Subaru plans to phase out combustion-engine vehicles in Europe by 2028, ending the regional availability of models associated with its long-standing boxer-engine technology. The shift comes as the Japanese automaker responds to European emissions requirements and moves toward an electric-only lineup.
According to Auto Motor und Sport, the Subaru Outback is scheduled to leave the European market in 2026, followed by the Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester in 2027. The changes apply to Europe and do not necessarily indicate a global withdrawal of combustion-engine models.
Combustion Models to Leave European Lineup
Subaru has built much of its brand identity around horizontally opposed boxer engines, including versions paired with mild-hybrid technology under its e-Boxer designation.
However, the cost of adapting combustion-engine vehicles to increasingly stringent European requirements has prompted the company to change its regional strategy. Subaru cites EU fleet CO₂ emission standards and additional requirements for driver-assistance and safety systems among the factors influencing its decision.
The company has not confirmed whether further electric models will arrive in Europe before the combustion-engine phase-out is completed.
Electric Models Form the Future Lineup
Subaru’s planned European range includes three electric models: the compact Uncharted, the mid-size Solterra crossover and the e-Outback, an electric crossover estate.
The Swiss importer Emil Frey has expressed confidence in the transition. Its spokesperson told Swiss magazine Blick:
“With the launch of our three all-electric models, we have reached a milestone this year,”
The spokesperson added:
“The pleasingly high demand confirms that our strategy is hitting the nerve of the times.”
The company has not disclosed whether additional electric vehicles will be introduced to replace all the combustion models leaving the market.
One possible addition is the Subaru Getaway, a seven-seat electric SUV unveiled for markets including the United States and Australia. The model is not currently planned for Europe, although a future adaptation could potentially expand Subaru’s European electric lineup.
New Electric Platform Planned for 2029
Subaru is also developing its own electric vehicle platform, with production models based on the architecture expected from 2029. The development could give the company greater control over its electric vehicle range and reduce its reliance on Toyota-derived technology.
The planned platform uses compact electric motors from Aisin and lighter battery systems from Panasonic. Subaru has indicated that an all-wheel-drive configuration could deliver approximately 375 kW of system output.
The architecture is expected to underpin independently developed models, although Subaru has not yet detailed the first production vehicles that will use it.
The transition marks a substantial change for Subaru in Europe, where the brand’s traditional combustion-engine lineup will give way to electric vehicles. The scale of its future presence in the region will depend partly on whether its new models can cover the market segments currently served by the Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester.