Preview: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Amps Up Fuel Economy and Power

Already a top-rated subcompact SUV, the Crosstrek’s appeal is likely to be heightened by increased power and efficiency. 

The previous Crosstrek plug-in hybrid left the market after the 2023 model year. It had a limited 17-mile electric-only range. Once the battery was drained, we measured 33 mpg overall—just 4 mpg better than the regular Crosstrek. Power was meek at 148 horses. Our road test notes: “The engine drones when pushed and the electric drive’s whining becomes annoying.” To top it off, the battery took up a significant portion of cargo space. Ultimately, the Crosstrek PHEV was very much a starter hybrid for Subaru that didn’t measure up to competitors’ offerings. But the specs look promising on the new hybrid for 2026, with both efficiency and performance expected to be significantly enhanced. 

For now, competition is limited in the subcompact SUV segment, with the Toyota Corolla Cross being the only hybrid. 

In our testing, we’ve found that the hybrid version of cars and SUVs is often more enjoyable to drive and live with than the conventional versions. This means the Crosstrek Hybrid may prove to be the most desirable configuration for the laudable subcompact SUV. 

Still looking like the hiking shoes that many Subaru drivers wear, the Crosstrek Hybrid’s styling doesn’t stray much from today’s gas-only Crosstrek. In other words, it looks like an Impreza festooned with black plastic trim and treated to 8.7 inches of ground clearance—more than many larger SUVs can claim. 

It will be available in two hybrid-only colors: Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. And 18-inch dark gray wheels are also exclusive.

The Crosstrek’s roomy cabin carries on, with the vertical center screen continuing to dominate attention. This icon-filled infotainment system has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. We’re glad to see the physical volume and tuning control knobs continue. 

The real change is found behind the steering wheel, where analog gauges are replaced by a 12.3-inch digital screen. This looks like a fine consent to modernity. Hopefully this gives Subaru more real estate to spread out information, which has become quite cluttered in recent models. 

The Crosstrek Hybrid features a 2.5-liter flat-four engine teamed with a 1.1-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It uses a continuously variable transmission, and power can be routed to all four corners as needed. The total system output is 194 hp, marking a 12-hp advantage over the nonhybrid 2.5-liter engine. 

The hybrid has the same-sized 16.6-gallon gas tank as the regular Crosstrek, meaning the fuel economy gains are certain to extend the range per fill-up well beyond 500 miles. 

All trim levels have standard all-wheel drive with hill descent control and X-Mode, allowing the driver to optimize traction for, say, deep snow, dirt, and mud. Subaru says the all-wheel-drive system mechanically couples all four wheels as with nonhybrid Subaru models and maintains the same capability. Some hybrid competitors, such as ones from Toyota, use a separate electric motor on the rear wheels to enable all-wheel drive at low speeds.

The Crosstrek Hybrid comes with the latest EyeSight driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorcycle detection; automatic emergency braking that operates at highway speeds; lane centering assistance; lane departure warning; lane keeping assistance; adaptive cruise control; and automatic high beams. Also standard are blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning.

Notable for 2026, the Crosstrek Hybrid includes a driver re-engagement system that can bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings while using adaptive cruise control. Once stopped, the Crosstrek will activate the hazard lights, unlock the doors, and place a call to emergency services.