This spring, a Forester Hybrid goes on sale, giving the compact SUV a version to compete against the Ford Escape Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.
Then for the 2026 model year, the Subaru Crosstrek will also be available with a “next-generation” hybrid powertrain, targeting the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Built around its distinctive 2.5-liter “boxer” engine, the hybrid will increase efficiency and power.
While this powertrain comes in the Crosstrek’s third model year, it doesn’t signal a full midlife freshening. The exterior looks very much the same, with the exception of a couple of hybrid-specific hues and exclusive wheels. The interior is familiar at a glance, but the analog instruments found in the conventional Crosstrek are replaced with a digital gauge cluster.
Subaru has made incremental, ongoing improvements a key to its product strategy, continuously honing its vehicles to be better and better, without making significant changes that risk alienating loyal customers or risk reliability woes. That policy is on display here with the Crosstrek is just getting more efficient and a touch more modern.
More details, including fuel economy and pricing, will be revealed closer to its on-sale date. For now, this is what we know so far about the Crosstrek Hybrid.
What it competes with: Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid
Powertrains: 194-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine; continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
Price: $27,000-$35,000 (estimated)
On sale: Fall 2025
