Expected to arrive in the fall, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uses the same 2.5-liter flat-four hybrid powertrain found in the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid.
Following a very similar path to the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will arrive in the fall of 2025 with a 2.5-liter flat-four hybrid engine that makes a peak 194 horsepower. The hybrid will be built from the third-generation Crosstrek, which is new for 2024 and offers a much more refined ride than before.
HYBRID TECHNOLOGY
Subaru makes use of Toyota hybrid technology but implements it in a very different way. For example, the system uses two electric motors, one works as a generator, the other to assist in driving the wheels. But both motors lie within the continuously variable transmission casing.
Subaru did this because it wanted to maintain its mechanical, full-time all-wheel-drive system. And that means the hybrid enjoys the same symmetrical AWD setup as the rest of the lineup.
The 2.5-liter flat-four engine itself runs on the more efficient Atkinson cycle, which makes less power than its non-hybrid brother. But with electric help, the total system makes 12 more horsepower than the standard model. A lithium-ion battery supplies the needed electricity for the electric motors, by the way.
Beyond the 194 peak system horsepower, Subaru keeps mum on figures like peak torque. But, Bill Stokes, the Car Line Planning Manager for the Subaru Forester, assures me it’s higher than the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) counterpart, which I would expect. Yes, technically he assured that of the Forester Hybrid, but it’s the same hybrid.
WHAT AWAITS INSIDE
The Crosstrek hybrid will likely come similarly equipped to the standard ICE version. And considering its price, its equipped reasonably well. Optionally available will include two screens. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. And an 11.6-inch, portrait mounted center display. The latter will include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
EXTERIOR STYLING
Subaru will offer two colors that are exclusive to the Crosstrek Hybrid: Sane Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. Both of them sound lovely. As does the dark alloy, 18-inch wheel, also a hybrid exclusive. And, just like the non-hybrid, you have 8.7-inches of ground clearance to work with in this new hybrid.
That’s plenty of clearance for the interstate. If you find yourself cruising, Subaru says you’ll have all the latest Eyesight driving aids to keeps things safe.
SUMMARY
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is still several months away from arriving at dealers. Subaru says they will announce pricing as that date nears. But, again, I expect it to follow a similar model to the Forester. That means we’ll see between a roughly $2000 price premium above the non-hybrid equivalent.
I also expect the base Crosstrek Hybrid to be a Premium trim, which will put the base price right around $30,000. And, will there be a Crosstrek Hybrid Wilderness? There should be! Time will tell. As I learn more, I’ll share. And look forward to the chance to get behind the wheel to review.
