Subaru News

Subaru has joined the lengthening list of global carmakers pushing black plans to produce new-generation EV models, with the Japanese maker preferring to take an initial financial hit through program rescheduling to benefit from what it believes will be longer-term savings.Global players including Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Volvo, VW, and most recently Honda, have shelved multiple EV model programs in the face of slower than expected market uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and ongoing consumer preference for hybrid and pure-combustion models.Now, as reported by Automotive News, Subaru Corporation is delaying its independently developed electric vehicle to be produced in Japan, a move that comes in the face of the company’s dramatic 90 per cent fall in operating profit for the (Japanese) financial year ended March 31, 2026.Speaking at Subaru’s most recent Board of Directors meeting in Tokyo, President and CEO Atsushi Osaki confirmed Subaru operating profit plummeted from ¥405.3 billion ($3.58 billion) in 2025 to ¥40.1 billion ($350 million) this year.He said US tariffs on new vehicle imports alone had wiped out ¥226.9 billion ($2.00 billion) from earnings with “EV-related write-downs and impairments” accounting for another ¥57.8 billion ($510 million).“In the US, our key market, the pace of BEV adoption has slowed due in part to the easing of environmental policies. “Given this, the timing of our BEV market introduction will be pushed back.“We want to begin a comprehensive reevaluation of the entire strategy, including which models to bring to market.“We will continue developing the core components of BEVs, but we will significantly reduce the resources allocated to this effort,” he said.An all-new, in-house developed EV was scheduled to be produced at the brand’s new Oizumi plant in Gunma Prefecture, north-west of Tokyo, which is scheduled to open in 2028.But that solo strategy departs from the relative cost-effectiveness of co-production with Toyota on current electric models including the Solterra (bZ4X), Uncharted (C-HR+) and Trailseeker (bZ4X Touring).And as noted by Osaki-san, more than 70 per cent of Subaru’s global sales come from the US, with half of them imported from Japan and subsequently levied with a 15 per cent tariff.Despite a recent uptick in demand for the Solterra, Uncharted and Trailseeker in America, deliveries fell 3.2 percent to 641,000 vehicles, with the new-generation Outback in particular failing to hit the target with prospective buyers who openly state a preference for the wagon-like configuration of prior models rather than the chunkier SUV shape of the latest iteration.As to when the Oizumi EV program will be reenergised, Osaki said, “We intend to finalize the exact launch timing of our in-house BEV models after carefully monitoring market conditions. It is still too early to say a specific timeline at this point.“We are revising our introduction strategy to anticipate when the US market enters the BEV adoption phase.”Looking ahead, Subaru forecast coming year sales to increase 4.9 per cent to 940,000 vehicles, with North America up 3.9 per cent to 736,000 vehicles and Japan up 4.9 per cent to 108,000.It’s worth noting Australian Subaru sales dropped 3.9 per cent for the 2025 calendar year (39,005 vs 40,604 units) and were down 19.3 per cent year-to-date at the end of April 2026 (9737 vs 12,067 units).

Subaru just got serious about its EV game in Australia, with pricing for its new Uncharted small SUV released. It will start from $59,990, making it $2000 cheaper than its mid-size Solterra electric sibling. The Uncharted will take on popular, but cheaper rivals in the segment such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia EV3. The Uncharted comes as standard with an all-wheel drive system as opposed to the front-wheel drive exclusive Kona and EV3. The 211mm of ground clearance on the Subaru aids the car’s all-terrain capabilities further. Its dual electric motor set-up produces 252kW to offer a sharp 0-100km/h time of five seconds. It is equipped with a 75kWh battery and a total driving range of 522km, according to WLTP standards. It takes roughly half-an-hour to charge from 10-80 per cent at DC speeds. It also supports vehicle-to-load, allowing for external appliances to be powered through the car’s battery.The car’s interior boasts a 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 7.0-inch digital driver display, along with dual wireless phone chargers. The Uncharted is the latest in a sustained EV push from Subaru with the Trailseeker large SUV also on sale.  More EVs will help the brand fight off potential fines, following the first performance period of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), where Subaru incurred the third-most penalties of any brand. Pre-orders on the Uncharted are now open, ahead of its official launch in the coming weeks, with customer deliveries beginning in July. 2027 Subaru Uncharted pricing Australia 2027 Subaru Uncharted motor and efficiency  2027 Subaru Uncharted standard features Other standard features include: Power adjustable front seatsMemory driver seatHeated front and rear outboard seatsReclining rear seatsHeated steering wheelDigital rearview mirrorPowered tailgateOptions packages 2027 Subaru Uncharted safetyThe Subaru Uncharted does not have an ANCAP rating yet, with testing and results still in progress. Standard safety features: Front and rear parking sensorsBlind spot monitoringRear cross traffic alertAdaptive high beamSafe exit assist360-degree camera2027 Subaru Uncharted warranty and servicingThe Subaru Uncharted is covered with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. There is an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery.There is five-year capped price servicing available on the car, with intervals every 15,000km or 12 months. 

The expanding electric car price war has a new entrant.Subaru has just announced it has slashed thousands off the price of its Solterra and Trailseeker electric SUVs.The Solterra range now kicks off at $61,990 (before on-road costs) for the base variant, a reduction of $2000. The range-topping Touring grade gets a similar price cut to $67,990.Subaru already cut the price of the Solterra by $6000 late last year, while adding improvements.The regular Solterra has a driving range of 566km and the Touring 517km. Both use a dual-motor setup that delivers all-wheel-drive grip and pumps out 252kW and 337Nm.Subaru’s big five-seat all-wheel-drive Trailseeker EV has had $4000 ripped off the price tag before it has even gone on sale. Subaru’s website is still asking for expressions of interest for the Trailseeker.The Trailseeker now starts at $63,990, and rises to $69,990 for the Touring grade.It brings dual-motor grunt, which delivers Subaru’s trademark all-wheel-drive grip. The two electric motors combine for 280kW and 537Nm (according to US versions), which allow it to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in about 4.5 seconds.At its heart is a circa-75kWh battery that delivers 533km of driving range in the base version and 488km in the Touring.The prices are effective from May 14th and Subaru urges customers who have already placed an order to contact their dealer to see if the update applies to them.Subaru also announced the arrival of its Uncharted compact electric SUV, which is its cheapest EV at $59,990.All three SUVs have been co-developed with Toyota, with the bZ4X the equivalent of the Solterra and the Trailseeker and Uncharted are the twin to the bZ4X Touring and C-HR+ EV. The latter is not on sale in Australia yet, but has been confirmed for launch here in 2027.Subaru isn’t alone in rushing to sell EVs, with Hyundai, Cadillac, Volvo and Zeekr all cutting the price of some of their electric cars in recent months.A wave of new Chinese models, such as the GWM Ora 5, MG4 Urban and BYD Atto 1, are all lowering the entry price to electric motoring, which is forcing other makers to be more competitive.Subaru's electric vehicle sales are flat compared to rivals, with the Solterra moving just 324 units through the first four months of the year. Tesla's Model Y is the best-selling EV so far this year with more than 6700 finding a new home. 

Japan’s next big thing is here.Subaru has detailed pricing and specs for the 2026 Trailseeker electric SUV, which will sit above the current Solterra EV.The Trailseeker is a big SUV, measuring about the same size as a Kia Sorento, but it only has five seats.It brings dual motor grunt, which delivers Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive grip. The two electric motors combine for 280kW and 537Nm (according to US versions), which allow it to sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in about 4.5 seconds.At its heart is a circa-75kWh battery that delivers 533km of driving range in the base version and 488km in the Touring version.The battery can accept up to 150kW of DC power, and up to 22kW when hooked up to an AC charger.Prices for the two-tier range start at $67,990 (before on-road costs) and jump to $73,990 for the better equipped Touring version.2026 Subaru Trailseeker price Australia 2026 Subaru Trailseeker engine/powertrain and efficiency 2026 Subru Trailseeker standard featuresSubaru Trailseeker AWD comes with:18-inch alloy wheelsLED headlights with DRLsPuddle lightsRoof railsSatnav14-inch infotainment high-definition touchscreen7-inch digital information driver displayWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoDual wireless phone chargersMulti-colour ambient lightingDigital rear-view mirrorSynthetic leather seat trim8-way power-adjustable front seatsLeather wrapped steering wheelHeated steering wheelSubaru Trailseeker Touring AWD adds:20-inch alloy wheelsPanoramic glass roof with electric retractable sunshadeBlue & black leather accented seat trimVentilated front seatsDriver seat and door mirror memory functionAdvanced Park AssistVehicle-to-load (V2L) 220V/1500W power outlet2026 Subaru Trailseeker coloursCrystal white pealDaybreak blue pearl (Optional extra)Sapphire blue pearl (Optional extra)Brilliant Bronze metallic (Optional extra)Magnetite grey metallic (Optional extra)Crystal black silicaTwo-tone crystal white pearl and black silica (Touring AWD only, $1200 extra)Two-tone brilliant bronze metallic, crystal black silica (Touring AWD only, $1200 extra)2026 Subaru Trailseeker safetyThe Subaru Trailseeker has not been tested by ANCAP yet.All Trailseeker variants have:8 airbagsAuto emergency brakingBlind spot monitoringRear cross traffic alertLane keep assist360 degree cameraParking sensors front and backMulti terrain monitorDriver distraction warningDrowsy driver warningTyre pressure monitoringSafe exit warningRadar cruise control2026 Subaru Trailseeker warranty and servicingSubaru covers its vehicles with a five year/unlimited km warranty. The battery is backed by an eight year/160,000km guarantee.It also comes with 12 months roadside assistance and a five year/75,000km capped price servicing program that only costs $984 for the first five visits. Intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km.2026 Subaru Trailseeker dimensions  

Subaru has confirmed a three-row, large electric SUV will launch later this year, with underpinnings borrowed from a model from common collaborator Toyota.The 2026 Subaru Getaway, a seven-seat electric car sharing its platform with the Toyota Highlander EV, was initially revealed on April 1 in the US.But it’s no April Fools’ joke, even though Subaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence had indicated to CarsGuide just weeks prior that the brand wasn’t looking to Toyota to make a Subaru seven-seat SUV happen.“I can't quite comment on that,” Lawrence said when asked about rumours that Subaru would use a rebadged version of the Highlander EV, the North American-built sibling to the Kluger.“I think there are some really exciting options in that space of seven-seat … That's not one of the priorities to get the seven-seat (across the line).”CarsGuide has contacted Subaru Australia for comment, but the international reveal of the Highlander confirmed the brand is indeed sharing a platform with Toyota.The interior of the Getaway, for a start, is a direct pull from the Toyota Highlander electric SUV. Its specs also mirror the Highlander in many ways, including the two battery options being a 77kWh or 96kWh unit. The long-range 96kWh version (technically 95.8kWh) will be the only one available from launch.Subaru claims the long-range version of the Getaway will be capable of an electric driving range of more than 480km, with a 150kW maximum DC charge rate for 10-80 per cent charging in about half an hour.The Japanese brand also confirms the Toyota-clone interior will have the same 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, plus as much as 1290 litres of luggage space with the third row folded. That last point is something Subaru of America is happy to claim is “more than the Kia EV9”, and on paper it’s correct.While Subaru claims the Getaway will have 313kW and a 0-60mph (0-97km/h) tim of under 5.0 seconds, the entry level’s specs are yet to be determined.It’s not known if the Getaway will ever land in Australia, given Toyota has nixed the idea of the Highlander EV, and the models are built in left-hand drive for North America."The latest Subaru global unveilings are exciting, and while they’ve generated plenty of interest, we’re unable to comment on future product," said a Subaru Australia spokesperson.

Subaru has revealed a new version of the off-road-ready Forester Wilderness over in the US.The Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid is the first time a Wilderness model has been equipped with a hybrid powertrain. To date they’ve only been offered with purely petrol power.Using the same hybrid powertrain as the regular Forester Hybrid, it marries together a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine running the Atkinson/Miller cycle with electric motors to produce a total system output of 145kW.Subaru claims this powertrain provides up to 25 per cent better fuel economy than the regular Forester Wilderness, which is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine producing 134kW in US-spec guise.Although it has a different powertrain, the Forester Wilderness Hybrid retains all the upgrades the regular model receives.These include upgraded suspension giving an increased ground clearance of 246mm, as well as improved approach, breakover and departure angles.Additionally there are raised, ladder-type roof rails with a static load rating of 360kg, as well as 17-inch matte black wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tyres.Other standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, grey synthetic leather upholstery, as well as all-weather floor mats and a boot mat.At this stage the Forester Wilderness Hybrid is set to launch in North America in late 2026. It’s unclear if it will be offered in other markets at this stage."The latest Subaru global unveilings are exciting, and while they’ve generated plenty of interest, we’re unable to comment on future product," said a Subaru Australia spokesperson.Subaru only recently introduced the Wilderness moniker in Australia with the larger, new-generation Outback.Unlike the regular Australian-specification model, it receives a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine which is more powerful than the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine.Like all Wilderness models it picks up unique looks and off-road upgrades, however, the Australian-specification model retains highway tyres, not all-terrain tyres like the US-spec model receives.

Subaru has confirmed the details of its new Uncharted small electric SUV ahead of its mid-year launch.There is no official news on pricing yet, but we can expect it to be cheaper than Subaru’s other EV on sale in Australia, the mid-size Solterra SUV, which starts from $63,990, before on-road costs.The Uncharted is based on the Toyota C-HR+, which is due to launch Down Under in 2027.It will rival the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3 and be a more affordable alternative to the premium Volvo EX30. It will also take on key Chinese competitors such as the Zeekr X.The car comes with Subaru’s all-wheel drive system as standard, so it could have a leg up over its competitors.It has a 252kW dual electric motor set-up, which enables a 0-100km/h time of five seconds. It is equipped with a 75kWh battery from Chinese specialist CATL and initial Subaru estimates suggest it will have a driving range of 525km (WLTP). This is more driving range than the Kona Electric or base model EV3. A DC fast charge at 150kW will juice up the car from 10-80 per cent in around 30 minutes. The car comes with 211mm of ground clearance, lending all-terrain capability. On the inside, the Uncharted features neat technology including a 14-inch central touchscreen display along with a raised digital driver display. The car has dual wireless phone chargers with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. It also has 1500W vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, meaning large devices can be powered directly from the car. The Uncharted's exterior design features sharp creases in the bodywork, along with a sloping roofline, with the car riding on 20-inch wheels. The Uncharted is the latest of Subaru’s SUVs as the brand battles increasing National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) pressures and relative recent sales decline. Along with the already on sale mid-size Solterra, the Uncharted will launch around the same time as the large Trailseeker.Subaru has sold around 5000 cars in Australia up to February 2026, compared to nearly 6500 this time last year. 

Subaru has confirmed it will unveil a first-ever hybrid version of one of its Wilderness models at this week’s New York International Auto Show and the brand’s current US line-up suggests it will be based on the Forester Wilderness.That spells big trouble for rivalling family favourites - the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson - which can't match the Forester Wilderness' ruggedness.Initially developed for North America, there are currently three Wildnerness varieties - the Outback Wilderness launched in early 2021, the Forester Wilderness that followed later the same year and the Crosstrek Wilderness, which arrived in 2023.Typical upgrades include increased ride height with extra ground clearance, greater roof load capacity, revised transmission gearing and all-terrain tyres to optimise low-speed traction, matt black wheels, retuned ‘X-Mode’ off-highway settings and a transmission oil cooler.All are produced at Subaru’s US manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana. But the US-only factor was side-stepped when the Subaru Outback Wilderness hit Australian off-road tracks in February this year. And Subaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence  has previously told CarsGuide to “watch this space” on further Wilderness developments.Subaru currently offers Crosstrek and Forester Hybrid models in the USA, and a Wilderness Hybrid version of the latter is more likely as the Forester Hybrid is built in America while the Crosstrek Hybrid is produced in Japan. If the new Wilderness variant is indeed based on the Forester it’s likely to feature the current Forester Hybrid’s powertrain that combines a (121kW/212Nm) 2.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors (90kW/276Nm) integrated into the car’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) for total system power of 145kW.You could also expect miserly 6.2L/100km fuel consumption on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle and a 1000km-plus range from every 63-litre tank of fuel.Over and above the upgrades detailed above, the Forester Wilderness features a specific nose treatment including a unique grille, skid plates, fog lights, anodized copper accents, and a glare-reducing matt black bonnet decal.Subaru has also confirmed it will unveil an “all-new, all-electric SUV” in New York, positioned under a theme of “Fast. Family. Fun.” and likely based on the recently released pure-electric Toyota Highlander (Kluger).

Subaru has confirmed it will unveil an “all-new, all-electric SUV” at this year’s New York International Auto Show, which kicks off on (no joke) April 1st.Positioned under a theme of “Fast. Family. Fun.”, the Japanese maker has previewed the upcoming arrival via a dark teaser image with the only hard specifications noted being a power output of 313kW (420hp) and all-wheel drive, both of which point to dual-motor propulsion.Visual clues include narrow six-point headlights similar to the existing Solterra and Trailseeker EV line-up, roof rails and an illuminated star-cluster badge on the nose.The emphasis on ‘Family’ could also point to a three-row configuration, which opens up the possibility of the new model sharing its development with the recently released pure-electric Toyota Highlander (Kluger).A connection makes sense with Subaru and Toyota confirming expansion of their model-share partnership with three electric SUVs in 2026-’27, Subaru on the record noting the Toyota connection will accelerate development of its EV portfolio.The three-row Highlander, Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle for the US market, rides on the brand’s ‘Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K’ (TNGA-K) platform and is slated for assembly in the southern US state of Kentucky with batteries sourced from Toyota's recently opened battery assembly plant in Liberty, North Carolina.For reference, the Highlander measures 4950mm long, 1989mm wide and 1709mm tall with a 3050mm wheelbase.If Subaru follows the high-standard spec strategy it applies to other Toyota-shared models, it’s likely the new SUV will adopt the top-grade Highlander Limited’s 95.8kWh battery, for a 515km range.Other premium Highlander features like ‘Vehicle-to-Load’ (V2L) are likely to feature and although the flagship Highlander’s overall output is quoted at just over 250kW, it’s not hard to imagine Subaru putting its own, more performance-focused spin on the powertrain.Expect the interior to include a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver's display, a large-format head-up display and customisable ambient lighting.

In a press conference the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has declared the country’s once-dominant national car industry is “on the brink of survival”.The body said collaboration between Japan’s automakers was becoming more important than competition amongst each other, as it faces never-before-seen external challenges.It admitted that the “international competitiveness” of its members had to be brought into question.Speaking as part of a panel, JAMA Vice President and CEO of Honda Toshihiro Mibe said: “The global competition environment is becoming more fierce every day. Against this backdrop, the automotive industry in Japan is now posed with the question of whether we will be able to survive or not.”“Looking back, the structure of the automotive industry has worked well. There was the structure of Keiretsu which indeed worked for the last few decades against that environment. But we believe the existing areas of collaboration are not enough.”The Japanese term “Keiretsu” refers to the unique connection between Japanese companies, with cross shareholdings and shared business goals, which promotes stability and financial resilience, as well as faster and more efficient supply chains. It allows companies in these networks to engage in long-term planning and keeps money in Japan.A result of this interdependence means a brand like Toyota (widely recognised as the head of one of the largest Keiretsu networks) has vast shareholdings in brands which would normally be its competitors, as well as deep ties with Japanese parts suppliers.But it seems this system is struggling to be competitive in an environment of aggressive and often state-backed Chinese automakers making technological leaps and bounds and sales progress across the world.“So, the area of collaboration is required with a sense of speed. I think it is going to be key.” Mibe said. “We need to dismantle the old structure or else we will not be able to create new areas of collaboration.” Some areas earmarked by the organisation for focus were hiring more “software-related personnel” with Japanese automakers focusing too much on the “hardware part in our history.” according to Mibe.The group also earmarked the future use of artificial intelligence and more robotics in order to address what is expected to be a 20 per cent shortfall in the number of available workers to staff manufacturing plants in Japan.However, the JAMA members also re-committed to a “multi-pathway” strategy as the “winning pathway” in order to stay on the right side of both tightening emissions regulations, and a tough tariff environment in Europe and the US in the face of a surge of electrified Chinese models.“This is not just about how we compete with China, but how Japan can make a contribution to each country in a way which is suited to the local community,” said JAMA Chairman and CEO of Toyota Motor, Koji Sato.As to the recent Middle East crisis, Sato said 800,000 vehicles were currently exported to the region, and that would be the bare minimum economic impact, but also some shipping costs would double as routes remained closed around the Middle East.A larger concern is the sourcing of aluminium and raw materials required for plastics.“About 70 per cent of it comes from the Middle East, so if the issue is prolonged, needless to say we’re going to have a procurement problem.” Sato said.Locally, a Toyota spokesperson said it is not anticipating any impact from the war in Iran on supply or costs for Australian-delivered vehicles at this time.Meanwhile a seismic shift has taken place in the Australian sales charts, with Japan being unseated as the top country-of-origin by China.This is against a backdrop of BYD, GWM, MG and Chery all occupying spots in the top-10 best-selling automakers in Australia, unseating old favourites from Japan such as Nissan, Subaru and Isuzu.Mitsubishi, which is clinging to eighth position, is expecting to drop out of the top-10 this year as it faces a reduced range of vehicles, and more expensive new-generation offerings soured from Europe.