Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Scores Best For 2023 - Check Out 2 Flaws Before You Buy

The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is among the best Plug-In Hybrid models for 2023, but there may be better choices for new car shoppers. Here is why U.S. News says it makes the best of the 2023 models list even though the subcompact SUV has two significant flaws.

Should customers buy the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid? A new report from U.S. News ranks the Crosstrek Hybrid among the thirteen best plug-in hybrid cars you can buy this year. Here is the U.S. News list. Keep reading why the Crosstrek has two significant flaws that might keep you from buying one this year and why customers should wait before purchasing a Subaru Hybrid.

2023 Kia Niro: MSRP: $33,840 | U.S. News Overall Score: N/A
2022 Toyota Prius Prime: MSRP: $28,770 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: MSRP: $36,845 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.7/10
2022 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid: MSRP: $33,075 | U.S. News Overall Score: 7.8/10
2023 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid: MSRP: $49,990 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.0/10
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime: MSRP: $42,340 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.1/10
2023 Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge: MSRP: $57,200 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Lexus NX Hybrid 450h+: MSRP: $57,705 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.2/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring: MSRP: $69,190 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe: MSRP: $60,360 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid: MSRP: $40,000 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.3/10
2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: MSRP: $49,995 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.6/10
2022 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid: MSRP: $86,500 | U.S. News Overall Score: 8.7/10

What does U.S. News say about the 2023 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid?

"The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid falls short of other compact crossovers in terms of its high price and low electric range, but it's still worth a look for shoppers in this class. The Crosstrek Hybrid has comfortable seats, user-friendly tech, a smooth ride, and good agility."

"The Crosstrek Hybrid comes standard as a plug-in, with one powertrain across the lineup: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors good for a combined 148 horsepower, plus a continuously variable automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The 17 miles of electric range is a little low, but the 35 mpg combined EPA rating on gas power is competitive," says U.S. News.

The Crosstrek Hybrid has two flaws customers should know. U.S. News points out one, the high price.

What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid?

The 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid has a starting price of $38,070, which includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225). The standard Crosstrek subcompact SUV is now Subaru of America's number-one-selling model. They have a small demand right now for the Plug-In Hybrid because it's priced at $12,050 more than the top-selling 2023 Crosstrek Premium trim. Customers aren't willing to pay for the difference in fuel mileage.

What is the Crosstrek Hybrid's fuel mileage?

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid gets better fuel mileage than the gas models. In Consumer Reports testing, the plug-in Hybrid gets 38/45 city/highway MPGe and 42 combined MPGe. The EPA says the Crosstrek Hybrid gets an estimated 90 MPGe combined city/highway using electric and gas and 35 mpg combined city/highway using regular gas.

Another area the Crosstrek Hybrid needs to improve is that it only has seventeen miles of all-electric range, which falls short of most new models.

Here's why customers should wait before buying a Crosstrek Hybrid

A recent report from Nikkei Asia revealed Subaru of America would drop the 2023 Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) after this year. The report says Subaru Corporation will halt the development of the Crosstrek PHEV to focus on new electric and hybrid vehicles.

Subaru's hybrid model plan

Subaru announced they will begin making their own EVs in mixed production with internal combustion vehicles at its Yajima plant in Japan by 2025. Automotive News says Subaru will begin offering hybridized powertrains sourced from Toyota by 2025.

Subaru Corporation is investing $1.8 billion to develop a new factory in Japan starting in 2027. Subaru will build a dedicated EV factory on the site of its Oizumi plant in Japan and produce its new battery-electric (BEV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Subaru says by 2030, at least 40 percent of Subaru's global sales will be BEVs or HEVs.

The next-generation 2024 Subaru Crosstrek could be the first new hybrid electric vehicle Subaru develops. Subaru will need to price the new hybrid model closer to the standard models and make it affordable for customers. We expect to see the new Crosstrek Hybrid EV model by 2025.

Subaru Corporation will make significant improvements in the next-generation Crosstrek Hybrid. The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek will be the last Plug-In Hybrid Subaru Corporation will produce for Subaru of America. U.S. News says it's one of the best models you can buy this year, but customers should wait.

You Might Also Like: Subaru Will Drop The Crosstrek Hybrid - Here’s Why And What’s Coming Next

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

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