Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Name: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Brand: Subaru

EPA MPG: 35 mpg

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid First Drive

Summary

Commendable subcompact SUV is poised to become even more desirable

The hybrid revolution continues to gain momentum, with more models and even more automakers embracing the efficiency made possible by combining a gas engine and electric power. After a pause from marketing a plug-in hybrid Crosstrek from 2019 to 2023, Subaru is bringing a Crosstrek Hybrid (non-plug-in) to the market.

This spring, a Forester Hybrid went on sale, giving the compact SUV a version to compete against the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Then for the 2026 model year, the Subaru Crosstrek will also be available with a “next-generation” hybrid powertrain, targeting the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Built around its distinctive 2.5-liter “boxer” engine, the hybrid will increase efficiency and power.

While this powertrain comes in the Crosstrek’s third model year, it doesn’t signal a full midlife freshening. The exterior looks very much the same, with the exception of a couple of hybrid-specific hues and exclusive wheels. The interior is familiar at a glance, but the analog instruments found in the conventional Crosstrek are replaced with a digital gauge cluster.

Subaru has made incremental, ongoing improvements a key to its product strategy, continuously honing its vehicles to be better and better, without making significant changes that risk alienating loyal customers or risk reliability woes. That policy is on display here with the Crosstrek is just getting more efficient and a touch more modern.

Here is what we know about the Crosstrek Hybrid.

It competes with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid.

There are two trims: Sport and Limited. Pricing range is $33,995-$34,995 and it will go on sale Fall 2025. The final assembly is Gunma, Japan.

Impressions

Still looking like the hiking shoes that many Subaru drivers wear, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s styling doesn’t stray much from today’s gas-only Crosstrek. In other words, it looks like an Impreza festooned with black plastic trim and treated to 8.7 inches of ground clearance—more than many larger SUVs can claim.

It will be available in two hybrid-only colors: Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. And 18-inch dark gray wheels are also exclusive.

The Crosstrek’s roomy cabin carries on, with the vertical center screen continuing to dominate attention. This icon-filled infotainment system has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. We’re glad to see the physical volume and tuning control knobs continue.

The real change is found behind the steering wheel, where analog gauges are replaced by a 12.3-inch digital screen. This looks like a fine consent to modernity. Hopefully this gives Subaru more real estate to spread out information, which has become quite cluttered in recent models.

The Crosstrek Hybrid features a 2.5-liter flat-four engine teamed with a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It uses a continuously variable transmission, and power can be routed to all four corners as needed. The total system output is 194 hp, marking a 12-hp advantage over the nonhybrid 2.5-liter engine.

The hybrid has the same-sized 16.6-gallon gas tank as the regular Crosstrek, meaning the fuel economy gains are certain to extend the range per fill-up well beyond 500 miles.

All trim levels have standard all-wheel drive with hill descent control and X-Mode, allowing the driver to optimize traction for, say, deep snow, dirt, and mud. Subaru says the all-wheel-drive system mechanically couples all four wheels as with nonhybrid Subaru models and maintains the same capability. Some hybrid competitors, such as ones from Toyota, use a separate electric motor on the rear wheels to enable all-wheel drive at low speeds.

The Crosstrek Hybrid comes with the latest EyeSight driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcycle detection; automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds; lane centering assistance; lane departure warning; lane keeping assistance; adaptive cruise control; and automatic high beams. Additional standard features include rear cross traffic warning, reverse automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning with lane change assist.

Notable for 2026, the Crosstrek Hybrid includes a driver re-engagement system that can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using adaptive cruise control. Once stopped, the Crosstrek will activate the hazard lights, unlock the doors, and place a call to emergency services.

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Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid First Drive

Summary

Introduction

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Amps Up Fuel Economy and Power

Overview

Impressions

Outside

Inside

What Drives It

Active Safety and Driver Assistance