Subaru’s New Forester and Crosstrek Full-Hybrids Will Cater To U.S. Customer’s Power Desires

Subaru Corporation will start with the Forester compact SUV and then the Crosstrek subcompact SUV for its next-generation hybrid system. They will arrive in Japan first, but they were designed to meet the power needs of U.S. customers. 

Americans like power.

Americans like power, and Subaru Corporation knows they must satisfy their desires, or they won't buy the new Forester or Crosstrek hybrid. Americans want both fuel efficiency and power in their new models. Can they have both? Subaru Corp says yes.

"We have selected a powerful engine and a powerful drive motor for this strong-hybrid system," said Shogo Oki, Subaru's Engineering Division manager. "It generates a strong driving performance to compete in the North American market."

What Subaru said before.

When Subaru Corporation executives and engineers spoke recently about its new hybrid technology, they declined to discuss North American market plans. However, they revealed that the full hybrid technology has plenty of power for its U.S. customers and is expected to be offered in a U.S.-made Forester first. 

What Subaru revealed in their recent announcement.

Now, Subaru has announced it will launch its strong-hybrid system (SHEV), also called a full-hybrid technology, in the Forester compact SUV and Crosstrek subcompact SUV in Japan first. They will now use the larger 2.5-liter Boxer engine. Read more in my report here.

Subaru designed its Hybrid for North American customers.

Subaru Corp. gets around 70 percent of its global sales from the U.S. market. Understanding the importance of satisfying its American customer base, the company is determined to ensure the success of its new models. 

Subaru is a smart follower. 

Jeff Walters, Subaru of America President and COO, says, "With the new EV transition, Subaru has been on a fairly smart path, and the strategy going in for a company our size, we strive to be a quick follower, a smart follower."

Subaru is watching Toyota's success. 

A recent report from Automotive News (by subscription) says U.S. customers are embracing the hybrid technology. "Toyota dealers, for example, say customers are waiting three months for hybrids, helping lift Toyota and Lexus sales in the U.S. by 6.2 percent through September. American Honda, another hybrid-heavy company, booked an 8.8 percent gain through the first nine months. Subaru sales, by contrast, advanced 5.6 percent."

In the second quarter of 2024, traditional hybrids accounted for about 9.6 percent of U.S. new-vehicle sales, up from 8.6 percent in the preceding quarter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Plug-in hybrids' market share increased to 2 percent from 1.7 percent.

Subaru customers also want new hybrid models.  

"To meet such customer demand, we must continue to develop not just battery-electric vehicles but also internal combustion models equipped with hybrid systems," Managing Executive Officer Hiroshi Watahiki said. He said that the addition of a plug-in hybrid is also being studied.

Subaru experimented in the U.S. with a plug-in hybrid version of the Crosstrek from 2019 until 2023, when they discontinued the PHEV. AN says, "That model was seen mostly as a compliance car. Subaru said it sold about 200 of them a month."

The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid had a limited electric range (17 miles), was too expensive, and had limited availability. If Subaru offers a new Plug-In Hybrid in the future, they won't make the same mistake.

Subaru's next-generation full-hybrid delivers improved performance. 

The full-hybrid or SHEV system draws on elements of the parallel hybrid setup pioneered in cars such as the Toyota Prius. Subaru will tap into Toyota's technology, adopt a similar system to its horizontally opposed 2.5-liter Boxer engine, and mate it to a longitudinal driveshaft for a mechanically connected, all-wheel-drive layout.

It adopts a series-parallel system that efficiently uses the engine or motor as the power source, depending on the situation.

Subaru's next-gen hybrid will use the 2.5-liter Boxer engine.

The Forester and Crosstrek hybrids, sold in the U.S., will be full hybrids using Subaru's 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The e-Boxer mild hybrid with the 2.0-liter engine sold in Europe and Australia produces 143 horsepower. The new Forester and Crosstrek full hybrids will produce 158 horsepower.

Americans want the more powerful hybrid tech.

Both engine torque and electric motor torque increase substantially from the mild hybrid. Subaru did not provide a total system power or torque figure for the engine and electric motor combined. But the powertrain cuts about 2.1 seconds off the mild hybrid's 0 to 62 mph time, it said.

The new Subaru 2.5-liter hybrid system is mated to an 88-kW electric motor versus the mild-hybrid's 10-kW motor. The bigger battery also helps improve fuel economy. The potent full-hybrid gets a 1-kilowatt-hour power pack, up from 0.6 kWh in the mild hybrid. It also has a higher voltage, 260 volts, versus 188. 

Subaru says the new next-generation Forester and Crosstrek hybrid delivers a 50 percent boost in driving range and a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy, which will result in the best fuel efficiency in Subaru's lineup. In addition, extended EV driving also improves quietness.

There's more for U.S. customer's specific needs.

• The new Subaru SHEV will be coupled with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive technology. It will have the same high ground clearance and off-road capability as the current gas models. You'll be able to drive safely on rough terrain or snowy roads. 
• The next-gen Subaru SHEV hybrid will be able to power electric appliances like a small refrigerator and other electric devices when you are camping. A power outlet is located in the rear cargo area for outdoor enthusiast's power needs. 

When will U.S. customers be able to purchase the new hybrids?

Customers in the U.S. will get the next-generation Forester Hybrid first. Subaru did not say when the new Crosstrek Hybrid would make its North American launch. 

As I reported earlier in my report here, Subaru will begin production of the new Forester at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) factory in Lafayette, Indiana. SIA will add production of the next-generation Forester gasoline model starting next year. The report says U.S. production of the next-generation Forester hybrid system will start around 2026. 

The report did not say if the new next-generation Crosstrek Hybrid trim level would be built in Indiana. Stay tuned. 

What do you think of the new Subaru hybrid models? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer 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