The All-New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Comes Into View

Are You Ready?

The Crosstrek Hybrid, a name that sparks excitement among automotive enthusiasts, is likely to grace our roads again in just two years. Here are the thrilling new details and what customers can eagerly look forward to. 

Do you miss the 2024 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid? No, that's what I thought, too. The Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid went out without much of a whimper, and 2023 was the last model year for the Crosstrek PHEV. 

Three problems for the previous Crosstrek Hybrid

The Crosstrek Hybrid had more than a few problems. It was overpriced, had only 17 miles of electric range, and was sold only in limited markets by Subaru of America. So, it was barely noticed when Subaru discontinued the model. 

When Subaru dropped the first Crosstrek hybrid in 2016, the Crosstrek PHEV was highly anticipated.

“It is important to note that we are not leaving the hybrid market permanently,” said Jeff Walters, executive vice president of sales at Subaru of America, Inc. “We are currently working on a new hybrid vehicle, although it is too early to discuss specifics.”

That was the Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid, but it was discontinued after a few short years. Customers weren't willing to pay extra for the three mpg increase in fuel mileage over the standard Crosstrek.

The 2023 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid had a starting price of $38,070, which included destination and delivery fees ($1,225). Customers could buy a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim for $26,020, including dealer fees, which was $12,050 less than the Hybrid trim level.

The new Crosstrek Hybrid comes into view.

My recent report, which you can read here from an Automotive News (by subscription) story, said Subaru Corporation will bring back the Crosstrek Hybrid trim level in 2026. It looks even more likely because Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru's chief technical officer, explained the new Subaru Hybrid technology in a new video. 

A camouflaged Subaru Crosstrek prototype was displayed next to the new Boxer engine he described. Here, you can read my report on the latest Subaru Boxer/Hybrid technology. 

With the Crosstrek due for a refresh in 2026, it's reasonable to expect the new Crosstrek hybrid to hit the market in two years. This timeline provides potential buyers with a clear understanding of when they can expect to see the latest model in showrooms. 

Plug-In or standard Hybrid?

That's the question now. Will the 2026 Crosstrek be a PHEV or come with standard hybrid technology? Tetsuo Fujinuki kept the secret. He didn't reveal more. 

Fujinuki gives us a clue.

Subaru's new hybrid technology is a series-parallel hybrid system similar to the one used in the Toyota Prius. It will feature the signature horizontally opposed Boxer engine, which will serve as both a generator and a drive unit. This innovative design is expected to enhance the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.

That's good news. 

The new Crosstrek Hybrid, in a league of its own, will boast a significantly extended all-electric range compared to its predecessor, the 2023 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid, which could only manage 17 miles. This impressive improvement in range will make the new Crosstrek Hybrid a more intriguing option for those seeking a balance between electric and fuel-powered driving. 

This means that the new hybrid system will allow the new Crosstrek Hybrid to travel longer distances on a single tank of fuel, reducing the need for frequent refueling and making the subcompact SUV more convenient for long trips. 

We know the redesigned Subaru hybrid system will be designed and manufactured later this year at its newly renovated factory in Japan's Kitamoto City. The factory previously made general-purpose engines for the Japanese automaker. My report here has more information. 

Fuel efficiency will improve, but by how much?

However, he didn't give specific details about the size of the Boxer engine. Power outputs and fuel efficiency have yet to be announced, but Fujinuki said the unit was smaller than Mazda's prototype rotary engine. 

The first Subaru model to get the new hybrid technology will be the next-generation Subaru Forester, which will launch in the U.S. about a year from now. 

The Automotive News interview with Garrick Goh, Crosstrek's car line planning manager, says it's "probable" that Subaru Corporation will add a hybrid trim level to the third-generation Crosstrek lineup. 

I am reading between the lines.

Subaru is tight-lipped about future model launches. A Subaru executive admitting the Crosstrek Hybrid is "probable" means it's likely coming back soon. 

As Automotive News reported, the new Crosstrek hybrid powertrain could be added when the Crosstrek undergoes its mid-cycle refresh, which should come in 2026. I am speculating that Subaru will manufacture the new U.S. specification 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant. 

Subaru ramps up hybrid and battery-electric model production. 

Subaru President and CEO Atsushi Osaki has reaffirmed the company's commitment to its new EV plan, which includes a substantial increase in Hybrid and electric models for U.S. customers. The Japanese automaker's clear vision aims to derive half its global volume, an estimated 600,000 units, from electrified models by 2030, with a significant portion being Hybrid vehicles, instilling confidence in the future of Subaru's hybrid and electric offerings.

The expanded lineup will start with a Subaru Forester Hybrid trim for Subaru of America, which will be available for U.S. customers about one year from now. 

With the introduction of the all-new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru is aiming to make a significant impact in the hybrid SUV market. The new model is expected to offer an extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and a more affordable price tag compared to its predecessor. 

These factors could make it a compelling choice for eco-conscious car buyers, potentially influencing the market dynamics in the coming years. 

How likely are you to buy a new Crosstrek Hybrid trim level? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru