Subaru’s New EV And Hybrid Models Are Revealed

Buckle up because significant changes are coming for Subaru customers. 

When I think I've nailed Subaru of America's future electric vehicle plans, they change things. Subaru's most recent electrification plans have been uncovered thanks to a new report from Automotive News (by subscription). I will outline the details for you here. 

Subaru's updated electrification plans for North American customers, including the production of some of the seven new models in the U.S., mark a significant shift in the automotive landscape. Here are the new Subaru EVs and Hybrids that are on the horizon.

Automotive News says, "Subaru's plans include four EVs for North America and cooperation with partner Toyota to produce some of them in North America, where they would qualify for federal tax credits."

It's not a surprise that the Japanese automakers' plans have changed because the political and EV landscape has changed. EV production by all automakers has slowed, and November's Presidential election outcome could change emission requirements. It affects what Subaru does next. 

Get ready because here's what's coming to a Subaru of America retailer near you. 

Subaru is now considering a bold move-whether to give the Ascent 3-Row family hauler a complete remodel or replace it with a new three-row electric vehicle built in Kentucky by Toyota. This potential change is a testament to Subaru's commitment to innovation and the future of electric vehicles. 

Automotive News 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."

The Ascent could become an EV.

If Subaru decides to drop the gas-powered Ascent altogether, the new 3-Row EV being developed with Toyota may assume the Ascent name. (depending on election results). AN says the all-new Subaru 3-Row EV will be built on the e-Subaru Global Platform and use batteries supplied from Toyota's plant, which is under construction in Liberty, North Carolina. 

Customers in North America should see the new Subaru 3-Row EV in late 2025. Find out more in my report here.  

No tears will be shed if the Ascent is dropped. 

If the Ascent powered by a 2.4-liter Boxer engine that's only six years old disappears, it won't be the end of the world for 3-Row SUV shoppers. Not because it has a bad engine, it's because sales of the Ascent are not setting the world on fire. If an all-new 3-Row electric model replaces it, it could be just what the brand needs in the lineup. 

What about the Subaru Solterra?

Subaru's first EV will be reengineered in 2026, adding range and making other refinements. Stay tuned. 

More developments are revealed for Subaru's all-wheel-drive lineup.  

Significant changes are on the horizon for the Outback. 

The Outback will also undergo significant changes in 2025 and 2026. The midsize 2-Row SUV will receive a complete redesign for the 2025 model year. We knew that. I didn't know that the Outback production will move from Lafayette, Indiana to Gunma, Japan, "with a reengineering in 2026 to add an optional hybrid powertrain," says Automotive News.

That is a significant development for the Outback that has been produced at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) where they recently produced its 3 millionth Outback. Read my report here. 

What about the Forester?

The Forester is all-new for 2025 and has been re-engineered this year to add an optional hybrid powertrain. The hybrid is due next spring, 2025. The compact SUV will be due for a freshening in 2028, under Subaru's traditional product development plan. 

The Forester will be built at the SIA plant in Indiana starting next year when the last 2025 Legacy sedan rolls off the assembly line. Stay tuned for more information. Read my Forester and new Hybrid report here. 

Will Crosstrek get a Hybrid trim level?

An all-newly-developed Crosstrek Hybrid trim level could be coming in 2026 when the Crosstrek subcompact SUV is due for a mid-cycle refresh. 

There's still more.

A new 2-Row electric compact SUV is launching. 

A Forester-sized battery-electric 2-Row compact SUV developed in-house on the e-Subaru Global Platform is set to debut in 2027. The new electric crossover will be built in Japan at the Japanese automaker's newly-built EV plant. Find out more about the new state of the art Subaru EV facility in my report here. 

A new Midsize electric wagon is coming in 2028.

AN says, "Keeping to the brand's heritage, an Outback-size electric wagon will debut in 2028."

This is the first I've heard about a new Subaru EV wagon. It will be the size of the Outback midsize SUV. Instead of building an electric Outback, Subaru Corporation will produce an all-new all-electric wagon. 

The new Subaru Wagon EV will likely be developed in-house on the e-Subaru Global Platform and manufactured in Gunma, Japan, alongside the new 2-Row electric compact SUV. Both will be available for North American customers. 

With so many changes coming for Subaru customers, here is a summary of what's coming in the next four years. 

In Summary

Subaru will offer three new EVs in North America.

• An Ascent-sized 3-Row EV built in Kentucky in collaboration with Toyota in late 2025. 
• A Forester-sized compact SUV EV developed in-house on the e-Subaru platform is set to debut in 2027.
• An Outback-sized electric wagon developed in-house on the e-Subaru platform will debut in 2028.

Subaru will offer North American customers three or four new hybrid models.

• The all-new Forester hybrid is due next spring, 2025.
• The Outback will offer an optional hybrid powertrain due in 2026. 
• The Crosstrek Outback will also likely offer an optional hybrid powertrain due in 2026. 
• A new Ascent hybrid could follow the Forester and Outback and remain for another generation with an optional hybrid powertrain.

What new Subaru models are you most interested in? Are there any surprises? Click the red 'Add new comment' link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter 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