaru’s future for electric and hybrid technology in SUVs.

Subaru XV Concept

Subaru XV Concept
Subaru XV Concept / Subaru New Zealand

The XV Concept, introduced in 2016, previewed the next generation of the Subaru Crosstrek. With sharper lines and a bolder grille, it added a more aggressive look to the compact SUV.

This concept helped set the stage for the Crosstrek’s redesign, pushing Subaru’s compact SUV lineup in a modern direction while maintaining its off-road abilities.

Subaru Impreza Sedan Concept

subaru impreza sedan concept car
Subaru

The Impreza Sedan Concept, shown in 2015, presented a sportier, sharper look for Subaru’s compact sedan. Its athletic stance and refined lines hinted at the future design direction for the Impreza, pushing it closer to a more upscale, modern look.

This concept was a big step forward in design, demonstrating Subaru’s ambition to make the Impreza both practical and visually striking. The Subaru Impreza has a top spot in our list of cars with cult followings. We can only guess many wanted this car to come to life! 

Subaru Viziv Future Concept

Subaru Viziv Future Concept
TTTNIS – Subaru Viziv Future Concept / Wikimedia Commons

The Viziv Future Concept focused on autonomous driving technology, giving a glimpse of Subaru’s vision for safer, smarter cars. It debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2015. This SUV concept featured self-driving capabilities, along with an advanced hybrid powertrain.

With sleek, futuristic styling, the Viziv Future Concept illustrated Subaru’s plans for both high-tech safety features and eco-friendly performance.

Subaru Legacy Concept 2013

Subaru Legacy Concept 2013
Shelby Asistio – Subaru Legacy Concept 2013 / Flickr

This concept version of the Legacy debuted in 2013, showing off a more refined look for Subaru’s flagship sedan. It had a sharper design, with a lower profile and more aggressive front end.

It previewed the direction Subaru wanted for its sedans, mixing luxury with the reliability the Legacy name is known for.

Subaru WRX S4 STi Performance Concept

Subaru WRX S4 STi Performance Concept
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima – Subaru WRX S4 STi Performance Concept / Wikimedia Commons

Subaru wowed fans with the WRX STi Performance Concept in 2022 with a high-powered version of the WRX that aimed to bring motorsport-level performance to the road. With an upgraded turbo engine and a wide, aggressive body, it looked ready to take on the track.

Although this exact car wasn’t produced, it raised excitement about Subaru’s dedication to pushing the limits of the WRX.

Subaru BRZ STi Concept

Subaru BRZ STI Performance Concept
Jacob Frey 4A – Subaru BRZ STI Performance Concept / Flickr

The BRZ STi Concept was Subaru’s vision for a more powerful, race-inspired version of the popular BRZ coupe. The concept car debuted in 2011 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It featured a sportier design, enhanced aerodynamics, and STi performance tuning, this concept was aimed at driving enthusiasts.

Fans hoped it would make it to production, but the concept remains a powerful example of how far the BRZ platform could go.

Subaru B11S Concept

Subaru B11S Concept
LSDSL – Subaru B11S Concept / Wikimedia Commons

The B11S Concept, introduced in 2003, showcased a bold design that included a sleek, coupe-like body paired with the all-wheel-drive system Subaru is known for.

It was an attempt to push Subaru into the luxury sport segment. While it didn’t make it to production, the B11S showed Subaru’s interest in the high-end performance market.

Subaru XV Fun Adventure Concept

Subaru XV Fun Adventure Concept
Tokumeigakarinoaoshima – Subaru XV Fun Adventure Concept / Wikimedia Commons

Introduced in 2017, the XV Fun Adventure Concept was an amped-up version of the Crosstrek, aimed at extreme outdoor enthusiasts. It featured lifted suspension, oversized off-road tires, and extra protective cladding, ready for rugged terrains.

This concept car embodied the spirit of Subaru’s adventure-loving fans, appealing to those looking to take their explorations off the beaten path.

The Dodge Concept Cars That Pushed Creative Imaginations

Dodge Firearrow II
Bill Abbott – Dodge Firearrow II / Wikimedia Commons

Dive into Dodge’s visionary concept cars, from reimagined muscle icons to cutting-edge electric designs. This article explores the innovation, technology, and daring ideas that shaped automotive trends and inspired future models. Perfect for car enthusiasts, it’s a thrilling glimpse into Dodge’s bold designs and road-shaping creativity.

Honda Concept Cars: A Glimpse Into the Future of Innovation and Design

honda spocket concept car
Cars That Never Made It

Explore Honda’s innovative concept cars, blending futuristic design with advanced technology. This article highlights Honda’s bold car ideas that push the boundaries of automotive design. Perfect for car enthusiasts, it offers a glimpse into Honda’s creative vision for the future of driving.

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