2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid First Drive: Finally, Power!
We get our first encounter with the third crack at a Crosstrek hybrid.
Kristen LeeWriterManufacturerPhotographerSep 30, 2025
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Third time’s the charm, right? Well, if our sub-one-hour preview drive of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is anything to go by, then this seems like the time Subaru got the hybrid subcompact right.
Having dropped the weak base engine, the Crosstrek lineup’s second powertrain is now the 194-hp 2.5-liter boxer-four hybrid powertrain, first introduced in the 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid. And folks, that added power is exactly what the Crosstrek was missing.
A Hybrid Heart
Subaru’s first attempt at a hybrid Crosstrek came in 2014, and again as a plug-in in 2019. Both were compromised, and the automaker now assures us this third attempt is not. For one, rear cargo volume is only slightly down (18.6 cubic feet versus 19.9 in the nonhybrid) due to a higher trunk floor.
Second, both hybrid and nonhybrid Crosstreks maintain 16.6 gallons of fuel capacity. That means it has a range of just under 600 miles when calculated using the Hybrid’s 36-mpg combined estimate. Plus, with 194 hp, this is currently the most powerful Crosstrek you can buy.
On its face, 194 horses aren’t world-bending compared to the regular model’s 182, but when a power bump also brings more low-end electric muscle, you tend to notice. Also, given the Crosstrek never had a ton of scoot to begin with, it’s nice. The hybrid Crosstrek now accelerates from a stop eagerly and even piles on mph nicely when already at speed.
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The steering isn’t the quickest, but it’s accurate. You can definitely tell there’s a hybrid powertrain at work here because the brake pedal can feel odd when it’s in the regenerative mode. But you get used to it quickly. An added bonus? The quiet from traveling solely on battery power whenever the system sees fit.
Unlike Honda hybrid setups, paddle shifters behind the wheel do not control the levels of regenerative braking. Rather, they allow drivers to shift among six preset ratios programmed into the CVT. You can use them to inject a little sportiness into things or perhaps take advantage of engine braking when descending a mountain road or off-road trail.
The Crosstrek has always provided a comfortable ride and good body control, but these factors—in addition to the added low-end grunt—make for a fun, bite-sized off-roader. The battery provides immediate uphill power, and coming downhill recaptures lost energy. If the engine switches into electric mode, you’re doing all of this silently. More off-roading in hybrids, please.
And unlike current Toyota all-wheel-drive setups, where the rear axle is powered by an electric motor and only activates when it detects slip, the Crosstrek Hybrid has a mechanical permanent all-wheel-drive system. It comes at the cost of a few mpg, but we think those who value AWD won’t mind at all.
As with existing Crosstreks, the seats are supportive, cabin visibility is good, and the infotainment system already feels and looks dated.
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Worth the Price?
MSRP for the Sport Hybrid starts at $35,415 and $36,415 for the Limited Hybrid, which is on the expensive side.
There aren’t a ton of apples-to-apples competitors. Hybrid versions of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Kia Niro come to mind, and while those are indeed more affordable, neither has Subaru’s perceived ruggedness. And out of the gate, the base Crosstrek Hybrid comes quite well-equipped.
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid comes with an 11.6-inch infotainment system, all-weather package, 10-way power driver’s seat, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, LED steering-responsive headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, and roof rails with a 700-pound static capacity.
Typically, it can feel like there’s a ton of compromise in the subcompact class as automakers balance features and price. But after this short first encounter, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid comes across as well built and well executed. For those desiring more time between fill-ups while taking advantage of their small Subaru’s go-anywhere attitude, there’s a perfect option on the menu.
Kristen Lee
I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.
