For Japan's three smaller automakers, there's a little bit of everything headed to the U.S.
Subaru, with U.S. sales that continue to grow, has redesigned most of its lineup onto the brand's global platform. Its range of crossovers, highlighted by a redesigned Outback, remains well positioned in today's market.
But Subaru is more than just crossovers. Upcoming redesigns of its sporty BRZ coupe and the WRX/WRX STI will display just that. Plus, a joint venture with Toyota promises electric vehicles, including a compact crossover once the new decade is underway.
Meanwhile, Mazda is reinventing itself as a premium (but not luxury) brand and is rolling out its second ground-up vehicle as part of that process after the Mazda3 full redesign for the 2019 model year. Thankfully for future sales, the new premium Mazda is a crossover named the CX-30. It's a big deal for the brand since it adds a new nameplate in a popular size, just below its top-selling CX-5.
Other Mazda vehicles continue to get thoughtful freshenings to go with the premium vibe: The CX-5 now has an optional turbocharged engine, and a diesel motor just hit the market; the Signature trim has been added to more models with real leather and wood. A wild card remains with the Skyactiv-X gasoline engine that is first being rolled out in Europe. It's coming to the U.S., but Mazda hasn't said when.
