2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Solves All My Problems With The Crosstrek – Jalopnik

I lived with a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek for per week earlier this 12 months, and got here away from the expertise with an awesome admiration for the automobile. I preferred its $30,000 worth, I preferred the potential offered by its commonplace all-wheel-drive system, I preferred its spacious inside, and I preferred the truth that in contrast to most of its opponents, it felt like a member of the family somewhat than one other equipment. My largest complaints had been the loud and comparatively gutless nature of the gas-only 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, and the intrusive ranges of street noise that made their approach into the cabin. Now although, Subaru is bringing a hybrid powertrain again to its subcompact Crosstrek for the third time, and it addresses my few gripes about the usual automobile.

The Crosstrek is just not new to hybridization. In truth, the first-generation XV Crosstrek Hybrid was Subaru’s very first hybrid, and the second-gen Crosstrek PHEV was its first plug-in hybrid, however the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is the model’s most well-rounded try. Where the first-gen mannequin did not supply a lot gasoline financial savings over the usual automobile, and the PHEV Crosstrek had a cumbersome battery pack that decreased cargo capability, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid addresses these drawbacks. The third time actually is the appeal.

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Full disclosure: The of us at Subaru flew me as much as the Pacific Northwest to drive each the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid and the 2026 Forester Wilderness. They put me up in a swanky spa lodge and a glampground within the Washington forest, and fed me distinctive delicacies for a number of days. None of those niceties impression my evaluations, although they had been very a lot appreciated.

Subaru presents the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid in two trim ranges: Sport Hybrid, which begins out at $35,415 (together with a $1,420 vacation spot cost), or Limited Hybrid, which begins at $36,415. That makes the Sport Hybrid about $3,300 pricier than a gas-only Crosstrek Sport, and the Limited Hybrid $2,000 greater than a gas-only Crosstrek Limited. All hybridized Crosstreks are EPA rated at a constant 36 mpg metropolis, freeway, and mixed. The gas-only Crosstrek is rated at 26 mpg metropolis, 33 freeway, and 29 mixed, so going for the hybrid will yield a noticeable increase in effectivity, although it nonetheless lags behind its major competitor, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which ought to get 46 mpg metropolis, 39 freeway, and 42 mixed.

The powertrain is similar because the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. It combines an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery and cooling system mounted underneath the rear flooring. It sends 194 horsepower to all 4 wheels via the identical CVT and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system because the fuel Crosstrek, in contrast to its major competitor the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid that has no bodily connection between the entrance and rear wheels. Subaru says its system delivers extra constant off-roadability than different hybrids, which solely use rear-mounted electrical motors to drive the rear wheels, although I used to be not capable of take a look at this idea firsthand.

The Crosstrek Hybrid will get different niceties that make its elevated worth extra palatable, together with an ordinary digital gauge cluster able to displaying native navigation in addition to Apple Maps routes, improved sound deadening, a re-tuned suspension, hybrid-exclusive 18-inch wheels meant to appear to be ice picks, and two hybrid-exclusive paint colours, Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. While these updates may not appear too intensive, they elevate the Crosstrek Hybrid’s driving expertise considerably over the gas-only automobile, and the additional energy makes it really feel a lot livelier.

Every trim stage of the Crosstrek Hybrid comes with fascinating options as commonplace, together with a 10-way energy adjustable driver’s seat, heated entrance seats and exterior mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, LED steering-responsive headlights, dual-zone automated local weather management, a leather-based wrapped steering wheel and shifter, twin entrance and rear USB ports, and a wi-fi charger. In addition to that properly configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, you get Subaru’s sadly sluggish and outdated 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

I solely had a short while behind the wheel of the brand new Crosstrek Hybrid, however in that point I discovered the driving expertise to be a lot nicer than the usual Crosstrek. The street noise that I complained about in my Crosstrek Premium overview is way much less invasive, and the engine noise that I complained about is just about imperceptible. It’s considerably extra serene contained in the hybrid.

Naturally, bringing electrification into the image makes it a lot spunkier to drive regardless of including about 300 kilos to the Crosstrek’s curb weight (the hybrid is available in at 3,677 kilos).That further 14 horsepower over the non-hybrid Crosstrek could not sound like a lot of a lift, however because it comes within the type of electrical energy it makes the Crosstrek Hybrid really feel lots highly effective and pleasantly peppy. It has an EV-only mode, however the small battery means its use case is extraordinarily restricted. Thankfully the powertrain is clean in its operation, even when the fuel engine begins up. Much of the know-how utilized in Subaru’s hybrid system is taken from Toyota, which is a superb factor since Toyota’s hybrids are nice.

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The retuned suspension would not really feel a lot completely different, however that is not a foul factor. It nonetheless gives a compliant trip high quality that effortlessly soaks up street imperfections simply in addition to it handles bumps and undulations in gentle off-roading. Handling is not playful, however it’s competent and confidence inspiring.

The non-adjustable regenerative brakes within the Crosstrek Hybrid are much less confidence inspiring, with a gummy pedal really feel that takes some getting used to earlier than your proper foot can naturally pivot to the vast pedal with out requiring psychological calculations. Their talents aren’t inhibited; they cease the automobile simply superb, however in my 30-ish minutes behind the wheel, I could not familiarize myself with their operation as a lot as I might have preferred.

The Crosstrek Hybrid solely has two opponents within the subcompact SUV class, the way more fuel-efficient Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which will be had for practically $5,000 cheaper than the Subaru, and the Kia Niro which is front-wheel-drive solely. The Crosstrek presents considerably extra commonplace options than the Toyota, although, and it feels extra upscale to drive and to sit down in because of its a lot quieter cabin and extra refined-sounding engine. The Crosstrek Hybrid additionally presents 0.7 inches extra floor clearance than Corolla Cross Hybrid at 8.7 inches, and its driveshaft-driven all-wheel-drive system ought to supply extra constant off-road capabilities. Other autos that patrons could cross-shop in opposition to the Crosstrek Hybrid embody bigger compact SUVs just like the Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, in addition to Subaru’s personal Forester Hybrid.

If you’re keen on the Crosstrek, however understandably need extra energy and a extra serene driving expertise, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will swimsuit you effectively. Third time does certainly appear to be the appeal, a minimum of so far as the Subaru Crosstrek’s hybrid journey goes. The new mannequin is a worthwhile improve over the gas-only Crosstrek, in case your funds permits.

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