Subaru’s All-New U.S.-Built 3-Row EV Is Delayed

There are new developments for the all-new U.S.-built Subaru 3-Row electric SUV. 

Previously, I reported that Subaru's new 3-Row all-electric SUV was set to arrive for U.S. customers in 2025. However, a significant delay has now been announced, pushing the launch to a later date. 

You'll have to wait until 2026 now for Subaru of America's new 3-Row Subaru electric SUV. Here's why and when customers can expect to see the new BEV now.

Electric models are not selling as well as expected, and many automakers are delaying their new EV launches. A report from Automotive News (by subscription) says the all-new 3-Row electric SUV Subaru had planned on launching in 2025 will be delayed another year. 

A year ago, I reported on the collaboration between Subaru of America and Toyota, which was set to launch a new electric 3-Row SUV built at Toyota's plant in Kentucky. This partnership remains unchanged. 

I said, "Toyota will build a new three-row electric crossover in 2025 in Kentucky for Subaru shortly after it starts making its version, which is tentatively called the bZ5X. Subaru has not decided on the name of its new EV."

I also said the new electric Subaru SUV was expected to receive its batteries from the Toyota plant under construction in Liberty, N.C., scheduled to begin production in 2025. That hasn't changed. 

The timing of its launch has changed.

Automotive News says "Toyota will delay the production of its electric vehicles in the U.S. because of 'production preparation issues' as the industry grapples with fluctuating demand for EVs."

Toyota USA has announced a delay in the start of production at its Georgetown assembly plant in Kentucky. The production, originally scheduled for 2025, has been pushed back to the first half of 2026, as confirmed in a statement to Automotive News. 

The Nikkei Business Daily said the Japanese automaker (Toyota in collaboration with Subaru) was postponing the start of output until the second half of 2026 and would partly shift to Japanese imports because of slowing EV demand in the U.S., its top market.

Toyota Motor had originally planned to begin manufacturing its first U.S.-built EV, a three-row crossover, at the Georgetown assembly plant in the second half of 2025 for delivery to dealerships that year or early 2026, depending on production. It looks like the new 3-Row EV collaboration launch with Subaru will be delayed until late 2026 or early 2027. 

Automotive News says, "That vehicle is expected to be called the Toyota bZ5X, as a stablemate to the bZ4X on sale. Corporate partner Subaru is expected to get a derivative of the new EV for its own lineup."

Toyota confirms the delay. 

"We confirm that the start of production of the three-row SUV BEV that was scheduled for 2025 will be delayed due to production preparation issues. We will continue to work hard to deliver ever better cars to our customers as quickly as possible," Toyota spokesman Jean-Yves Jault said.

Toyota did not offer further details on the "production preparation issues." However, Toyota said the delay was not triggered by waffling demand for EVs. I suspect they were. 

Subaru is taking the "quick and smart follower" approach to EVs.

Jeff Walters, President and COO of Subaru of America, says, "Solterra was the first EV, and it's been a good path for us. In my opinion, with the new EV transition, Subaru has been on a fairly smart path, and the strategy going in for a company our size, we strive to be a quick follower, a smart follower."

Subaru, the much smaller automaker, is leveraging Toyota's vast resources and manufacturing facilities to develop its first new 3-Row electric model. This strategic collaboration is about risk mitigation and unlocking new possibilities for Subaru in the electric vehicle market. 

Will there be an all-new Ascent EV?

What Subaru Corporation is deciding now is if it should discontinue the Ascent 3-Row SUV in the U.S., offer it in a new hybrid model, or rebadge its U.S.-built Toyota collaboration 3-Row electric SUV and call it the Ascent. Subaru Corp. is waiting on the U.S. presidential election results before they make a final decision. 

Subaru looks at two options.

They can drop the Ascent with the 2.4-liter turbocharged gas-powered Boxer engine, and its nameplate will become an all-new electric vehicle. If the current model is redesigned, it will get a new fuel-efficient hybrid trim level, following in the footsteps of the all-new Forester and Outback hybrids. 

Will Subaru Corp. revamp the Ascent, bring it as a Hybrid, or replace it with an electric vehicle under the same nameplate? Those are all options Subaru has on the table now.  

Subaru may bid farewell to the current Ascent family hauler, but the future holds promise. Subaru's new electric 3-Row SUV, now slated for 2026 for North American customers, could be what the automaker needs with its eco-friendly design. 

Automotive News (by subscription) says, "Subaru's 3-Row SUV would have been due for a redesign in the second half of 2024, but work on the makeover has been delayed to determine what emissions standards in the U.S. will be over the next four years. The gasoline-powered three-row may be replaced in the lineup by the three-row EV built in Kentucky by Toyota, or it may follow the Forester and Outback and remain for another generation, with an optional hybrid powertrain."

Whether Subaru's new 3-Row electric SUV family hauler is called Ascent or something else, this new model will redefine the Japanese automaker's 3-Row SUV segment. Stay tuned. 

Customers will now have to wait until 2026 to get one. I will bring you any new developments. Stay tuned. 

How likely are you to buy a U.S.-built 3-Row Subaru EV? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru