The Hybrid Crosstrek Returns!
Subaru today introduced to North America the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, signaling the company’s electrification intent with this more efficient version of its very popular compact SUV. This isn’t the first time the Crosstrek came with a hybrid powertrain (last seen in 2023 when the plug-in hybrid was discontinued).
Clean Fleet Report was invited to drive the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid at a media event in Portland, Oregon. We found the Crosstrek Hybrid is enjoyable to drive on and off-road and gets high marks like the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid did in 2019.
Two Motors, AWD Standard
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid has the newly developed 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine mated to two electric motors, powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery (no plug-in this time). The series-parallel hybrid system produces 194 horsepower (14 hp more than the non-hybrid Crosstrek) and 199 pound-feet of torque. All four wheels are powered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which includes three drive modes and a 6-speed “manual shift” mode. The symmetrical all-wheel drive includes the latest generation of X-Mode, which increases grip and traction in icy, sloppy and off-road conditions—and includes hill descent control.
Fuel economy numbers of 36 mpg city/36 highway/36 combined are easy to remember. Chris Charles, car line planning manager, said this “is a 38% improvement over the non-hybrid Crosstrek.”
When Clean Fleet Report has the opportunity to drive the Crosstrek Hybrid for a week or more we will report on its real world performance and fuel economy.
On-Road Driving Experience
The on-road portion of our drive was fun! The highlights were sweeping and tight twisting mountain roads that featured several left-right-left sequences. The well-balanced Crosstrek Hybrid allowed us to get into a rhythm and cruise through the esses with ease. This was a pleasant surprise as it was shod with 255/55 Falken ZIEX all-season tires on 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels that are also designed to do mild off-roading.
The CVT transmission was smooth but the computer defaulted to favor fuel economy, which at times was underwhelming for pulling a grade or getting up-to speed quickly. For a bit more performance and engaging driving experience, we used the manual transmission setting and the paddle shifters to keep the revs high. There are no ‘gears’ on a CVT, so using the paddles holds the CVT in a rev ratio. Note: There isn’t a tachometer, so we estimated we were in the 4,000 rpm range when finding the right ratio to give us some extra oomph.
Sometimes paddle shifters are questionable on a non-sporty car. In the case of the Crosstrek Hybrid, they had a functional use; when we were gliding through the esses, it was possible to match the revs and torque to the optimum cornering speed. As noted earlier, it was fun.
The suspension is nicely tuned as cornering of all types was under control with body lean easily and quickly managed. We were impressed with the stable ride and the responsive steering for quick maneuvers. The 4-wheel independent suspension electronically transferred torque to the wheel or wheels requiring the most grip, making for a confident driving experience.
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is well-suited for two or four people to hit the road for a weekend adventure, for commuting or in-town driving when chauffeuring the kids or on bread-and-butter grocery runs. If towing, the manual transmission mode will be handy as the Crosstrek Hybrid is rated up to 1,500 pounds.
Getting A Bit Off-Road
Subaru has earned a strong reputation building off-road capable SUVs, beginning with everything they offer coming standard with their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Crosstrek Hybrid is also equipped with X-Mode, which adds even more grip and traction for sand, mud and snow.
The trails and forest roads we used were, for the most part, flat and graded. The loose rock, sand and gravel surfaces provided an excellent opportunity to test the electronically controlled torque split where power is continuously sent to all four wheels, transferring torque for the best grip. The Crosstrek Hybrid was up to the task for anything we threw at it, but note Subaru did not design the Crosstrek Hybrid to be a rock crawler. It’s a versatile mild off-roader for getting to the cabin in the woods or the ski slope.
This sure-footed capability gives owners the option to drive on unpaved roads with sections of loose sand, shale, small and medium-size rocks and even a bit of mud.
The 8.7-inches of ground clearance is higher than competitors:
the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid at 8.0-inches,
the Honda CR-V Hybrid at 8.2-inches and
the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid at 8.3-inches.
This is important as Subaru’s internal research reports “21.3% of Crosstrek owners use their vehicle off-road.”
Exterior Designed For Action
Fender brush guard cladding adds protection with more found across the front and rear fascias, underside and bumpers. The short front and rear overhangs aid in avoiding rocks, branches and when traversing deep ruts.
The hatch has a small lip spoiler and wiper with the roof rack rails being taller than on most other cars. The roof rails are rated at a 700-pound capacity which makes them ideal for a rooftop tent. The Crosstrek comes in eight exterior colors—Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, Pure Red, Geyser Blue, Alpine Green, Citron Yellow Pearl and, like ours, Sand Dune Pearl.
Simple Interior
There are two Crosstrek Hybrid trims—Sport and Limited, both with narrow A-pillars, a sloping hood and tall windows, which provide excellent forward and side visibility.
The configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster works as an information display for vehicle functions. The tablet style 11.6-inch digital touchscreen houses navigation and, in the Limited trim we were driving, the 10-speaker, 432-watt with sub-woofer Harman Kardon sound system for AM/FM HD and SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB charge and power ports and wireless phone charging are standard.
The Limited also had the perforated Gray StarTex with orange stitching synthetic seat coverings. The driver had a heated 10-way power adjustable seat with 2-way lumbar support, the passenger seat had manual adjustments.
When the split rear 60:40 seat is upright storage space is 18.6 cubic feet; when folded, it grows to 98.8 cubic feet, the widest point between the wheels is 42.9 inches and the height is 27 inches measured to the panoramic moonroof.
Safety and Convenience
The 2026 Crosstrek comes with active and passive advanced driver assist systems, or ADAS, that is all part of the EyeSight system. Safety technology includes multiple airbags, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, emergency stop assist, reverse automatic braking and lane departure warning. In the case of an accident or other emergency, the Starlink Connected Services feature will place a call to emergency services.
Safety features also include blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera and Safety Exit Alert that notifies occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of obstacles and pedestrians with an audible and visual warning.
Additional convenience features include automatic climate control, rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, electric power steering, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, exterior power mirrors, a tire pressure monitoring system and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid comes in two trims with these base prices that include the $1,420 destination fee, but before any options or packages. Dealers will receive delivery in late Fall 2025. For more information go to Subaru.
Sport $35,415
Limited $36,415
Observations: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The third generation Crosstrek will be a big hit with loyal Subaru owners, and those who have been waiting for Subaru to add hybrids to their SUV line-up, which smallest to largest is Crosstrek, Forester, Outback and Ascent.
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offers comfort, versatility and will fill the needs for those wanting a thoroughly capable weekend adventure SUV that can also handle a commute and family in-town errands.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.
[See image gallery at cleanfleetreport.com]
Disclosure
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and other efficient powertrains. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com or by commenting on any of our stories. We answer every comment!
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