2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Initial Driving Review: Increased Power, Enhanced Fuel Efficiency, Greater Enjoyment

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      The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a blast to drive. That’s not a typical trait for most compact crossover SUVs, and it's even rarer for hybrids. But as I navigated over a bumpy camp road near Mt. Adams in Washington, stirring up dust clouds among towering pines, and then pushed the newest Subaru through corners while the traction control light flashed as if warning against too much fun, I couldn't help but smile. I repeated the experience several times.

      Robert Duffer

      Key Details

      Evolving from the Impreza hatchback, Subaru's smallest SUV has previously kindled rally car dreams, especially when the Sport version launched in 2021 with a more powerful 182-horsepower 2.5-liter flat-four engine. That bigger Boxer engine has mainly carried over to the third-generation Crosstrek, which debuted with the 2024 model year at the same time Subaru retired the niche Crosstrek plug-in hybrid. Now, Subaru has refined that 180-hp 2.5-liter engine with modifications including a new cylinder block and intake systems, plus updates to control modules and wiring, to improve its performance with a dual-motor series-parallel hybrid system, boosting its output to 194 hp, which enhances the driving experience.

      The driving dynamics are more responsive and quicker, aided by the propulsion motor delivering up to 199 pound-feet of torque right from a standstill. Engaging the S button on the steering wheel activates a quicker response, akin to other Subaru models with the SI-Drive system. The larger 88-kW motor is coupled to a smaller starter motor through a planetary gearset, all within the continuously variable transmission case.

      Robert Duffer

      Driving Experience in the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

      Gentle throttle application allows the Crosstrek to operate on electric power alone. The throttle gauge display located at the top of the 11.6-inch touchscreen showed that an angle of 12 to 15% engaged the engine. Pressing harder or driving uphill prompted the 2.5-liter engine to activate. Accelerating on the open roads around Mt. Adams, where the heaviest traffic consists of a big truck passing a tractor, I pushed the energy reading on the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to about 70 mph. There were no artificial shifts or delays—just smooth, linear acceleration. It did get noisy, as expected, but releasing the gas resulted in only wind sound.

      The paddle shifters emulate six gears, but aside from trying them out during some uphill overtaking (Subaru claims there’s 10% more passing power than the gas-only Crosstrek), I largely forgot about them. The hybrid system's mechanical intricacies are virtually unnoticeable from the driver’s seat; in fact, some uninformed drivers might not even realize it’s a hybrid, a feature designed intentionally.

      Similar to how the Forester Hybrid compares to the Forester, the Crosstrek Hybrid feels very much like the gas-only Crosstrek but with enhancements across almost all measures, except for cargo capacity as the 1.1-kWh battery encroaches on 1.3 cubic feet of hatch space.

      Robert Duffer

      Despite an increase in weight of approximately 330 pounds due to the heavier powertrain positioned low behind the front axle and the added 1.1-kWh battery in the cargo area over the rear axle, the Crosstrek Hybrid maintains commendable quickness and responsiveness. The distribution of extra weight is even, and with the same 8.7 inches of ground clearance and nearly identical MacPherson front and double wishbone rear suspension, the Crosstrek Hybrid feels firmly and evenly connected to the road. Off-road, it handled trails at speeds I wouldn't dare attempt in other small crossovers.

      No, It’s Not a Toyota Hybrid

      While Subaru collaborated with Toyota for some hybrid components, the design integrates seamlessly with Subaru’s well-established symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Unlike the Toyota Corolla Cross and the larger RAV4, which depend on a third motor to drive the rear axle, the Crosstrek employs a direct mechanical connection that enhances predictability and familiarity in driving. Power flows through the same electronically controlled center differential to the rear axle as found in the standard Crosstrek, and using the X-Mode features delivers additional torque at low speeds for challenging conditions.

      The substantial steering wheel felt great to hold, though the overall steering feedback was on the lighter side. A bit more weight and resistance would enhance the rally-like feel.

      The lively Crosstrek Hybrid climbed up rises effortlessly, and the suspension flowed over bumps smoothly. The access road through the woods and the scenic campground trails didn't necessitate low-range transfer cases or all-terrain tires, but the Crosstrek's capabilities inst