Newest Crosstrek
Just a few years ago, Subaru introduced the redesigned third generation of Crosstrek, and the Impreza-based crossover continues to be the most popular entry in the Subaru lineup. The company enhanced the Crosstrek last year with the addition of the rugged Wilderness, and for 2026, Subaru adds the efficient, but still very capable, Crosstrek Hybrid.

Third Time’s the Charm
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid isn’t the first time the company has offered a hybrid version of this compact crossover. Just one year after the Crosstrek came to market, the 2014 version was offered with a hybrid powertrain, but the additional power from the electric motor barely covered the weight of the batteries, so there wasn’t much improvement in fuel efficiency or performance. A limited-availability Crosstrek plug-in hybrid was added in 2019; however, with only 17 miles of electric driving range and a smaller cargo area, it didn’t sell in large numbers. With added power and improved efficiency, this third Crosstrek Hybrid is just right.

Hybrid Powertrain
Subaru and Toyota have an ongoing partnership with the Solterra/BZ4X and BRZ/GT86 sharing platforms. However, while there are some Toyota components in the Crosstrek’s hybrid system, it is quite different from Toyota’s implementation. The Subaru hybrid system consists of two electric motors incorporated into the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. One motor operates as a generator, charging the battery and providing engine start/stop functionality, while the other provides drive power and regenerative braking. With this setup, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers the same all-wheel drive hardware and off-road capability as the non-hybrid version.

More Power
The Crosstrek Hybrid uses a newly developed Atkinson/Miller-cycle 2.5-liter boxer (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder engine teamed with the electric motors to put out a total of 194 horsepower. That output makes the hybrid variant the most powerful in the Crosstrek lineup, with 14 more horsepower than the non-hybrid variants.

Fuel Efficient
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid gets an estimated 36 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined – a 38 percent increase compared to the non-hybrid. During my short drive in the Crosstrek Hybrid, much of which was off pavement, the trip computer indicated a still respectable 33 mpg.

Hybrid Lineup
Subaru offers the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid in two trim levels: Sport ($35,415) and Limited ($36,415). Both trims come standard with all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and an extensive standard equipment list. Prices shown include the $1,420 destination charge.

What I Drove
For this review, Subaru provided me with a 2026 Crosstrek Sport Hybrid painted in one of the model’s new colors, Sand Dune Pearl. With no additional options, the total manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) was $35,810, including destination charge.

Subtle Changes
There aren’t many styling cues that call out the hybrid from its non-hybrid siblings. Aside from the “hybrid” badging on the doors and rear hatch, the only differentiators are the color and wheels. The Crosstrek Hybrid features two new exclusive colors: Sand Dune Pearl (pictured here) and Citron Yellow Pearl. Also unique to the hybrid are the 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels.

High Tech
Climbing into the new Crosstrek Hybrid, my focus immediately went to the standard 11.6-inch central infotainment display and accompanying 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The vertical infotainment display is clear and easy to navigate, and while most features are integrated into the screen, the physical controls for volume, tuning, and cabin temperature settings are quite welcome. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with a wireless connection.

Seating
Keeping with the green nature of the hybrid variants, interior materials for the Crosstrek Hybrid are completely animal-free. The Sport trim that I drove featured stylish cloth upholstery with contrasting bolsters and stitching, while the Limited swaps to Gray StarTex with orange stitching. Seats offer good support and with power adjustments, and there’s good space for both front and rear passengers.

Room for Stuff
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, only 1.3 cu-ft less than the non-hybrid. There’s plenty of room for luggage or other gear, and folding the 60/40 split rear seat expands the room to 50.6 cubic feet.

Subaru EyeSight
Like its non-hybrid sibling, the Crosstrek Hybrid comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight, Subaru’s innovative advanced driver assist system. Along with the expected automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, the EyeSight system is available with reverse automatic braking, reverse cross-traffic alert, and blind spot detection.

On the Road
It didn’t take long behind the wheel for me to realize I prefer the Crosstrek Hybrid over its non-hybrid sibling. The powertrain feels more responsive, and while it’s only 14 more horsepower, it feels quicker when accelerating from a stop. Transitions from gas to electric operation are almost imperceptible, making for a smooth ride. The hybrid also gets additional sound deadening. The Crosstrek has always been a fun car to drive on a twisty road, and that’s still the case with the hybrid, aided by unique suspension tuning. With good steering response and all-wheel drive grip, the compact crossover feels agile when pushed hard in the corners.

Off Road
It may not have the all-terrain tires and raised ground clearance of the Crosstrek Wilderness, but the hybrid handles itself beautifully when the pavement ends. The ride is comfortable even on rough gravel and dirt surfaces, and the Subaru remains stable even when pushed in the corners. Grip is excellent even when accelerating from a stop on the dirt, moving off quickly, and in control. Ultimately, the Crosstrek Hybrid is just as capable as its non-hybrid stablemate.

Rating: 9.0
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid quickly became my favorite model in the Crosstrek lineup. The compact crossover makes no compromises in handling, comfort, or capability, while bringing improved performance and efficiency. With its standard all-wheel drive, excellent on and off-road driving dynamics, and comfortable, spacious cabin, the Crosstrek Hybrid is hard to beat.