2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid First Drive Review: Efficiency Plus Off-Road Capability

The new 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid signals Subaru’s electrification intent with this more efficient version of its very popular subcompact SUV. This isn’t the first time the Crosstrek came with a hybrid powertrain, which was last seen in 2023 when the plug-in hybrid was discontinued.

95 Octane was invited to drive the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid at a media event in Portland, Oregon. We found the Crosstrek Hybrid enjoyable to drive on and off-road, and it gets high marks.

Two Motors, AWD Standard

The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid has a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer engine mated to two electric motors, powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery (no plug-in this time). The series-parallel hybrid system produces 194 horsepower (14 hp more than the non-hybrid Crosstrek) and 199 lb-ft. of torque. All four wheels are powered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which includes three drive modes and a 6-speed “manual shift” mode. The symmetrical all-wheel drive includes the latest generation of X-MODE, which increases grip and traction in icy, sloppy, and off-road conditions, and includes hill descent control.

Fuel economy numbers of 36 city/36 highway/36 combined are easy to remember. Chris Charles, car line planning manager, said this “is a 38% improvement over the non-hybrid Crosstrek.”

On Road Driving Experience

The on-road portion of our drive was highlighted by sweeping and tight twisting mountain roads that featured several left-right-left sequences. The well-balanced Crosstrek Hybrid allowed for getting into a rhythm and cruising through the esses with ease. This was a pleasant surprise as it was shod with 255/55 Falken ZIEX all-season tires on 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels that are also designed to do mild off-roading.

The CVT transmission was smooth, but the computer defaulted to favoring fuel economy, which, at times, was underwhelming for pulling a grade or getting up to speed quickly. For a bit more performance and an engaging driving experience, we used the faux manual transmission setting and the paddle shifters to keep the revs high. There are no ‘gears’ on a CVT, so using the paddles holds the CVT in a rev ratio. Note: There isn’t a tachometer, so we estimated we were in the 4,000 rpm range when finding the right ratio to give us some extra oomph.

The paddle shifters were useful when gliding through the esses, as it was possible to match the revs and torque to the optimum cornering speed. If towing, the manual mode will be handy too, as the Crosstrek Hybrid is rated up to 1,500 pounds.

The suspension is nicely tuned as all types of cornering were under control, with body lean easily and quickly managed. We were impressed with the stable ride and the steering being responsive to quick maneuvers. The 4-wheel independent suspension, with torque being electronically transferred to the wheel or wheels requiring the most grip, made for a confident driving experience.

The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is well-suited for two or four people to hit the road for a weekend adventure, for commuting, or in-town driving when chauffeuring the kids or on bread-and-butter grocery runs.

Off-Road Prowess

Subaru has earned a strong reputation for building off-road capable SUVs, beginning with everything they offer coming standard with their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The Crosstrek Hybrid is also equipped with X-MODE, which enhances grip and traction in sand, mud, and snow.

The trails and forest roads we drove on were flat and graded. The loose rock, sand, and gravel surfaces provided an excellent opportunity to test the electronically controlled torque split, where power is continuously sent to all four wheels, transferring torque for the best grip. The Crosstrek Hybrid was up to the task for anything we threw at it, but note that Subaru did not design the Crosstrek Hybrid to be a rock crawler. It is a versatile, mild off-roader for getting to the cabin in the woods or the ski slope.

This sure-footed capability gives owners the option to drive on unpaved roads with sections of loose sand, shale, small and medium-sized rocks, and even a bit of mud.

Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance is higher than that of the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid at 8.0 inches, the Honda CR-V Hybrid at 8.2 inches, and the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid at 8.3 inches. This is important as Subaru’s internal research reports “21.3% of Crosstrek owners use their vehicle off-road.”

Action Designed Exterior

The short front and rear overhangs aid in avoiding rocks, branches, and when traversing deep ruts. Fender brush guard cladding adds protection with more found across the front and rear fascias, underside, and bumpers.

The hatch has a small lip spoiler and wiper, with the roof rack rails being taller than on most other cars. The roof rails are rated at a 700-pound capacity, which makes them ideal for a rooftop tent. There are eight exterior colors of Magnetite Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Ice Silver Metallic, Pure Red, Geyser Blue, Alpine Green, Citron Yellow Pearl, and, like ours, Sand Dune Pearl.

Simple Interior

There are two Crosstrek Hybrid trims – Sport and Limited, both with narrow A pillars, a sloping hood, and tall windows, which provide excellent forward and side visibility.

The configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster works as an information display for vehicle functions. The tablet-style 11.6-inch digital touchscreen houses navigation and, as in the Limited trim we were driving, the 10-speaker, 432-watt with sub-woofer Harman Kardon sound system for AM/FM HD and SiriusXM radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. USB charge and power ports and wireless phone charging are standard.

The Limited also had perforated Gray StarTex with orange stitching and synthetic seat coverings. The driver had a heated 10-way power adjustable seat with 2-way lumbar support; the passenger seat had manual adjustments.

When the split rear 60:40 seat is upright, storage space is 18.6 cubic feet, and when folded, it grows to 50.6 cubic feet. The widest point between the wheels is 42.9 inches, and the height is 27.0 inches, measured to the panoramic moonroof.

Safety and Convenience

The 2026 Crosstrek comes with active and passive advanced driver assist systems, or ADAS, that is all part of Subaru’s EyeSight system. Safety technology includes multiple airbags, advanced adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking and throttle management, emergency stop assist, reverse automatic braking, and lane departure warning. In the case of an accident or other emergency, the Starlink Connected Services feature will place a call to emergency services.

Safety features also include blind spot monitoring with lane change assist, a 360-degree camera, and Safety Exit Alert that notifies occupants, before exiting the vehicle, of obstacles and pedestrians with an audible and visual warning.

Additional convenience features include automatic climate control, rear vision camera, push button start/stop, remote keyless entry, electric power steering, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth control switches, exterior power mirrors, tire pressure monitoring system, and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid comes in two trims with these base prices that include the $1,420 destination fee, but before any options or packages. Dealers will receive delivery in late Fall 2025. For more information, go to Subaru.com.

• Sport $35,415
• Limited $36,415

Observations: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The third-generation Crosstrek will be a big hit with loyal Subaru owners, and those who have been waiting for Subaru to add hybrids to their SUV line-up, which, from smallest to largest, is Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, and Ascent.

The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid offers comfort, versatility, and will fill the needs for those wanting a thoroughly capable weekend adventure SUV that can also handle a commute and family in-town errands.

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About the Author

John Faulkner is the Road Test Editor and Senior writer at Clean Fleet Report, where they give readers the information needed to move to cars, SUVs, and trucks with the best fuel economy and efficiency. This includes those propelled by electricity, plug-in hybrids, hybrids, hydrogen-electric fuel cells, and advanced diesel and gasoline engines.

John has more than 30 years of experience in branding, launching, and marketing automobiles. He has worked with General Motors (all Divisions), Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep, Eagle), Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota on consumer events and sales training programs. He is a journalist member of the Motor Press Guild and Western Automotive Journalists.