All-New, All-Electric Compact SUV
Subaru today introduced the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid to North America. This isn’t the first time the Crosstrek has come with a hybrid powertrain (Hybrid 2014-2016 and PHEV 2019-2023), but signals Subaru’s electrification intent with this more efficient version of its best-selling model. Clean Fleet Report was invited to view, but not drive, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid compact SUV. Driving will come sometime later in 2025.
Two Motors, AWD Standard
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid has two electric motors powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, part of a series-parallel hybrid system in the newly developed 2.5-liter Subaru boxer engine. The battery and hybrid system comes from Subaru’s partner Toyota. Fuel economy numbers were not released, but should be significantly better than the 2025 Crosstrek with the 2.5-Liter engine that EPA rates at 27 mpg city, 33 highway and 29 combined. We would expect, at the minimum, all these with the hybrid will be in the low-to-high 30 mpg range.
The total system puts out 194 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque driving all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that operates in three drive modes as well as 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 ascent and descent control.
Updated Design Exterior
To put its 8.7-inches of ground clearance to use, the Crosstrek features fender brush guard cladding for protection when going off-road or encountering a wayward shopping cart. Cladding is also found to a more normal degree across the front and rear fascia. The front, side and rear overhangs are short, giving the Crosstrek a wide-looking stance and the ability to traverse challenging trails without getting hung up. The hatch has a small lip spoiler and a wiper, with taller roof rack rails than are found on most cars. New exterior colors exclusively for the hybrid are Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl.
Simple Interior
The thin A-pillars, sloping hood, and tall windows provide excellent forward and side visibility. We didn’t get any drive time at the mid-January media event, but we have driven the 2024 Crosstrek and the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness, so we expect the ride and comfort to be the same…if not better.
The multimedia system has an optional 12.3-inch configurable digital gauge cluster and a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen that houses navigation, AM/FM HD and SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB ports and wireless phone charging are standard.
Safety and Convenience
The 2026 Crosstrek comes with active and passive advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) that are all part of the EyeSight system. Safety technology includes multiple airbags, adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, emergency stop assist 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
Pricing will be released in late fall or early winter 2025, just prior to the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid going on-sale.
Observations: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will be a big hit with loyal Subaru owners and those who have been waiting for Subaru to add hybrids to its SUV line-up.
When Subaru hands the keys to the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid to the media, we will report on its drivability, off-road capability and real-world driving range. Until then, make sure to opt-in to the Clean Fleet Report newsletter (top right of page) to be notified of all new stories and vehicle reviews.
Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Subaru.
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