The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is fun. That’s not a typical feature of small crossover SUVs, and even less so for most hybrids. Yet, bouncing down a hilly country road in the shadow of Mount Adams in Washington state, kicking up dust clouds among the majestic pines, and then throwing the new Subaru into corners with the traction control light flashing like a warning against fun, I smiled. Then I did it again. Over and over.
The Technical Basics
Derived from the Impreza sedan, Subaru’s smallest SUV has inspired rally car fantasies before, when the Sport model was launched in 2021 with a more powerful 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four. This larger Boxer engine was retained for the third-generation Crosstrek launched for the 2024 model year, the year Subaru also discontinued the limited-volume plug-in hybrid. Now, Subaru modifies this 180-horsepower 2.5-liter with changes ranging from the cylinder block and intakes to control modules and wiring harnesses to optimize its operation with a two-motor series-parallel hybrid system. It produces more power, up to 194 horsepower, and more fun.
It’s responsive and quicker, thanks in part to the extra torque at startup from the drive motor which produces up to 199 lb-ft of torque. This happens more quickly with the S button on the steering wheel, similar to other Subaru models with its SI-Drive system. This larger 88 kW motor has a planetary gear set between it and the small starter motor, all housed within the continuously variable transmission casing.
Driving the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
A light press on the accelerator allows the Crosstrek to operate in electric-only mode. The accelerator display at the top of the 11.6-inch touchscreen indicated that between 12 and 15% accelerator angle triggered the engine. Pressing further or on an incline, the 2.5-liter kicks in. I floored it on the clear roads around Mount Adams, where rush hour consists of a heavy truck passing a tractor, and held the energy needle in the 12.3-inch digital cluster until about 110 km/h. No simulated gear shifts, no hesitations, just linear power. It got loud, as expected, but by easing off the accelerator and coasting, only the wind noise remained.
The paddles on the steering wheel simulate six gears, and apart from trying them during uphill passes, where Subaru claims there’s 10% more passing power compared to the gas-powered Crosstrek, I forgot about them. All the mechanical magic of the hybrid system is imperceptible from the driver’s seat, to the point that uninformed drivers might be surprised to learn it’s a hybrid. That’s intentional.
Like the Forester Hybrid compared to the Forester, the Crosstrek Hybrid looks much like the gas-powered Crosstrek, but is better in almost every way and in almost every metric. Except for cargo volume, the 1.1 kWh battery reduces the space in the hatchback by 1.3 cubic feet.
It’s Not a Toyota Hybrid
Yes, Subaru’s partnership with Toyota spawned these hybrid parts, but Subaru designed it to fit the brand’s venerable Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Toyota Corolla Cross and the larger RAV4 do not use a direct mechanical connection to the rear axle, instead using a third motor to drive it. This can lead to a more digital approach and a less predictable, less familiar feel than Subaru’s physical connection between all four wheels. Power goes through the same electronically controlled center differential to the rear axle as in the standard Crosstrek, and using the X-Mode functions delivers more torque at low speeds to move through tough terrain.
The thick steering wheel was pleasant to hold, even if the overall steering feel leaned towards lightness. A bit more heft and resistance would further fuel my rally fantasies.
Fuel Consumption
This mechanical connection to all four wheels comes at an efficiency cost. Subaru anticipates an EPA estimate of 36 mpg in all conditions. My driving placed it around 33 mpg. The gas-powered Crosstrek gets 29 mpg combined. I would take the Hybrid over any other Crosstrek. The 2025 Corolla Cross AWD has an EPA fuel consumption estimate of 42 mpg. The front-wheel-drive-only Kia Niro gets up to 53 mpg combined. These might be better choices for owners who never dream of venturing off paved paths. I prefer the dreamer’s attitude.
Quick Verdict
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid in base Sport trim starts at $35,415, including a $1,420 destination fee. That’s $3,370 more than the 2026 Crosstrek Sport, but about $5,000 more than the 2026 Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD.
Better equipped than its rivals, the Crosstrek Hybrid includes standard heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, all driver-assistance systems, and a digital cluster that feels like a technological leap for Subaru. It has three display settings, video game-like graphics, and a simple toggle to see vehicle information. If only the 11.6-inch touchscreen made a similar leap. Pressing the X-Mode button brings up a front-view camera; however, it would be much better if the view occupied most of that space instead of just the top half.
The Crosstrek Hybrid is a better Crosstrek, and among other small crossovers, it encourages you to dream big.
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Base Price (Sport as tested) | $35,415 ($35,810) |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter flat-four two-motor series-parallel hybrid | eCVT | All-Wheel Drive |
| Horsepower | 194 hp |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft for the motor; 154 lb-ft for the gas engine |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3,677 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 18.6 cubic feet | 50.6 with rear seats folded |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches |
| Fuel Economy (Subaru estimate) | 36 mpg city | 36 highway | 36 combined |
| Rating | 8/10 |