Subaru will introduce an entirely new hybrid powertrain in its Crosstrek subcompact SUV for the 2026 model year. The update ditches the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system Subaru fans may know from previous Crosstrek model years, introducing a more traditional hybrid setup with more power.
Subaru thoroughly redesigned the Crosstrek for the 2024 model year. We expected an updated hybrid to follow, but the company took its time with an announcement.
The delay came because Subaru was working on an entirely new hybrid system.
The new powertrain, Subaru says, uses a “newly developed 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle Subaru boxer engine and transaxle,” mated to “an electric motor generator and electric traction motor for efficient power.” The combination is good for 194 horsepower.
Owners of the old hybrid Crosstrek know that could make a significantly better car. The PHEV system in the prior edition made just 148 hp. Though it could travel up to 17 miles on electric power alone, the Crosstrek hybrid suffered from lackluster acceleration.
A boost of 46 hp should help solve that problem. With the introduction of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the gas-electric model will go from being the least powerful version of the Crosstrek to the most powerful. Subaru hasn’t revealed pricing or mpg figures for the 2026 Crosstrek hybrid.
The hybrid will be available with a 12.3-inch digital driver’s screen and an 11.6-inch portrait-mounted central touchscreen offering wireless versions of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite includes cameras with a wider field of view so it “operates more smoothly and quickly and under a greater range of conditions than prior versions,” the company says.
Traditionally, Subaru offers a few paint colors on the hybrid model that aren’t available on non-hybrid Crosstreks. For 2026, they’ll include Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl. Subaru says the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid will go on sale in fall of 2025, with pricing and additional details announced closer to its arrival.
