We’ve been waiting patiently for an adventure-ready hatchback version of the iconic Subaru BRZ
At the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru unveiled a revolutionary concept car dubbed the Cross Sport Design Concept, which was essentially a pre-production version of the now-iconic Subaru BRZ, but with a shooting brake/hatchback-like rear end, and Outback-like protective body cladding. This eye-catching concept car teased a potential new model that would blend the BRZ’s nimble and respected driving dynamics with the “go anywhere, do anything” functionality of a Jeep (or, even, most other Subaru models). Despite the world’s excitement over this unique sports coupe, the Cross Sport Design Concept never saw the production greenlight, and we’ve been patiently awaiting (or, rather, wishfully hoping for) the day Subaru decides to give us the goods.
AOL
AOL
AOL
The Subaru Cross Sport Design Concept teased an automotive cocktail of functionality, all-road and off-road capability, and the sportiness of a small, rear-wheel drive coupe. Perhaps the perfect balance of all attributes that make up great vehicles, a production version of the Cross Sport could have been every car enthusiast’s dream daily driver, and could have gone down in history as one of the great unorthodox hot hatch classics, just like the BMW Z3 M Coupe and the Renault Clio V6.
Subaru
Now that the BRZ is on its second generation, and is better than it’s ever been, now that it’s rid itself of its weird mid-range torque dip and has gained fresher styling with a more nicely appointed interior, I can’t help but imagine how fantastic it could be in Cross Sport guise. Admittedly, the inspiration for this idea also comes from the fact that I’ve recently swapped out my 2023 Subaru WRX for a 2025 BRZ tS. Although I already adore the brilliantly fun coupe, I do wish it had a tad more cargo space and improved headroom for when I need to stuff my friends in the minuscule rear seats. So, using Midjourney 7.0 and Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, I’ve decided to take an imagined look at what a second-gen Subaru BRZ could look like in Cross Sport guise. The following renders are purely fictional and in no way depict any actual Subaru products.
Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 & Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Where we’re going, we don’t need roads
By combining the Subaru BRZ’s sensually athletic proportions with a hatchback rear-end stolen from its Crosstrek sibling, the BRZ keeps its fantastic aesthetic while adding necessary headroom for rear occupants and added cargo space for equipment and luggage. Its elongated roof also adds the possibility of installing roof racks, further enhancing the BRZ’s storage capacities. WRX-style protective cladding on each of the fenders adds to the ruggedness of the rendered BRZ Cross Sport Concept, signifying to onlookers that this thing means business both on and off paved roads, and is protecting its metallic paint from pesky flying sticks and stones.
Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 & Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Customization possibilities are as endless as the BRZ Cross Sport’s countless capabilities. Plan on shredding through some sandy desert trails? No problem, rip those doors right off and throw on some Jeep Wrangler-style tube doors. Don’t forget to pack some extra gasoline and an overnight bag, which can easily be loaded upon the pictured BRZ Cross Sport’s roof-mounted cargo basket. Standard all-terrain tires akin to what you might find on a Crosstrek Wilderness will ensure you reach your intended destination, and grille-mounted fog lamps mean you can see where you’re going even after the sun sets, just in case you don’t quite make it to that destination on time.
Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 & Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Cole Attisha Using Midjourney 7.0 & Gemini 2.5 Flash Image
Final thoughts
Considering the rising popularity of “soft-roaders,” especially within Subaru’s own lineup, as seen by the addition of “Wilderness” trim levels to many of its models, now seems like a better time than ever for Subaru to give its Cross Sport Design Concept a real shot on the market. Packing the new BRZ’s 228-horsepower 2.4-liter FA24 flat-four Boxer engine, a standard six-speed manual gearbox, and perhaps even Subaru’s coveted Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive System (though this is not entirely necessary here), I think that an Outback-ified hatchback BRZ could be a huge hit. Even if I were wrong, I can at least guarantee that if Subaru put these in their showrooms, I’d be the first in line to order one.
About the author
Cole Attisha
Staff Writer, Autoblog