2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Breaks Cover, Goes on Sale This Fall
One of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year has finally been introduced. A very popular pick among Canadian drivers, the Subaru Crosstrek gains a hybrid variant for the 2026 model year and we’ll see it in dealerships this fall.
Unlike the discontinued Crosstrek PHEV, the non-plug-in Crosstrek Hybrid uses a next-generation, series-parallel hybrid system combining a newly developed 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle boxer engine with an electric motor-generator and electric traction motor, as well as a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery.
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Total output is rated at 194 horsepower, which is just 12 horsepower more than the gas-only Crosstrek equipped with the 2.5-litre engine. It’s all handled by an electronically controlled and continuously variable transmission.
Naturally, Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system is still part of the equation, maintaining superior capability in all weather conditions and also off-road. The system is once again mechanically coupled to the front and rear wheels unlike the eAWD systems used by some competitors. It comes with X-MODE featuring Hill Descent Control, plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance—besting many larger SUVs.
What about fuel consumption? We don’t have the answer for now, but Subaru is promising substantial fuel savings. The 2.0-litre Crosstrek achieves a combined 8 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada, while 2.5-litre models achieve 8.1 L/100 km (except for the rugged Crosstrek Wilderness at 8.8 L/100 km).
In terms of styling, the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid stands out with special badging on the rear liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels in a dark grey finish, as well as two new exclusive body colours including Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl.
Inside, look for a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster showing key vehicle and hybrid system info.
As for safety, all models benefit from the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist technology, which operates more smoothly and quickly and under a greater range of conditions thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software and the addition of an electric brake booster. Additional active safety features are available including Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, not to mention Emergency Stop Assist which steps in when the driver becomes unresponsive to warnings.
Further details about the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, such as pricing, will be announced closer to its on-sale date in the fall. As a reminder, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Kia Niro are currently the only rivals in the segment that offer a hybrid option.
