After decades of fitting the fan-favorite boxer engine to practically every vehicle with a Subaru badge, things are about to change. Despite how deeply connected the brand is to that engine architecture, Europeans are losing it. The automaker is phasing out all combustion engines in the region by the end of next year. In other words, from the start of 2028, Subaru will offer EVs exclusively there.
๐ The Core Development
Subaru Germany confirmed that situation to Auto Motor und Sport and cited two regulations as part of the move. The first are the European Union's emissions rules. They're tightening so hard on combustion cars that Subaru is also ditching hybrid vehicles in Europe. That means axing some of the cars that are wildly popular in other markets. We'll dig into the specifics of the second aspect below, but the big key here is that nameplates like Crosstrek, Outback, and Impreza are all about to be gone.
๐ Background & Sector Context
The withdrawal won't happen all at once. First, the Outback will exit the European market before the end of this year. Interested buyers better snatch them up ASAP. For 2027, the other remaining combustion cars, including the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester, will bow out. Currently, all three of those use a hybridized four-cylinder, so they're on the chopping block. Again, emissions are only a part of the issue.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
Adapting these same vehicles to increasingly demanding driver aid and safety requirements is adding to Subaru's costs. Evidently, spending the cash to update the entire fleet to meet regulations is simply too costly. These business realities explain the choice to retire the gas-burning parts of the fleet. Whether or not Subaru wants to keep selling these cars, regulations are shaping the showroom. Importantly, Electrek reports that Subaru is open to reintroducing hybrids to the European lineup if conditions change.
Benchmark Telemetry & EV Fuel Savings
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
These changes won't affect American buyers. At least, not just yet. In the U.S., EPA regulations are relaxing, and automakers no longer face penalties for blatantly failing to meet those rules either way. That's quite the complex industry environment for Subaru to navigate. In Europe, the brand will move on with its trio of EVs, which includes the Solterra, the hot hatch-like Uncharted , and the E-Outback. Under its new game plan, these are the only cars they'll have on offer.
The good news is that the three aren't all playing in the same segment. The Uncharted offers front-wheel drive and can be desirable for buyers looking for a low price and decent range. Those who want AWD can get it. The Solterra and E-Outback both come standard with AWD, but offer dramatically different body shapes and cargo space. That's all well and good, but Subaru is putting all of its eggs in the EV basket. Now, European buyers will decide if that was the right move or not.
