Subaru Killing Off All Combustion Boxer Engines In Some Places by 2027
Subaru is abandoning its defining trademark.
Facing increasingly strict European Union CO2 emissions standards and mandatory driver-assistance regulations, the Japanese automaker confirmed it will stop selling internal-combustion boxer engines across Europe by the end of 2027 at the latest. This is the same regulation that has booted the Jeep Wrangler and Mazda's 2.0-litre Miata out of European showrooms.
The news was first reported by the German outlet Auto Motor und Sport. The first model to be killed is the naturally aspirated Outback, powered by its long-running 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine — but it won't be alone in the junkyard for long. Following the Outback's exit at the end of 2026, Subaru's mild-hybrid "e-Boxer" offerings, including the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester, will follow during 2027. Those three models use Subaru's 136 hp, 2.0-litre boxer with mild-hybrid assistance.
It's a crazy move from Subaru, one the automaker would probably rather not make, in all honesty, but the brand has chosen to stop paying Tesla for EU carbon credits. Boxer-powered vehicles account for more than 80 percent of Subaru's sales in key European markets like Germany. It effectively eliminates the majority of the brand's current product catalog.
According to AutoNext, Subaru is not planning to port over the 2.5-litre full-hybrid boxer powertrain available to Americans in the Crosstrek and Forester. Meaning Subaru's combustion era is over in Europe.
Starting in 2028, Subaru's European showrooms will only offer battery-electric vehicles. The lineup consists of three electric crossovers: the Solterra, the larger E-Outback (Trailseeker in North America), and the Uncharted coupe-SUV. All three models use battery tech and architecture co-developed with Toyota.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, went over the wall during the Rolex 24, and wrenched in the intense IndyCar paddock.
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I just read yesterday that Subaru is developing its own EV, using an Outback style platform. Hopefully they can get that on the EU market in the very near future.
The europeans are regulating their own manufacturers out of busines. Porsche is on the ropes. They had to cease production of the greatest sportscar of this age, the Boxter/Cayman just because it can't be updated over the ether. Just incredible stupidity!