This is the 2023 Subaru REX
Subaru does have the Crosstrek in the subcompact SUV segment, but it’s not an SUV that takes a similar approach to others. In Japan, we discover the Subaru-REX a true subcompact SUV designed in conjunction with Toyota.
Toyota is determined to make the Raize platform profitable by increasing offers from other automakers. After Daihatsu with the Rocky and Perodua with its Ativa, it’s now Subaru’s turn to receive its version. Taking advantage of the compact format of the vehicle, the manufacturer took the opportunity to reintroduce an old name from the early 1970s, the REX.
After an absence of 30 years, the REX name is resurrected at Subaru with this small urban SUV. The recipe for its design is simple, it is in all respects identical to its three congeners with the exception of the badge in the grille. This is particularly the case of the Daihatsu, the Toyota and Perodua get slightly different front bumpers. The Subaru comes with two trim levels: G and Z. The base model comes with 16-inch wheels, while the Z gets 17-inch rims as well as full LED lighting and fog lamps .
In the cabin, even if it is an economical product, we get 7 and 9 inch screens depending on the version. In addition, it is possible to have digital instrumentation. The more equipped version captivates with decorative red stitching. In terms of safety, there is blind spot detection as well as rear cross-traffic detection.
The Rex is built on the DNGA platform, which differs from the TNGA. Here, we only find small displacements. While Toyotas and Daihatsus can get hybrid powertrains, Subaru didn’t. We’re content with a small 1.2-liter with 80 horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque. Of course, everything goes through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Unusually for Subaru, the REX is not available with all-wheel drive; the vehicle is a single traction.
Price-wise, this micro-Subaru has a base price of $17,325 (1,820,000 yen) for the G model, while the Z is $20,666 (2,171,000 yen). Although the format could be very interesting for the Canadian market, the REX will never be marketed in the country.
