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New hybrid information has surfaced. 

Let's delve into the details of Subaru's new hybrid trim levels. The four new Subaru Hybrid SUVs that are on the horizon will pique customers' interest. While I've covered the Forester hybrid in recent reports, new information has surfaced about the hybrid technology it will feature, including its unique features, specifications, and performance capabilities. 

The next-generation Forester Hybrid will not be a PHEV.

I recently discovered that the Forester's hybrid system will not be a plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) like the discontinued Crosstrek Hybrid. The next-generation Forester hybrid will have a standard hybrid powertrain.

Some of the information in this report comes from a source close to Subaru. Other information here comes from Tetsuo Fujinuki, Subaru's chief technical officer. 

Subaru's Boxer and AWD 

Fujinuki says, "Subaru's Boxer engine configuration and Symmetrical all-wheel drive system are the brand's two hallmarks and the main reasons customers are drawn to our cars, making their retention in its new hybrids crucial going forward."  

Subaru's hybrid is an all-in-one system.

Subaru's new hybrid technology formula is straightforward, according to Fujinuki. The all-new Forester hybrid will retain the Japanese automaker's signature horizontally opposed Boxer engine and employ it as a generator and drive unit. Fujinuki says it's a series-parallel hybrid system similar to the Toyota Prius, making it easy to understand and use. 

He says the new series-parallel hybrid powertrain, not Plug-in hybrid technology, will package Subaru's internal combustion Boxer engine, electric motor, transfer case, and transmission together at the front of the vehicle. A drive shaft will stretch back to a small rear differential to power the all-wheel drive system.

The power control unit sits on top of the configuration, freeing up room at the vehicle's rear for a traditional-sized fuel tank. With the hybrid system and full-sized fuel tank, they've achieved a more extended range of gas and electric propulsion with the vehicle. 

The hybrid system will send power to the wheels via a transaxle instead of the traditionally favored continuous variable transmission (CVT) setup used on all Subaru vehicles now. 

The 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. Check my report here for more information. 

When will the new Forester Hybrid be available for customers?

The next-generation Forester hybrid will arrive late next summer, 2025.

An all-new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be coming soon after the Forester Hybrid. The Crosstrek is not a plug-in hybrid; it will also have a standard hybrid powertrain similar to the Forester. 

When will the Crosstrek Hybrid be available for customers? 

The new Crosstrek Hybrid will likely arrive in North America in early 2026. 

The next-generation Subaru Outback Hybrid is coming later. 

The redesigned Subaru Outback will likely see a hybrid trim level after the Crosstrek. It will come with the next-generation Outback remodel launch in 2026. The new Outback will also have a standard hybrid powertrain similar to the Forester and Crosstrek technology.

When will the Outback Hybrid make its U.S. launch? 

The new Outback Hybrid should be available in 2027 after the new model launch in North America. 

The next-generation Outback will get new upgrades over the current generation model. 

Outback will get newly revamped seats that are more comfortable.

The 2026 Outback will have the new EyeSight technology with an updated three-camera system that offers improved vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle detection.

Look for a new front end and grille design. 

The newly remodeled Outback will be available in spring 2025. So expect an announcement from Subaru before the end of this year. Stay tuned. 

A new Ascent 3-Row SUV hybrid

The next-generation Ascent family hauler has been delayed due to Subaru's decision to wait and determine the future emissions standards in the U.S. over the next four years. This delay is contingent on the results of the U.S. Presidential election, which could significantly impact the automotive industry's regulatory landscape. 

There are two options that Subaru Corporation could take with Ascent. 

The gasoline-powered Ascent three-row could be replaced in the lineup by a new three-row EV built in Kentucky in collaboration with Toyota. Alternatively, it may follow the Forester and Outback and remain for another generation with an optional hybrid powertrain. Read more in my report here. 

A report from Automotive News (by subscription) says that if Subaru decides to drop the gas-powered Ascent, the new 3-Row EV developed by Toyota may assume the Ascent name. (depending on election results). 

Automotive News said the all-new Subaru 3-Row EV will be built on the e-Subaru Global Platform and use batteries supplied from Toyota's plant, which is under construction in Liberty, North Carolina. 

Why did Subaru choose a standard hybrid powertrain over a plug-in technology for its next-generation hybrid SUVs?

The conventional hybrid does not require an external charging source. The PHEV does need to be "plugged in" to take advantage of the hybrid fuel efficiency. A source close to Subaru says many customers did not use the plug-in technology on the Crosstrek PHEV. 

Subaru received feedback from current Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid model customers who said they didn't use the plug-in benefit. So, Subaru will offer its new hybrid models with lower-cost, standard hybrid options. 

There are three reasons why Subaru chose the standard hybrid. 

1. There is a significantly lower upfront cost for the customer when purchasing the hybrid vehicle.

2. It's more convenient because you don't have to recharge the battery to use electric power. 

3. It's much easier for the customer to transition from a gas-engine vehicle to a hybrid model. You drive the hybrid vehicle and take advantage of the improved fuel efficiency.

And there were other issues.

The Crosstrek PHEV only had a 17-mile range, and many customers did not have a charger at home and didn't even use the plug-in option. So, they paid significantly more upfront in cost and didn't get the hybrid benefits. 

The 2023 Crosstrek Hybrid had a starting price of $38,070, which included destination and delivery fees ($1,225). A 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Premium trim forehead had an MSRP of $26,020, including dealer fees, which was $12,050 less than the Hybrid trim level.

And there was the issue of availability. 

One of the problems with the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid was that it was only available in certain U.S. states with stricter regulations on emissions. Subaru won't make the same mistake with the new Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, and Ascent Hybrids. 

The Forester and other new Subaru Hybrid SUVs will be available in all of North America, not just in certain states on the East and West Coast. 

Will you wait for the Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, and Ascent Hybrids? What kind of new hybrid and electric vehicles would you like to see from Subaru? 

Click the red Add New Comment link below and share your thoughts about Subaru's new hybrid models.

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: Irvine Subaru