Following its debut in Japan last year, the third-generation Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has now been revealed for the United States. Set to go on sale in the fall of this year – pricing will be announced around then – the Crosstrek Hybrid will be offered for the 2026 model year.
The Crosstrek (also known as the XV previously) has been offered with some form of hybrid powertrain before. The first debuted in 2013 and had a tiny electric motor and battery, which was followed by a plug-in hybrid version with a small amount of range was revealed in 2018, and later a mild hybrid offering with an e-Boxer system.
With the latest Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru is looking to offer a hybrid system that is actually competitive. The series-parallel setup is based around a 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder boxer engine running on the Atkinson/Miller cycle to deliver 165 PS (162 hp or 121 kW) and 209 Nm of torque.
This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 120 PS (118 hp or 88 kW) and 270 Nm for a total system output of 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and an undisclosed amount of torque. These figures are an improvement over the plug-in hybrid model sold in the US previously.
Power for the electric motor is supplied by a 1.1-kWh battery that is charged via a separate electric motor generator. Both electric motors are integrated into the Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) that offers six virtual speeds.
As is Subaru’s tradition, all-wheel drive comes as standard and remains a purely mechanical setup with a continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage torque split. X-Mode with hill descent control and nearly 221 mm of ground clearance ensure the Crosstrek can still rough it out in the outdoors.
For the 2026 model year, the Crosstrek Hybrid will get two exclusive exterior colours called Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl to compliment its 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels. The brand’s EyeSight suite of driver assist technologies comes standard along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.