Subaru Ascent Outsells All Three EVs Combined Despite Sales Decline in April

Subaru’s April Sales Decline Amidst Model-Specific Gains

Subaru’s overall sales in April fell by 5.9% year-over-year, totaling 52,733 units, as buyer demand softened across most models. The majority of Subaru’s lineup experienced significant declines compared to the same period last year.

Ascent Outsells All Three EVs Combined

The Subaru Ascent, a nearly decade-old three-row crossover, continued to defy expectations. Despite minimal changes since its 2023 facelift, consumers purchased 3,472 units in April—1,419 more than the combined sales of the Solterra, Trailseeker, and Uncharted. This marks a 7.6% decline year-over-year for the Ascent, but its performance remains notable in the context of broader sales trends.

Solterra Defies EV Downturn with 18.9% Sales Increase

The all-electric Solterra bucked the EV downturn, recording an 18.9% sales increase in April, reaching 1,128 units. This growth occurred despite the elimination of the federal tax credit, likely driven by a recent facelift that introduced an upgraded powertrain and a larger battery pack offering up to 288 miles (463 km) of range.

New EVs Trailseeker and Uncharted Debut with Limited Impact

The Trailseeker and Uncharted, Subaru’s newest EV models, arrived at dealerships in April. Combined, they sold 91 units, contributing to Subaru’s record monthly EV sales. However, their low initial volumes make it premature to draw significant conclusions from their performance.

Model-Specific Performance in April 2026 vs. April 2025

Subaru’s sales data for April highlights stark contrasts across its lineup:

• Ascent: 3,472 units (-7.6% YoY)
• BRZ: 283 units (-14.5% YoY)
• Crosstrek: 15,667 units (+4.9% YoY), boosted by hybrid variant
• Forester: 17,837 units (-7.7% YoY)
• Impreza: 1,444 units (-43.6% YoY)
• Legacy: 247 units (-86.8% YoY)
• Outback: 10,552 units (-8.3% YoY), despite recent redesign
• Solterra: 1,128 units (+18.9% YoY)
• Trailseeker: 40 units (new model)
• Uncharted: 51 units (new model)
• WRX: 1,178 units (+52.6% YoY), driven by price cuts

Year-to-Date Performance Shows Mixed Trends

Subaru’s year-to-date (YTD) sales totaled 194,683 units, down 12.7% compared to the same period last year. The Crosstrek and Forester showed resilience with slight gains of 4% and 7.5%, respectively, while the Impreza and Legacy continued to struggle with declines of 48.8% and 73.5%.

WRX Sales Surge 52.6% on Price Cuts

The WRX experienced a dramatic 52.6% increase in April, selling 1,178 units. This surge is likely attributed to significant price reductions, with the WRX Premium now starting at $33,995, a $3,755 savings compared to its predecessor.

Conclusion: Subaru’s Balancing Act Between Legacy and Innovation

While Subaru’s overall sales declined in April, the brand demonstrated resilience in specific areas. The Ascent’s continued dominance in sales, the Solterra’s unexpected EV growth, and the WRX’s price-driven resurgence highlight Subaru’s ability to adapt. However, challenges persist, particularly with the Impreza and Legacy, which continue to underperform. The introduction of new models like the Trailseeker and Uncharted offers potential for future growth, but their impact remains to be seen.