2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Review
A bit more frugality and a slight increase in power make the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid worth the upgrade.
Tim Stevens
Is the third time the charm? Meet the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. It loses the last generation model's plug-in powertrain, instead offering a traditional hybrid system with a gas engine, a small battery, and a pair of electric motors to boost efficiency and power. Subaru also equips it with more standard features and a new pair of exclusive colors to sweeten the deal.
The result is a refined and improved 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid that doesn't offer a radically different driving experience from the standard model. Still, it improves both drivability and efficiency without making significant compromises. It's a nicely refined package, and given the modest $3,370 premium over the base model, it seems worth it.
Tim Stevens
About the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Review Vehicle
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is available in Sport and Limited trim levels with base prices in the mid-$30,000s, including the destination charge to ship the SUV to a dealership from the Gunma, Japan, factory that builds it.
For this Crosstrek Hybrid review, I test-drove the Limited in the wilds around Portland, Oregon. Optional equipment included Citron Yellow Pearl paint, a power sunroof, and a surround-view-camera system, bringing the manufacturer's suggested retail price to $38,410, including the destination charge. Subaru provided the vehicle for this Crosstrek Hybrid review and covered the costs of airfare, lodging, and meals during the evaluation period.
Tim Stevens
New Colors Cloak a Familiar Design
When it comes to visual changes to the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, there's not much to look for. You'll spot a Hybrid badge on each of the front fenders, plus another at the rear. Subaru also equips the Hybrid with exclusive 18-inch wheel designs and a pair of new available colors called Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl.
On the inside, the only real difference is a single button to the left of the steering wheel. This "EV Only" button instructs the Crosstrek to prioritize the hybrid system over the internal-combustion engine. But other than that, it's essentially the same interior that you would find in a gas-only Crosstrek.
Tim Stevens
Equipped with a cabin that's compact but not cramped, the Crosstrek Hybrid features comfortable seating up front. I stand 6 feet tall and suffered no shortage of headroom despite the test vehicle's power sunroof. Seating in the back is a bit tighter, but I still had enough room to be comfortable there. The maximum seating capacity is five, but I'd recommend sticking to four if you'll be transporting adults.
As to what you can haul in the back, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid offers 18.6 cubic-feet of cargo space compared with 19.9 cu-ft in a standard Crosstrek. Fold down the rear seats, and the cargo room expands to 50.6 cu-ft.
Tim Stevens
Digital Instrumentation and Capable EyeSight Technologies
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid Limited gets a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that replicates Subaru's traditional dual-gauge layout, with the speedometer on the right and, in the Hybrid, a "power" gauge on the left. There are multiple layouts that you can toggle through, including the typical selection of information related to fuel efficiency, driver-assistance-system status, and the currently playing media.
If you're using the wireless Apple CarPlay function, you can also toggle the digital display over to a view of Apple Maps. Sadly, when using the wireless Android Auto connectivity, you can't do the same for Google Maps. Instead, you'll need to look at the vertically oriented, 11.6-inch touchscreen Starlink infotainment system.
Subaru's native tech offers an integrated navigation system as well. I found it a bit sluggish to use and dated to look at, but it's eminently functional, and never sent me in the wrong direction. Drivers also have access to Bluetooth streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD radio, all played back through the Limited model's 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Tim Stevens
When it comes to safety, every Crosstrek Hybrid is equipped with Subaru EyeSight, which includes the typical advanced driver-assistance systems you might expect. In addition, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available for the Crosstrek Sport Hybrid.
My test vehicle had a driver-monitoring system that proved extremely strict, beeping at me whenever I let myself gaze in wonderment at the surrounding Oregon and Washington scenery for more than a few seconds. Its lane-departure-warning system was similarly quick to bleat whenever I strayed close to the painted lines on twistier stretches of road, but its lane-centering assist kept me centered on the more mundane portions of the drive.
Tim Stevens
Extra Power and Efficiency for the Crosstrek Hybrid
The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid employs two electric motors and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Subaru doesn't quote a torque figure for this machine, but the combined horsepower rating is 194. That's up 14 horsepower from the standard Crosstrek.
That's not a significant increase on paper, but on the road it feels like more. Thank the instant torque and throttle response provided by the hybrid system's electric traction motor (the other is an electric motor generator). It ensures the Crosstrek Hybrid has a bit more scoot off the line compared with the gas-only Crosstrek, and that it responds just a bit more quickly when you decide to go for it in a short passing zone on a two-lane highway.
That said, this extra power doesn't transform the Crosstrek's performance. With your foot to the floor, the Hybrid's acceleration remains tepid, and the relaxed nature of the continuously variable transmission doesn't help. Even in its sportiest mode, the Crosstrek Hybrid likes to take its time.
Tim Stevens
When driving down your favorite curvy road, you'll discover the Crosstrek Hybrid exhibits a lot of body roll. Despite that, it's reasonably fun to run through the turns. The steering is relatively quick and eager, and this Subaru tracks a clean line through the corners, even as its body roll is telling you to slow down.
Overall, the suspension tuning is on the soft side, which proved perfect for the bumpy asphalt and unpaved roads on the testing loop. Even over washboard gravel roads, the Crosstrek Hybrid felt right at home, helped by its standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Unlike some hybrid-powered SUVs, the Crosstrek Hybrid's AWD system maintains the mechanical linkage between the gasoline engine and the rear wheels, ensuring rapid and reliable power delivery to maintain traction in slippery conditions. I didn't get a chance to sample any snow in the Crosstrek Hybrid, but a few blasts on dirt and gravel proved that it quickly engaged all four wheels to prevent the fronts from spinning.
During my testing, I didn't match Subaru's fuel-economy estimate of 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving. Instead, I observed 28 mpg, but I recorded that figure on a hilly route with some light off-roading and a few enthusiastic acceleration runs, so I wouldn't hold that against it.
Tim Stevens
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid a Good SUV?
I've found the Subaru Crosstrek has always been a comfortable and practical small crossover SUV. It fits a budget and appeals to people who'd rather spend their money on kite boards and dog treats than on bigger, thirstier, more expensive vehicles. The new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid only enhances that equation, adding a bit more power while promising noticeable frugality. The upcharge isn't insignificant, but the combination of extra efficiency plus more satisfying performance makes it seem worthwhile.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Tim StevensTim is a freelance automotive and technology journalist with more than 25 years of experience. He is a frequent contributor to major domestic and international online, print, and broadcast news outlets, sharing his insights and perspectives on everything from cybersecurity to supercars. Tim also serves as a juror for the World Car Awards and regularly acts as speaker and moderator at major industry events such as CES, Web Summit, SXSW, NAIAS, and AutoMobility LA. He formerly served as editor-at-large and vice president of content at CNET. Before that he was editor-in-chief of Engadget and editorial director at AOL Tech.
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