You Might Pay More For Your Next Subaru (Because Of Tariffs)

A dealer bulletin to all Subaru retailers obtained by CarBuzz shows the Japanese automaker will no longer guarantee current pricing in the wake of potential tariffs. The Trump Administration has vowed to place a 25% tariff on Mexico and Canada, though the automotive industry was given a temporary pause that is slated to end after April 2, 2025. Thus far, we haven’t seen many automakers publicize how these tariffs will impact prices, as many are waiting to see if President Trump follows through with them. BMW has promised to protect its current pricing for Mexican-built cars until May 1, but it’s unclear what will happen after that.

Subaru is one of the first automakers to openly admit that it won’t be able to protect current 2025 model year pricing after April 2. Besides Tesla, most automakers do not change their prices mid-way through the year, though a 25% increase in cost (and cost on parts) could force other OEMs to change their strategies. CarBuzz has reached out to Subaru for comment, and will update this story accordingly.

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Automakers That Will Be Impacted By President Trump’s Tariff Against Mexico And Canada

With impending 25% tariffs against goods manufactured in the USA’s neighboring states, these are the automakers that would be most impacted.

Prices Can’t Be Protected

The bulletin titled “U.S. Auto Industry Tariffs” went out to all Subaru retailers on March 20, 2025, and reads as follows:

Subaru of America, Inc. has been actively assessing the potential effects of tariffs on our business. Tariffs inevitably increase the cost of doing business. As a result, if new tariffs are applied on April 2nd, the following changes to vehicle pricing will apply to pipeline inventory and sold orders:

• Due to business uncertainties related to auto industry tariffs, current vehicle pricing cannot be protected and may be subject to change for units drafted after April 2, 2025. This will also apply to undrafted sold orders in retailer pipeline.
• Sold orders will continue to be accepted; however, current vehicle pricing cannot be protected and may be subject to change.

All Subaru stakeholders are closely monitoring this topic to ensure informed business decisions are made and to maintain Subaru’s competitive market position. Rest assured we will be thoughtful in our reaction to tariffs.

We will continue to provide updates as we navigate these uncertain business conditions together.

What Does This Mean For Buyers?

Though the details about which cars will be affected and when are somewhat nebulous, the end result is fairly certain. If you intend to purchase a new Subaru after April 2, it may be more expensive. Subaru doesn’t build any vehicles in Mexico or Canada, yet the automaker will still be impacted by the tariffs. Many of Subaru’s vehicles are built in Indiana, but a quick peek at a US-built car’s window sticker will reveal 50% “U.S./Canadian parts content.”

The Subaru Ascent, Crosstrek (2.5-liter), Legacy, and Outback are all built in Lafayette, Indiana, and could see their prices increased due to these tariffs. Oddly, a Japan-built model like the Subaru BRZ might be more protected since it has 0% U.S./Canada parts content, and it’s currently unclear if Japan will be impacted by the tariffs. There is still a chance that the tariffs will not be implemented, but as Subaru has already told its dealers, nothing can be guaranteed right now.