2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Making the Crosstrek even more fuel efficient, Subaru introduces the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Taking what is already a highly popular subcompact SUV among those desiring an off-road ready, practical people mover and making it even more attractive by squeezing out additional fuel economy, Subaru is demonstrating some crafty marketing. We were already Crosstrek fans and the hybrid powertrain only increases our enthusiasm.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of subcompact SUVs.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is officially a new model; although, the combustion Crosstrek, which we review separately, has been with us since 2016. In addition to the all-new hybrid powertrain, the Crosstrek Hybrid will get a few features unavailable for the traditional Crosstrek. For example, a 12.3-inch digital display cluster and unique 18-inch wheels are standard on the Crosstrek Hybrid. Moreover, the Crosstrek Hybrid will offer two paint colors (Sane Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl) not available on the traditional Crosstrek.

On-Sale Date

Subaru has announced the Crosstrek Hybrid will go on sale in the fall of 2025.

With only $1,000 separating the two trims, we can’t imagine that the Limited Hybrid won’t be the better selling of the two. It’s certainly a better value because it adds faux leather seating with orange stitching, a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon 432-watt audio system, more driver-assistance tech like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency steering, and more.

The Crosstrek Hybrid is pricier than class rivals because the base hybrid trim is midway up the traditional Crosstrek’s trim ladder. In other words, even the entry-level Sport Hybrid trim is packed with standard fare.

Before buying a 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay.

Impressive Resale Value

Obviously, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is untested in the resale market. We would be disingenuous to praise what are, in essence, estimated resale values. However, the traditional Crosstrek excels in retaining its value. We can’t imagine that the Crosstrek Hybrid won’t have resale values that, at the very least, are higher than average for the class.

Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is powered by a hybrid 4-cylinder powertrain with a total output of 194 horsepower, which is a little more power than the sole engine option in the non-hybrid Crosstrek. A CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) are standard across the board.

We are fans of the current Crosstrek suspension. We like the way it handles rougher pavement and even unpaved surfaces. The Crosstrek’s steering is sharp and responsive.

Once considered quirky for its all-wheel drive, Subaru has had decades of experience powering all the wheels. The Subaru Symmetrical AWD system is transparent, constantly adjusting the amount of torque to the wheels. Switching to X-Mode provides some extra all-wheel-drive response. It still doesn’t allow this SUV to tackle the most severe terrain, but it improves typical off-road experiences.

We have been impressed with its seamless reaction and relentless forward motion when driving it on dirt paths in hilly terrain. The Crosstrek’s hill-descent control — sort of slow-speed cruise control — is another bright spot. We found it tremendously effective, freeing our focus to steer.

Fuel Economy

Neither Subaru nor the government has published estimated fuel economy numbers for the Crosstrek Hybrid. The traditional Crosstrek delivers an estimated 29 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving. Which is good for an all-wheel-drive subcompact SUV. We expect the Crosstrek Hybrid to improve on that number.

We are in awe of just how quiet the cabin of the current Crosstrek is because previous generations wore their coarseness like a badge of honor. Those familiar with Crosstrek over the years should be equally surprised by the hush and pliant ride of today’s model.

Enhancing the cabin’s upgraded experience are the comfy front seats with loads of padding to absorb the abuse of going off pavement. There is still plenty of plastic haunting this roomy space, but, on the other hand, it does make it easier to wipe down. At 54.7 cubic feet and 36.5 inches, respectively, total cargo room and rear seat legroom are about average for the segment.

In a parking lot, at an intersection, or pounding down a dirt trail, there is no mistaking the Crosstrek for anything else, even at a distance. Although the details have evolved, the Crosstrek’s basic shape and design theme remain warmly familiar.

Standard all-wheel drive
Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system is among the most sophisticated and capable in the segment. We find it is more than eager to tackle dirt and gravel trails.

8.7 inches of ground clearance
We argue that a key contributor to the Crosstrek’s off-road superiority is its class-leading ground clearance.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Smartphone integration is even better when the connection happens automatically. In our experience, seamless connecting and no cables cluttering the center console are reasons enough to insist on wireless smartphone interfacing. Wireless phone charging is also available.

Large touchscreen
Both Crosstrek Hybrid trims feature an interior-dominating, vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen and robust infotainment offering. Navigation is also included. This is in addition to the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

EyeSight driver assists
Every Crosstrek features the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight collection of driver assistance and safety technologies. It includes some of our must-have tech, such as automatic emergency braking and steering, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and automatic high beams.

Steering Responsive LED Headlights
The Crosstrek’s headlights turn in relation to the wheels, helping you see further into a corner. We’ve found this feature surprisingly helpful when navigating dark roads or turning into dark driveways.

Crosstrek’s hybrid powertrain consists of an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter boxer engine, electric motors, and a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. It develops 194 hp. The “boxer” or flat engine is a Subaru trait, referring to the cylinders being horizontally opposed rather than arranged vertically in a line or opposed in a V-shape. The advantage is a lower center of gravity, which enhances stability.

Every Crosstrek comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which uses belts and pulleys rather than gears. It does help stretch fuel. Subaru has evolved its CVT to soften the artificial shift points.

3-year/36,000-mile Warranty

Subaru offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain protection, which is comparable to other mainstream automakers.

Safety

In safety and crash testing, the Crosstrek earned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) highest overall score of 5-Star. It struggled with the two new tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS); however, this same generation had previously been included in the IIHS list of its Top Safety Pick (TSP) models.