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Subaru will end orders for mild hybrid models in Japan by fall 2026.
Emission regulations and market dynamics drive the shift to S:HEV.
The Crosstrek goes full hybrid, while the Impreza sticks to ICE.
Subaru will phase out its mild-hybrid e-BOXER powertrain this September, splitting the lineup into three camps. From that point on, the range divides between straight combustion engines, strong hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, with nothing left in between.
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The mild-hybrid 2.0-liter e-Boxer first showed up in 2018 in Japan and spread from there into Europe, Oceania, and Asia, though it never crossed into North America. Over its run it powered the Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester, but never made it to the Levorg , Legacy, Outback, WRX and BRZ.
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Japanese outlet Nikkei reported the decision, along with a statement from Subaru: “In light of the progress in electrification and the strengthening of environmental regulations, we have reviewed our product portfolio and have decided to discontinue the mild hybrid vehicle program.”
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With the mild-hybrid unit gone, the Impreza hatchback becomes a purely gasoline-powered proposition, and the closely related Crosstrek moves to the S:HEV strong hybrid setup as its only option. Each car ends up on one side of the divide, with no overlap between them.
More: Subaru’s New Levorg Layback Hybrid Looks Like An Impreza Wagon
The Levorg Layback and the Forester offer the option between the turbo 1.8-liter engine and the S:HEV system. Finally, the regular Levorg wagon and the WRX S4 sedan stick to the turbo 2.4-liter boxer and the BRZ to its naturally-aspirated mill. As for the battery electric lineup, it includes the Solterra, Uncharted, Trailseeker, and Getaway crossovers.
The Levorg Layback and the Forester let buyers pick between the turbo 1.8-liter engine and the S:HEV system. The regular Levorg wagon and the WRX S4 sedan stick with the turbo 2.4-liter boxer, and the BRZ keeps its naturally aspirated mill. On the battery electric side, the roster covers the Solterra, Uncharted, Trailseeker, and Getaway crossovers.
Subaru Forester Touring EX (Japan)
Subaru’s S:HEV self-charging hybrid system combines a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer with a single electric motor and a battery borrowed from Toyota . However, power is transmitted to all four wheels through the mechanical Subaru Symmetrical AWD architecture rather than Toyota’s electric E-Four AWD system.
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More: Subaru Finally Admits The Getaway EV Is Delayed, And The Reason Sounds Familiar
Despite pushing deeper into electrification, Subaru isn’t abandoning enthusiast-focused combustion engines just yet. The company has confirmed three upcoming manual-transmission, gasoline-powered performance models for the near future, including a WRX hatchback, a WRX sedan, and an updated BRZ.
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