As we prepared to drive the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid for the first time last week, representatives from the Japanese automaker engaged the media in a surprising bit of corporate honesty. They straight-up said the previous two editions of this gas/electric hybrid subcompact SUV were “compromised,” citing factors including limited availability and fuel economy that was only marginally better than the gas-only model. With a brand-new platform and hybrid drivetrain system, Subaru is hoping to address those issues and more. From our brief preview test drive on the roads and trails of the Pacific Northwest, they seem to have nailed it.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Refusing to Compromise
When Subaru launched the “XV Crosstrek” as its entry-level SUV for the 2013 model year, it was an instant hit, quickly becoming one of the brand’s top sellers. Buyers appreciated its tidy size, surprising capability, and value pricing. The Hybrid followed in 2014 but was only offered in the “green” states that adopted California’s stricter emissions standards. On top of restricted availability, its best-case EPA fuel-economy ratings of 29/33/31 mpg city/highway/combined were only marginally better than the gas-only models’ 26/33/29.
Better Fuel Economy
Fast forward to 2025, and the third-generation 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is nearly ready to be sold at Subaru dealers across the United States. While we haven’t had a chance to measure its real-world fuel economy, the numbers on paper suggest a marked improvement to 36/36/36 mpg city/highway/combined. Paired with a large-for-the-class 16.6-gallon fuel tank, and Subaru estimates a maximum driving range of 597 miles, which is enough to travel from Portland, Oregon, to Sacramento, California, on a single tank.
Credit for this increase goes to its new hybrid drive system, which borrows technology from Toyota. It employs a 1.1 kWh battery pack with a cooling system and two motors integrated into the continuously variable automatic transmission. When paired with a significantly revised 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gas engine, total output is 194 horsepower, an increase of 14 from the gas-only Crosstrek. Per Subaru tradition, full-time all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the board.
Street to Trail, Outside and In
On the paved roads and gravel trails of our drive route around southwest Washington state, the Crosstrek Hybrid acquitted itself very well. The transition between electric and gas is almost completely seamless, with acceleration being quite strong at all speeds. Drivers should have no problems darting around the urban jungle or engaging in highway passing and merging maneuvers.
Power and Performance
The hybrid battery pack helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, allowing it to feel very stable when cornering, though a bit more steering feel would be nice. The gas engine has its cylinders arranged horizontally instead of vertically. This makes it more compact and helps it produce a unique sound, which might not be to everyone’s taste. That said, Subaru has done a good job of managing engine noise where it’s only audible during full-throttle acceleration. Wind and road racket are well-controlled, too.
Going Off-Road
According to Subaru’s market research, more than 1 in 5 Crosstrek owners use their vehicles off-road. The 2026 Hybrid is more than up to the task of doing some trail bashing thanks to its AWD system and 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The off-road portion of our test drive included a few deep ruts that the vehicle handled with aplomb.
Connectivity
Inside, all 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid models employ a fully digital instrument panel that users can customize with map data from the embedded GPS navigation or Apple Maps via a supported iPhone. The data is easy to read at a glance, and we appreciate the extra layers of customization. Infotainment duties come courtesy of an 11.6-inch touchscreen display laid out in a portrait orientation. Most audio and some climate controls are integrated into the screen, which can take some getting used to. Our biggest issue here is with the laggy menus and sluggish response to user inputs. While some of this could probably be addressed via software, it’s more likely that the underlying hardware that powers the system needs an update.
Room and Comfort
The front seats are comfortable and supportive. They kept us in place nicely during the off-road portion of our preview drive. Rear-seat comfort is similarly good, though taller occupants will wish for more headroom. Cargo volume of 50.6 cubic feet with the rear seatbacks folded is better than the 44.0 of the AWD Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, close to the Dodge Hornet R/T’s 50.5, but well below the Kia Niro Hybrid’s 63.7.
Competitors and Pricing
Subaru considers the gas/electric versions of the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Corolla Cross to be the Crosstrek Hybrid’s closest competitors. We agree on the Corolla Cross, but in terms of size, the Hornet and Niro might be more appropriate, especially since the Tucson and CR-V provide more overall passenger and cargo volume.
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will come in base Sport and top-line Limited trim levels. Each grade largely mirrors their gas-only counterparts in terms of features. Hybrids add the digital gauge cluster and navigation system that doesn’t rely on a smartphone. Also included are blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic detection, lane-keep assist, and power driver seat. Limited Hybrids have Subaru’s StarTex leatherette upholstery with orange contrast stitching and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system.
Pricing for the Sport and Limited hybrid start at $35,415 and $36,415, respectively, inclusive of a $1,420 destination fee. The only options are extra-cost paint colors for $395 and a $1,600 option package for the Limited that adds a power sunroof and surround-view camera system. Oddly, the sunroof is standard on the Sport.
Retail deliveries are slated to begin in November 2025.
CG Says:
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a vehicle that does far more right than wrong. The gas/electric drivetrain is potent, smooth, and responsive while promising far greater fuel economy than its predecessors. While passenger and cargo space can feel a bit cramped, and the infotainment system is laggy, these are only minor blemishes on a product that is otherwise very satisfying to drive. These new hybrids will only serve to enhance Crosstrek’s appeal, doubly so now that they will be available across the US. Stay tuned for our comprehensive review, where we’ll put this vehicle’s improved fuel-economy ratings to a real-world test.
Listen to the Car Stuff Podcast
2025 Toyota Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: First Spin (Review, Prices)
