Subaru announced it was preparing to enter a new era of green motoring when the company announced its new hybrid-equipped boxer engine. The new engine promised to improve fuel economy and give customers a bridge into electrification if they chose to make the leap. However, the main piece of the puzzle: a formal car, was missing minus a brief confirmation the Crosstrek would get the engine.
That’s now changing with the company confirming the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be the first production model to come equipped with the powertrain when it goes on sale this fall.
Crosstrek is the perfect match for hybrid power
Subaru’s decision to launch the engine with the Crosstrek is one of strategy, with the CUV being one of the strongest sellers the company has in its arsenal, with some dealerships we spoke with saying it does better than the Impreza. As a result, the exterior changes here are not too radical with the core look of the Crosstrek being carried over largely unchanged. The main differences being limited to new hybrid badging and other minor trim differences. The interior is also carried over which will please enthusiasts craving a high degree of familiarity.
The bulk of the changes lurk under the skin with the hybrid powertrain being the center of attention, and rightfully so. The hybrid system is paired with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that was designed from the ground up for series-parallel hybrid vehicles. In this case, the setup allows the Crosstrek Hybrid to either use the gas engine or the electric motor to move around town with a CVT being responsible for managing gear ratios. Performance numbers here are tepid with Subaru confirming the engine makes a meare 194 hp.
However, fuel economy more than makes up for the deficit in power but while the company stopped short of releasing fuel economy figures and other key data (it will do that later when the model goes on sale, Subaru did confirm all models will be equipped with a small 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which will be mounted in the floor and not impede with the Crosstrek’s capability including its 8.7-inches of ground clearance.
When can I buy one?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will go on sale this fall and it will be the company’s way of responding to changing market conditions with the Corsstrek Hybrid providing a green option that can appeal to a wider range of consumers. It also doesn’t hurt either the model will offset poor sales of the Solterra which has seen demand for it buckle.
Two new colors: Citron Yellow Pearl and Sand Dune Pearl will debut alongside the Hybrid and look for the final pricing to blend in with the rest of the Crosstrek family which should translate to a nice value for customers looking to take the plunge and embrace the hybrid vehicle lifestyle especially when out on the trail.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.