If you’re looking to buy a Subaru Crosstrek right now, you can either choose from more power or more fuel economy. The base 152-horsepower two-liter flat-four is a bit underpowered, and if you want to jump up to the 2.5-liter boxer engine, combined fuel economy lands at an okay but not outstanding 29 mpg. However, what if you wanted power and fuel economy? Well, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid that we first saw in Japan a few months ago is on its way to America to help with that.
While Subaru does have a partnership with Toyota, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s electrification is very Subaru. It starts with a 2.5-liter flat-four engine in Subaru tradition, but this one can use the Atkinson cycle to its advantage, keeping its intake valves open a hair longer for a lower effective compression ratio but a high expansion ratio for efficiency. That’s neat, but it’s not as neat as the electrification side of the hybrid system.
See, if you want a subcompact crossover with hybrid power in America, your options are limited to the front-wheel-drive-only Kia Niro or the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. While the Toyota offers all-wheel-drive, it’s a through-the-road all-wheel-drive system with a small electric motor on the rear axle and no driveshaft from the engine to the rear differential. This is perfectly fine for most scenarios, but in heavy snow or on gnarlier dirt roads, you’d likely prefer the torque transfer capabilities of a mechanical all-wheel-drive system. That’s exactly what the Crosstrek Hybrid offers.
This small hybrid crossover features a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeding a two-motor arrangement, one connected to the combustion engine and acting as a generator and one inside a planetary CVT transaxle to power the wheels. While Toyota also puts a motor inside its planetary CVT transaxles, this Subaru unit is different for a few reasons. Firstly, it’s mounted longitudinally rather than transversely. Secondly, it has a mechanical power transfer unit and a driveshaft coming out of its tailshaft. That driveshaft runs to the rear differential, giving the Crosstrek Hybrid a fairly conventional all-wheel-drive system. Oh, and a combined output of 194 horsepower is pretty nice too.
Inside the Crosstrek Hybrid, there’s some neat tech integration to go with the hybrid system. The available 11.6-inch infotainment screen is perfectly normal by Subaru standards, but a new available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster includes a little panel that appears to show power flow in a nice, simple manner. The default layout seems useful but not distracting, a tricky balancing act to pull off in an age of information overload.
As for distinguishing the electrified Crosstrek from the all-combustion one in the wild, it’ll be tricky, but that’s a good thing. Subaru’s resisted the urge to change much visually, and instead giving the Crosstrek Hybrid a new set of wheels, some hybrid badges, and two new color options: Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. Nice and simple.
While demand certainly exists for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, its degree of marketplace success will depend on fuel economy and pricing. While we don’t know EPA figures or a manufacturer’s suggested retail price just yet, expect those figures to be released closer to the autumn, when the Crosstrek Hybrid rolls into showrooms. If it works out to be substantially cheaper than the expensive previous-generation Crosstrek Hybrid and sold nationwide, Subaru’s sure to have a hit on its hands.
(Photo credits: Subaru)
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I admit to not being the target market for any Subaru product but I still don’t understand the popularity.
The powertrains are old, unrefined, and not particularly efficient (this hybrid addresses that last point, at least). The interiors are full of cheap plastic and the tech feels 10 years behind rivals. And then there’s the exterior styling…
But the most offensive aspect of this particular model is the wheels. My god.
I thought the biggest shortcoming was not shoving the WRX engine into it…. which is what people have wanted since the first gen came out.
I thought it was the CVT. Turns out there’s so many shortcomings to what should be the perfect car in this CUV-loving market. Who knew?
I’m pretty sure they came in manual, though I admit to not caring enough to be confident in that.
You’re correct about that. I don’t know that it’s relevant to the majority of buyers as the take rate has to be comically low.
I love my manual but for me this is a commuter car and even I would not option it with a stick. Maybe if it did have the engine from the WRX…
But in reading the comments, the CVT and lack of fun engine seems minor to what the real problems are anyway.
They did up to the end of the prior gen. I would have considered one more seriously over the years if you could option it up a little more. Canadian ones you usually could but Canada often would get more better-equipped manuals.
But given it almost immediately doubled sales of its Impreza base in the first year, with no loss to Forester sales, and almost continuous growth until COVID era inventory ups/downs, I can’t say I blame them for not bothering with other powertrain combos, they just haven’t needed to. Especially with their already lackadaisical approach to the actual WRX.
If this were an Impreza I would be interested. I know the difference is a couple inches of lift but still.
I would be surprised if Subaru didn’t bring a hybrid Impreza to market eventually.
Two things:
1) These will sell like hot cakes here in Colorado.
2) The wheels are really over-styled and ugly.
Being that it’s Impreza based, the Impreza/WRX land in “Compact” and not “Subcompact”.
Checking EPA, however, there’s no such thing as “Subcompact SUV”; there is only “Small SUV” and “Small Wagon”.
Sure, it’s smaller than the CRV/Rav4 due to height, but I think the “Subcompact” name is a stretch.
The CRV and RAV4 while growing significantly over the years are still what the industry and buyers consider compact SUVs. Explorers and Highlanders are full size SUVs.
I thought the Crosstrek’s biggest problem was that, between the auto-shutoff optimized battery and the anemic alternator, it can barely keep itself charged enough to start after sitting for a few days.
Totally agree, I owned one for 5 years. Couldn’t even listen to the radio with the engine off!
I really do like my 2022 Crosstrek but I’m taking it to the dealer tomorrow for the 3rd time to address this very issue. However, I’m not convinced that it’s the auto-shutoff or the alternator – i’ve tested it and it provides more than sufficient voltage and I’ve run weeks on end with the auto-shutoff disabled and the problem persists. I suspect that it’s a software issue that’s limiting how much to charge the battery.
I have a question for you:
Do you leave a phone cable plugged in to the USB port? I swear I’ve had cars that just having the cable plugged drew power to that port and I’ve tested it by plugging a phone into it after the car has been shut off for a long time. Granted, that should only affect it if the car sits for a week or so but could be a factor.
That’s an interesting question. I do leave a USB cable plugged in 100% of the time but since the car is driven regularly I find it tough to believe that a very small amount of parasitic draw could repeatedly drain the battery. With that said, I absolutely think it’s worth exploring so thank you! In my mind, asking a customer to unplug a USB cable each time they park is a non-solution.
I agree! I’ve even considered getting a battery tender because that seems easier than unplugging the very-hard-to-get-to USB cable in the bottom of the center console (dear god why did they put it there?!?).
Dear God, why did they put that there indeed. The struggle is real.
Starlink?
Holy Shit, mega thanks for that tip. Both times I’ve been to the dealer, they kind of shrugged and gave me a new battery which almost immediately began exhibiting issues. Tomorrow I’m gonna make them dig deep and solve the issue. In my mind, disabling a feature (even one that I don’t use) isn’t sufficient on their end.
You’re welcome and good luck! Hopefully not one of those things where they try to claim “well it was just the older ones, not newer ones.” What was the trial, 3 years? Depending when you bought your ’22 that would track timewise for it to be up and start bugging on you.
So this is why I heard the PNW collectively orgasm.
PNW resident here. They are awesome cars!
I can’t wait to see the Wilderness version of this hybrid so people can lift it even higher than stock to fit oversized off road tires on Method wheels. Then proceed to only drive to the trendy parts of town.
The first-gen Crosstrek Hybrid was known for having exactly 1mpg better city and 1mpg worse highway EPA estimates compared to the non-hybrid, non-lifted Impreza.
First and foremost, they will sell every single one of these before they even hit lots…so if this is the sort of thing you might be into get in touch with your Subaru dealership ASAP. I can’t imagine there’s a single member of Subaru’s main demographic that would pass on a hybrid option…and the fact that they haven’t taken hybrids seriously until now has always been deeply strange to me, especially with their Toyota partnership. If Toyota will just hand their (admittedly last gen) hybrid system over to Mazda I’m sure they’d do the same for Subaru, who they own a stake in.
Anyway, it seems a little sus that they’re not releasing fuel economy numbers. I feel like they’re usually one of the first things you hear about when hybrids are announced for obvious reasons…and Atkinson cycle or not a boxer engine is never going to be the most efficient choice…add in the mechanical all wheel drive system and I doubt the numbers are going to be all that impressive. I’m sure it’ll still manage mid 30s combined but I doubt it’s going to be all that spectacular.
Anyway, I think this is a throw over home plate for Subaru. I’m not necessarily the target demographic for this product so I can’t say that I’m interested personally but this is definitely going to be the right car for A LOT of people.
Spot on — The Crosstrek is a pretty compelling little swiss army knife of a vehicle, and I imagine they’ll sell a ton of the hybrid version too. For me, with the regular model getting mileage as good as it does, I would probably opt for the cheaper and simpler 2.5 model over a hybrid if it only gets an additional 5ish mpg.
Honestly though, with the Hybrid AWD Maverick rated at 40 city, if I were in this demographic I’d probably take the hybrid Maverick over either Crosstrek.
FWIW, assuming 30mpg mixed for a 2.5, an extra 5mpg is a 17% improvement. (I have a 2.5 and actually avg about 24 mixed city and hwy driving. For the average driver, that might be ~64 gallon difference per year for around $220 in savings in addition to likely further range between fill-ups. I suspect if the system is any good at all, the savings might be even more significant than that.
They need to ditch the horizontal engines. Such a waste of resources for a small company to be developing their own engines and transmissions.
I don’t think anyone buying Subarus these days cares at all about the piston configuration of their crossover’s engine. Since they’re all tall boxes these days, the lower overall height of the engine doesn’t really have a performance available. The lower COG of the engine probably doesn’t come close to compensating for a roof-sized pane of glass at the absolute highest point of the vehicle.
Respectfully, your comment is deeply misguided. When Subaru builds an engine, they put it in nearly every vehicle model they make except the BRZ. That is a very cost effective way to do business. Subarus are built around the horizontally opposed, longitudinally mounted architecture. Their symmetrical AWD system is extremely compact, simple, and amazingly capable. It would not make any sense for them to abandon what makes them great.
AWD is part of what makes them Subaru. Flat engine, not so much.
Putting the same engine in everything is no different than any other automaker. If they bolted a 2.5 inline 4 to their awd transmission it would accomplish the same thing – and it would likely make more power and propel the machine more efficiently down the road without altering the character of the vehicle.
It would bring the added benefit of exhaust manifolds without flex sections doomed to fail.
Putting an inline-4 would dramatically alter the packaging. It would force the hoodline to be higher, which would then impact other things downstream. Also, my 2023 Crosstrek Limited 2.5L does not have any exhaust flex sections anywhere. Perhaps some older models did previously, but not these days. Also, criticizing for exhaust flex tubes is odd, since I’d bet that a majority of automakers use them. I don’t like them either, but they are commonplace. But as I say, my Crosstrek doesn’t use them.
Photo of exhaust: https://i.imgur.com/LWHR3le.jpg
I suspect that the lower hoodline contributes to a valuable subaru trait that so many struggle to put their finger on: a familiarly airy cabin. Beltlines have risen dramatically over the years and made cars feel more like rolling bunkers. Good visibility reduces stress behind the wheel, and non-enthusiasts looking for a good appliance car often value that over novelty. My brother just bought a ‘24 crosstrek after considering other compelling options (Maverick, Trax), and the deciding factor seemed to be that he felt more at home in the subie.
I think this is going to be a massive success for Subaru. The Crosstrek is already their best selling model, and it’s the subcompact CUV segment leader. Given that this two parallel series hybrid system is a massive improvement from the previous two iterations of the hybrid Crosstrek, I think these are going to fly of dealer lots. The timing is great for it to be a success.
They should’ve used the 2.0 for better mpg
Also, they need to offer a Forester hybrid
Forester hybrid is coming.
And this 2.5L engine is not the same engine that currently comes in the 2.5L Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. The 2.5L engine in the upcoming hybrid was specifically designed and optimized for this hybrid application.
Strangely enough, Subaru of America has already opened the orders for the Forester Hybrid. They emailed me a few weeks back, but had absolutely nothing for details. I assume it’ll use this same exact setup, though an HP bump would be a welcomed differentiator
I saw either yesterday or the day before was the anniversary of the announcement of the original Forester for the US, I had wondered if they would announce it then.
I would think the redesigned Outback will debut at New York, so maybe the hybrid Forester will be officially unveiled in Chicago next month? Also wondering if they’re trying to debut a hybrid Wilderness, and that’s partly why the current one is a carryover.
Rumor is the Forester hybrid is getting a Toyota powertrain
Subaru isn’t going to put a Toyota inline-4 in the Forester.
Probably would be a wash. The 2.5 is rated only 1mpg worse on the highway than the 2.0 Crosstrek, and only 1mpg worse overall in the Impreza. I imagine the 2.5 hybrid combo is more plug and play to the larger models too.
Subaru offered a PHEV Crosstrek for a couple recent model years, I had no idea it existed until I saw one on the road. I looked it up and it was only available in a handful of states, mine (Maine) included. The EV range isn’t much, but for my high schooler it would be a fantastic car.
PHEV might be perfect car for a teenage driver in the family who forever returns the car on empty. At least you know you can plug in to have enough range to refuel.
I don’t know very much about Subaru’s global engine options, is this hybrid system totally new? The article indicates it’s an in-house thing rather than a Toyota system which is interesting. Also interested in more info about the transmission – I assume this is of the “eCVT” (still a terrible name) variety?
it’s definitely an eCVT. The planetary gearset with an electric motor is a dead giveaway
I with they’d rename those damn things already. CVT is a dirty word to a lot of people (myself included) and an eCVT really doesn’t have anything in common with a traditional CVT mechanically.
Yeah I have to constantly remind my dad that the hybrids normally have an eCVT not a crap CVT since he is looking into a new vehicle and might get a hybrid. They really should just call it a Planetary Transmission or something of the sort
totally agree with both assessments.
I expected proper announcement of the Forester hybrid first, supposedly the order banks have been open for it. That will probably overshadow this though, so probably the right order to announce it in.
Per the spec sheet it looks like it loses just over a cubic foot of cargo volume so not bad. Although it probably loses a spare in the process too.
This will be the first electric motor to require a new head gasket after 3 years.
Snark aside, I always felt like they missed so many opportunities to put the 2.4t in this thing and make a Hot Hatch version. I can’t imagine it would cannibalize much, and it would throw a bone to the people who miss the WRX hatch.
Yup, the WRX motor would make this a cool little car.
I agreed and even more so once the WRX wagon went away.
Eh, head gaskets haven’t been an issue on Subarus since the EJ engines sent away in 2010. I do agree that a 2.4T Crosstrek would be the jam, though. It would be costly, but a fun baja style ripper would be a hoot. Subaru seems to be stepping back from the performance market at the moment, though.
I’m not trying to be difficult, but Subie engine and tranny problems are absolutely not a thing of the past.
My daughter-in-law’s ’16 Crosstrek has been a lot of trouble (just had to replace the steering rack), but the engine and transmission have been solid.
My wife’s ’17 has had no problems whatsoever.
Define “engine problems”. The FB20 and FB25 engines have been pretty reliable after they sorted out the oil consumption issues due to bad piston rings that were used about 10+ years ago. Head gaskets haven’t been an issue in 15+ years. Some have experienced oil leaks at the cam carrier, but it’s not super widespread. The FA24 in the BRZ had some instances of oil starvation that got a bit of notice on the internet, but on the whole they are reliable. CVTs are now good and plenty reliable compared to the industry average. I’m a longtime Subaru owner, but not a brand loyalist. On the whole, Subarus are well above the industry average for reliability, and in 2024 they were ranked the most reliable car brand by Consumer Reports (take that with a grain of salt).
As someone who drives a GTI and is really sad that I’ll have to give it up soon (b/c my family doesn’t quite fit in it), I soooo wish there were more options for wagons or CUVs that were fun to drive. Something that straddles the fun/practical line and that I can afford. A Macan for the people, if you will.
Hyundai tried with my beloved Kona N but no one wanted them because every single review was like THE RIDE IS SOUL CRUSHINGLY BAD WHAT A STUPID CAR and they didn’t offer all wheel drive. To be fair if your GTI is getting too small I don’t think a Kona N is the answer because it’s basically the same size inside. The ride also isn’t great but if you leave the dampers in their softest setting it’s tolerable/not as bad as journalists made it out to be.
Honestly I think car journalists (not the good folks here of course) obsess over how a sporty car rides way too much. Like if you’re expecting a hot hatch or other semi affordable fun car to have damping that’s on Porsche’s level of fucking course you’re going to be disappointed. If you want a luxury car ride then get a luxury car. I’m willing to put up with a rougher ride as the compromise for better handling and body control.
Anyway please join me in begging Toyota to bring the Crown Sport over because that seems like the perfect answer to this question.
As much as I do not love Subarus, I would have bought two of those by now if they were available. I absolutely would have bought one instead of my Forester and would have picked up another one instead of my Ioniq 5.
I wouldn’t have even complained too much about changing wheel bearings every third oil change.