When Subaru originally crafted the first Outback from the Legacy station wagon, many were surprised at just how SUV-like the finished product was - in fact, it was such a success that the Outback ultimately replaced the Legacy outright in Subaru's lineup. Lightning usually doesn’t strike twice, but Subaru seems to have repeated that success by applying the same formula to the Impreza hatchback and creating the Crosstrek, as it is now the brand’s best-selling model. A true gas-saving, environmentally friendly hybrid version of the Crosstrek has been a long time coming, and Autoblog’s Amos Kwon reviewed the model see if it was worth the wait. Twin Falls Subaru summarizes what he found.
The car Kwon reviewed was a Crosstrek Sport Hybrid with a Sapphire Blue Pearl exterior. The Sport trim level brings 18″ dark-finish alloy wheels, matched by black roof rails that border a power moonroof. The Sport also provides the convenience of heated exterior mirrors. Inside, it features Sport Cloth upholstery with contrast yellow stitching, heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and Subaru’s familiar 11.6″ infotainment touchscreen with navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. He did point out the screen’s slower response and startup time, as well as the lack of physical climate controls, a common reviewer complaint for this system.
The Crosstrek Hybrid drivetrain combines the conventional model’s 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine with valve timing modifications that improve efficiency but slightly reduce engine output. No worries, though, because it is paired with an electric motor. The combined output of the hybrid-electric system is 194 horsepower, 12 more than the conventional model, and notably more low-end torque. Many hybrid SUVs drive the rear wheels only with an electric motor, but the Crosstrek keeps its proven mechanical AWD system.
This hybrid system is EPA rated at 36 mpg in both the city and on the highway. That is 7 more combined MPG than the non-hybrid model, with a jump of 10 MPG in city driving. With gas prices as they currently are, that makes a pretty good business case for the mere $3,370 over the non-hybrid Sport model.
Kwon reports that the motors improve city drivability, with improved low-end response that “makes driving smoother and more pleasant.” Still, he finds the Crosstrek far from a hot rod, with “underwhelming” midrange acceleration.
On the highway, Kwon reports that the “Adaptive cruise control behaves smoothly in traffic, and lane-centering feels natural and smooth.” He points out that the adaptive cruise system's acceleration can be adjusted on the touchscreen, which is good to know for anyone who has experienced the lead-foot nature of some manufacturers’ earlier adaptive cruise control systems. On the other hand, he did fault the Automatic Emergency System for kicking in earlier than he preferred.
“The Crosstrek Hybrid Sport is one of the better compact crossovers when it comes to overall comfort,” opines Kwon, also noting the 36.7 inches of rear legroom. The hybrid battery reduces cargo space behind the seats from 19.9 to 18.2 cubic feet with a higher floor, which is still not bad for the sub-compact crossover class.
His review did not include any off-pavement driving, which has always been a Crosstrek strength, and the model keeps the generous 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
In his verdict, he notes that Subaru was careful not to mess with its best-seller when adding the hybrid drivetrain. “It builds on an already solid formula that has sold herds of gas models. It keeps the things that already worked—good visibility, useful space, a comfy ride, standard all-wheel drive, and everyday practicality—while making the driving experience smoother and more efficient.”
So, it basically delivers the Crosstrek formula while using significantly less fuel. Sounds like a win-win to us. If it sounds the same to you, and possibly a perfect fit for your next new vehicle, visit us at Twin Falls Subaru and test-drive a 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid in either the Sport or Limited trim.