Everybody likes to save money on gas, and Subaru is introducing a new way to do that in its best-selling model, the small Crosstrek crossover SUV. When the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid goes on sale in the fall of 2025, it will offer a 194-horsepower hybrid powertrain paired with a mechanically-coupled all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for improved grip in slippery conditions.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
This isn’t Subaru’s first rodeo with an electrified Crosstrek. The first-generation model offered a hybrid version good for 31 mpg in combined driving from 2014 to 2016. Then, from 2019 to 2023, the second-generation Crosstrek Hybrid came with a plug-in hybrid powertrain supplying 17 miles of range and 35 mpg in combined driving.
Subaru hasn’t discussed fuel economy ratings for the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, but given how the gasoline-only models perform and based on estimates set by the company for the larger and heavier Forester Hybrid, it should get 35 mpg in combined driving (if not more).
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Aside from Hybrid badges and an exclusive wheel design, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is nearly indistinguishable from its gas-only siblings. The car in the accompanying photos wore Sand Dune Pearl paint, a creamy off-white color unavailable on the non-hybrid models. Dressed in that hue, the Crosstrek Hybrid looked as classy and upscale as possible for this model. The other new Hybrid-only color choice is Citron Yellow Pearl.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Likewise, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s interior is the same as the standard Crosstrek. The model Subaru displayed for photography had a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, which the automaker will also likely offer on the more expensive versions of the gas-only Crosstreks.
Cargo volume measures 18.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, less than the 19.9 cubes in the standard Crosstrek due to the Hybrid model’s battery. Both versions provide 54.7 cu-ft with the back seat folded down.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
So, what makes the Crosstrek Hybrid different? A hybrid drivetrain employing an Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter boxer-type four-cylinder engine, two electric motor generators integrated into a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a 1.1-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery. Together, these components produce a combined 194 horsepower.
Notably, the new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uses a continuous active torque-split AWD system with a mechanical connection to the rear wheels. There isn’t a separate electric motor at the rear axle. Additional details include Subaru X-Mode drivetrain settings, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
As of this writing, Subaru has not provided fuel economy estimates for the Crosstrek Hybrid. However, according to the automaker, this same hybrid drivetrain in the larger and heavier Forester Hybrid should deliver 35 mpg in combined driving. The Crosstrek Hybrid may exceed that.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
In addition to the available 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, the new Crosstrek Hybrid offers an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Highlights include Bluetooth audio streaming capability, SiriusXM All-Access satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Subaru EyeSight is standard on the Crosstrek Hybrid. It includes the expected advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), but a highlight is the automatic emergency stop assistance technology. When used in conjunction with the adaptive cruise control, it can react to an unresponsive driver by bringing the Crosstrek to a stop, turning on the hazard flashers, unlocking the doors, and placing a call to emergency responders via an active Starlink connected services plan.
Available features that are not standard on the most affordable Crosstrek Hybrid include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and rear automatic braking.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
In the small SUV segment, the new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will compete with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, currently rated to provide 42 mpg in combined driving. In addition, the Toyota supplies more cargo space than the Subaru. However, the Subaru’s 16.6-gallon fuel tank is significantly larger, and the Crosstrek Hybrid offers over half an inch more ground clearance.
By the time it goes on sale in the fall of 2026, the Crosstrek Hybrid might face additional rivals. For now, that Toyota is the bogey, and it is so affordably priced that Subaru may have trouble with the value part of the Crosstrek Hybrid’s equation.
Subaru is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 10, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Christian Wardlaw is a veteran automotive journalist with 30 years of experience in the field and has held automotive editorial leadership positions at Edmunds, JD Power, and The New York Daily News. Today, Chris owns a content agency called Speedy Daddy Media, and in addition to JDPower.com, his work appears on Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, and Edmunds.
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