Is Subaru distancing itself from Toyota? It’s testing its own platform. And in Europe, no gasoline models starting in 2028
Subaru is one of those Japanese companies that can create well-thought-out mechanical solutions, but innovation moves slowly there—like building codes in the Podhale region: very slow. However, something has shifted within the company: Subaru has begun working on its own independent electric vehicle platform separate from Toyota’s, and in Europe it has decided to completely stop selling gasoline-powered models. Starting in 2028, only electric vehicles will be offered.
Subaru is committing more to electric vehicles than companies that openly declared it
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Subaru is committing more to electric vehicles than companies that openly declared it
Europe
Japan
Europe
According to Auto Motor und Sport, Subaru will cease selling gasoline-powered models in the Old Continent by December 2027 at the latest. The company currently offers the Forester, Crosstrek, and Outback with a 2-liter engine in a pseudo-hybrid (mHEV) configuration, but starting in January 2028, only electric models will be sold: Subaru Solterra (Toyota bZ4X), Subaru Uncharted (Toyota C-HR+), Subaru E-Outback (Toyota bZ4X Touring), and the new Subaru Getway, which is the Toyota Highlander.
The Toyota Highlander will also be sold as Subaru Getway. It features three rows of seats in the cabin (c) Toyota
No decision has been made regarding the possible introduction of older hybrids (HEV) or plug-in hybrids (PHEV), even though they would extend the lifespan of combustion engine models by a few years. The company does sell HEVs in the United States, Electrek notes. Subaru claims that the limited lineup is due to EU regulations on emissions and, interestingly, driver assistance systems. It’s worth mentioning that even Subaru’s complete disappearance from Europe would make little difference, as the brand sells so few cars there that it doesn’t even appear in the ACEA table, where Mitsubishi is at the bottom with a 0.2 percent share.
This decision comes just one year after Subaru previously stated its intention to make greater efforts in the hybrid sector.
Subaru E-Outback
Japan
Meanwhile in Japan, Subaru reportedly unveiled its own electric vehicle platform featuring all-wheel drive, 375 kW/510 horsepower, and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds (source). It is said to be lighter than Toyota’s borrowed solutions, which the acceleration time somewhat confirms. The platform is currently housed in an Outback body and is referred to as the E-WRX in a YouTube video (below). If it reaches production, it is expected around 2029. Neither a date nor a decision on implementation has been confirmed yet.
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