Rediscover the Drive: Subaru's Potential Manual SUV Comeback
Subaru's Enduring Legacy as a Driver-Focused Brand
Subaru has long been celebrated for its robust and capable vehicles, a reputation meticulously built and refined through years of competitive rallying, where the brand frequently dominated. This deep engagement with motorsports fostered a perception of Subaru as a company that genuinely understands and caters to driving enthusiasts.
An Exciting Inquiry: Subaru's Manual Transmission Survey
While the automotive landscape has certainly shifted, Subaru has largely endeavored to remain true to its foundational principles. A recent survey distributed to US owners has generated significant buzz within the enthusiast community. A screenshot of this survey, shared on Reddit by user Macgyver452 and subsequently posted on the Subaru subreddit, features the brand's logo alongside a pivotal question: 'Would you consider buying a manual transmission SUV in the future?' The available responses ranged from a definitive 'Definitely Not' to a resolute 'Definitely', with many speculating that loyal Subaru owners would lean towards the latter.
Discreet Inquiry, Broad Implications for the Subaru Lineup
Typically, such surveys are confidential and sent to a select group of individuals. In this instance, specific Subaru owners received the prompt via email. The survey did not specify which particular SUV model might receive a manual transmission. However, given Subaru's current offerings, all models, with the exception of the electric Solterra, could be potential candidates for this engaging upgrade.
Identifying Prime Candidates: The Wilderness Series
If one were to speculate, the most logical contenders for a manual transmission would likely be models within Subaru's rugged Wilderness series, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, or Outback. These variants are specifically designed for more adventurous, off-road driving, making a manual gearbox a highly appealing and practical choice for the dedicated enthusiasts who gravitate towards these vehicles, as opposed to models like the highway-oriented Ascent or the more conventional versions of other SUVs.
The Resurgence of Manual Transmissions in the Enthusiast Market
In recent years, manual transmissions have gradually faded from mainstream automotive offerings. For example, the Subaru Crosstrek last offered a manual option in 2023, while the Forester phased it out after 2018, and the Outback went entirely automatic after 2015. At the time, it seemed manual gearboxes were destined for obsolescence, leading to a sense of melancholy among traditional driving enthusiasts. However, there has been a noticeable shift in the enthusiast market, with several manufacturers reintroducing manual transmissions, particularly in their performance-oriented models. Although manual car sales in the US typically represent a small fraction, fluctuating between 1% and 2% annually, the strategic reintroduction of a manual option could significantly bolster Subaru's brand image and appeal to its loyal customer base, even if it doesn't dramatically impact overall sales volumes.