- Toyota-derived hybrid system mated to Subaru AWD system
- Crosstrek Hybrid gets 8.7 in. ground clearance, X-Mode trail capability
- Lithium-ion battery and AWD layout allow flat cargo floor, same seating space
Subaru will stake out its own corner of the growing market for affordable, high-mpg hybrids with all-wheel drive.
On Thursday, it confirmed a Crosstrek Hybrid release date for the U.S. in fall 2025, for the 2026 model year.
While there’s no word on the price of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid quite yet, the 2025 Crosstrek is second only to the Impreza as the brand’s lowest-priced model for the U.S. It starts at $27,230 in non-hybrid form.
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid carries over two characteristically Subaru powertrain items: its “boxer” flat-4 gasoline engine and its all-wheel-drive system, badged as Symmetrical AWD. Although the automaker hasn’t yet revealed what’s in store for the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, which arrives before the Crosstrek, it likely gives a sneak peek at what’s headed into that model.
While both of those items keep close to form, what’s in between is quite different. Taking the place of Subaru’s chain-driven Lineartronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), Subaru’s hybrid system leans on Toyota’s planetary-gear hybrid system but is engineered to Subaru’s needs and features a stronger traction motor.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid specs
It makes a combined 194 hp, with the 2.5-liter flat-4—here running on the lean Atkinson/Miller cycles—making 162 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. The stronger of the two integrated motor-generators makes 118 hp and 199 lb-ft while the other motor primarily serves as a generator.
Unlike the previous Crosstrek Hybrid, which was badged that but actually a plug-in hybrid, there’s no charge port on the Crosstrek Hybrid. A 1.1-kwh lithium-ion battery pack is packaged below and behind the rear seat in a way that seating positions and space—back seat included—are the same as in the non-hybrid Crosstrek.
The only part that changes slightly in the Crosstrek Hybrid’s packaging is seat-up cargo-floor space—slightly lower at 18.6 cubic feet for the Hybrid (versus 20.0 cu ft for non-hybrid models), although the cargo floor remains flat and avoids the previous Crosstrek Hybrid’s step.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Crosstrek Hybrid has AWD all the time; 40 mpg in sight?
Subaru has not yet disclosed how much better it expects EPA fuel economy ratings of the Crosstrek Hybrid to be, versus the Crosstrek, but it confirmed they’ll be better. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek rates at 29 mpg combined for all but the off-road-focused Wilderness. Based on how well Toyota hybrids have done with a similar system, 40 mpg isn’t out of the realm of possibility for this model.
The Crosstrek Hybrid uses the same torque distribution system as automatic-transmission Subarus—meaning that there’s an electronically controlled wet multi-plate clutch pack divvying up torque delivery between the front and rear wheels in whatever form is most appropriate for the conditions or dynamics. As Subaru emphasizes, it delivers some torque to the front and rear wheels in all situations.
All Crosstrek Hybrids will get X-Mode all-wheel-drive settings for varied terrain, as well as Hill Descent Control. There’s also an EV Mode setting that prioritizes engine-off driving at low speeds and in good traction. There are six simulated ratios to allow somewhat more engine braking and regen, but don’t expect either.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
2026 Crosstrek Hybrid: Same go-anywhere capability, likely quicker too
The Crosstrek Hybrid has the same 8.7-inch ground clearance as non-hybrid Crosstreks, and approach and departure angles are nearly the same. These are preliminary specs, so Subaru didn’t yet have an anticipated weight difference as of yet; expect these models to weigh around 200-300 pounds more than equivalent non-hybrids, which start around 3,300 pounds. Despite that weight gain, we project that it might be the quickest Crosstrek model yet.
All versions of the Crosstrek Hybrid will include Subaru’s latest suite of camera-based EyeSight active-safety features, including cyclist and pedestrian identification built into automatic emergency braking. Reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and a rear cross-traffic alert system are among the options.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek pricing and trim levels have yet to be confirmed, but Subaru says the Crosstrek Hybrid lineup will offer a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen system including audio, climate settings, and more. The unit offers over-the-air updates and has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, with entertainment options including satellite radio. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster will also be available in the lineup and can display navigation instructions.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
How does the Crosstrek Hybrid look?
Get the Crosstrek Hybrid and you’ll fit right in with the other Subies. We’ve saved styling for last, as in a quick look up close around the Crosstrek last week, we found it virtually indistinguishable versus non-hybrid models, except for badging and a few other color and trim cues. Subaru notes that there will be two new exterior colors—Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl—to go with new 18-inch dark-gray alloy wheels that will help, with badging, signal the Hybrid version.
Much of the Crosstrek Hybrid’s appeal rests on the numbers—in its gas mileage, its price, and its overall value for the money. Look for all of these bottom-line specs and numbers sometime later this spring or summer.
