The gas-powered Subaru Crosstrek finished 2024 as the company’s best-selling model in the U.S., outselling the Forester. In the first quarter of 2025, the subcompact crossover was the second-best Subaru, and looks to protect its position with the hybrid variant that’s been confirmed for Fall 2025 release.
Recently we got to check out the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, and here’s what we found:
Design
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintains the same design and exterior dimensions as the gas model, offering easy ingress and egress. At the rear, it offers comfortable seating for two tall adults, with sufficient knee room and shoulder room.
New exterior colors include Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl, exclusive to this model, and the Hybrid also comes with 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels. In the small SUV segment, the Crosstrek offers the highest ground clearance, and one of the longest wheelbases, making it a robust and practical vehicle.
Interior
The Crosstrek’s efficient interior packaging offers one of the best passenger volumes in the small SUV segment. However, cargo volume continues to be a drawback, with the 18.6 cu. ft. behind the rear seat, down from 19.9 cu. ft. in the gas version.
Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid features functional updates. The dashboard has a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster with integrated navigation and Apple Maps. The 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink touchscreen includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Controls for audio, climate, and vehicle functions are straightforward, with a physical interface. Bluetooth, SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, and over-the-air updates are some of the other features of the Starlink system.
Specifications
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid runs on Subaru’s latest hybrid system which is available in the Forester. The 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed ‘Boxer’ engine, which develops 162 hp (121 kW) and 154 lb.-ft., pairs with two electric motors. The traction motor produces 118 hp (88 kW) and 199 lb.-ft. Combined, the system develops 194 hp. It uses a Lineartronic CVT and includes standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
While Subaru hasn’t offered guidance on the fuel efficiency, we’re expecting at least 35 mpg (combined) from the Crosstrek Hybrid, which is about 20% higher than the gas model.
With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, X-MODE, and Hill Descent Control, the Crosstrek Hybrid is able to tackle mild off-road conditions. It offers EV Drive Mode, which should be practical to depart home quietly in early mornings, and a 6-speed manual shift mode which is useful in hilly terrain and overtaking longer vehicles on the highway.
Safety is improved by Subaru’s updated EyeSight system. Features include pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic braking, and Emergency Stop Assist. Additional safety features are Reverse Automatic Braking, Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Price & Release Date
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will be available at Subaru’s U.S. dealers in fall 2025. Exact pricing details will be released nearer to the launch. With the newly imposed 25% tariffs or imported cars and components, competitive pricing could become a challenge, as Subaru’s hybrid powertrain is currently sourced from Japan. It remains to be seen how the situation plays out over the course of the year, and if Subaru will plan to localize the Crosstrek Hybrid in the U.S.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
