Subaru Delays Getaway Electric SUV Launch as US Sales Fluctuate

Subaru has confirmed a delay in the launch of its first three-row electric SUV, the Getaway, while its US electric vehicle sales show sharp fluctuations. Solterra sales plunged to just 218 units in June, an 80% drop from April, highlighting challenges in the brand’s electric transition.

Editorial Team7/28/2026Updated 7/28/2026

Getaway Launch Delayed Due to Toyota Production Adjustments

Subaru confirmed on July 25 that the launch of its 2027 Getaway, a three-row electric SUV, has been postponed. The company stated the delay is linked to production adjustments for Toyota’s electric Highlander at its Kentucky factory. As Subaru’s first three-row electric vehicle, the Getaway is a key strategic product for the brand’s expansion in the US electric vehicle market, and the delay may impact its electrification timeline.

Subaru’s electric vehicle production in the US relies heavily on Toyota’s Kentucky plant, where the two companies collaborate on multiple models. Toyota introduced the electric Highlander in February 2026 to strong market reception, but production schedule changes have affected Subaru’s Getaway launch plans. Subaru has not yet announced a new release date, raising concerns about its competitiveness in the electric SUV segment.

Solterra Sales Plummet to 218 Units in June

Subaru’s electric vehicle sales in the US have experienced significant volatility in recent months. In April 2026, the Solterra recorded sales of 1,128 units, an 18.9% increase over the same period last year. However, sales dropped sharply to 705 units in May and further declined to just 218 units in June, an 80% decrease from April. Meanwhile, Subaru’s newer models, the Trailseeker and Uncharted EVs, maintained relatively stable performance, with 1,074 and 1,270 units sold in May, respectively, and 953 and 699 units in June.

Despite the sharp decline in Solterra sales, Subaru’s total electric vehicle sales in the US for the first five months of 2026 exceeded 8,000 units, nearly a 50% increase over the 5,326 units sold during the same period last year. However, the June sales slump has raised concerns about the Solterra’s competitiveness. Some analysts suggest that positive reviews for the Trailseeker may have diverted potential Solterra buyers, though Subaru has not provided an official explanation for the sales fluctuations.

Federal Subsidy Elimination Intensifies Market Competition

The US federal government eliminated the $7,500 electric vehicle tax credit in 2025, impacting automakers like Subaru. Despite this, Subaru has maintained growth in the US electric vehicle market, with total sales for the first five months of 2026 surpassing the previous year’s figures. However, as competitors like Tesla continue to expand their market share, Subaru faces increasing pressure.

Tesla’s market share in the US electric vehicle sector rebounded to over 50% in 2026, though this growth is attributed more to production cutbacks by other automakers than to Tesla’s own sales increases. In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla’s market share had dropped to 43%, reflecting waning consumer confidence in the brand. Some observers note that CEO Elon Musk’s political stance and policies from the White House’s “DOGE Office” may have influenced public perception of Tesla.

Toyota Launches Charging Partnership as Subaru Holds Back

Toyota recently partnered with US startup Treehouse to introduce a home electric vehicle charging service, with its luxury brand Lexus also joining the collaboration. This move is seen as part of Toyota’s accelerated electrification strategy, though Subaru has not yet announced plans to follow suit. Analysts suggest that the availability of charging infrastructure will play a critical role in consumer purchasing decisions, making Subaru’s potential entry into such partnerships a point of interest.

While Subaru’s electric vehicle sales remain modest in scale, the brand has sustained growth amid a broader slowdown in US electric vehicle demand. However, the delay of the Getaway could impact its future sales performance, particularly in the increasingly competitive three-row electric SUV market. Subaru has not disclosed a revised launch timeline for the Getaway, leaving observers to question whether the company can adapt its strategy in time to address market shifts.

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