The first two attempts to electrify the Subaru Crosstrek largely failed. The original XV Crosstrek Hybrid (2014-2016) lacked power and excitement, while the second-generation Crosstrek PHEV (2020-2023) offered a mere 27 km of pure electric range. Now, two years after the launch of the third generation of its popular subcompact SUV, Subaru is going at it again.
This time, the result is much more convincing in our opinion, but will it turn into a commercial success? Only time will tell. The Car Guide had the opportunity to drive the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid at the beginning of the new year in typical Canadian winter conditions. Scroll down for our full impressions.
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Photo: Guillaume Rivard
One Trim Level Only, the Most Expensive
First, it’s important to mention that the hybrid option is only available in top-of-the-line Limited trim, raising its all-inclusive price from $40,960 to $43,460—hardly good news for most potential buyers. Aesthetically, the model is distinguished by exclusive and quite attractive 18-inch wheels, “e-boxer” badges on the front fenders and rear hatch, and that garish green body colour that Subaru oddly calls “Citrus Yellow.” Don’t worry, more understated hues (six of them) are available, too. Inside, leather seats and orange stitching reinforce the vehicle’s premium status.
As a fully equipped Crosstrek, this one features all of Subaru’s advanced safety and driver assistance systems, but it’s the only model to offer the very useful 360-degree panoramic monitor. The same goes for the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and the electric HVAC system with air filtration.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Other than that, the Crosstrek Hybrid boasts essentially the same desirable features and attributes found in other models, including a good driving position, comfortable and supportive seats, a 63-litre fuel tank, 1,500lb towing capacity and 220mm ground clearance. Legroom in both rows is commendable, but on the flip side, cargo space is limited. Already one of the smallest in its class, the trunk shrinks from 564 to 527 litres due to the hybrid system’s battery (and from 1,549 to 1,433 litres with the rear seats folded down). More capacious crossovers are easy to find.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
More Powerful and Efficient, But…
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uses a next-generation system that pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine (Atkinson and Miller cycles) with two electric motors (only one of which contributes to vehicle propulsion) and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. Managed by a continuously variable transmission, combined output is 194 horsepower, just 14 more than non-hybrid Crosstreks.
The silent, vibration-free start doesn’t last very long in cold weather as the boxer engine quickly fires up. Incidentally, our tests were conducted in temperatures ranging from approximately minus 20 to 0 degrees Celsius. That said, once warmed up, the vehicle operated smoothly and efficiently, managing to cruise in electric mode at a speed of up to 70-80 km/h.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
The traction motor providing assist makes acceleration and passing manoeuvres a bit livelier, especially at lower speeds, but the engine remains relatively noisy at full throttle. Switching between the SI-Drive system’s Sport and Intelligent modes is super easy at any time thanks to the buttons on the steering wheel, but the difference isn’t particularly noticeable.
Now, if you want more numbers, the Crosstrek Hybrid cuts the 0-100 km/h time from 9.3 to 8.7 seconds and drops average fuel consumption from 8.1 to 6.5 L/100 km according to Subaru. Our weeklong winter test resulted in a combined 8.0 L/100 km, which isn’t that bad under the circumstances (especially when you add the friction from the Continental Viking Contact 8 winter tires). That said, we honestly expected better. For comparison, its main competitor, the 196-horsepower Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and burns as little as 5.6 L/100 km in ideal conditions.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Pleasure and Confidence Behind the Wheel
One thing’s for sure: hybrid or not, the Subaru Crosstrek is by far of the most enjoyable subcompact SUVs to drive and the best for venturing off the beaten path or tackling a deep layer of snow, for example. Subaru’s full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive system remains mechanical even on the electrified model, by the way. It is complemented by the X-MODE function with hill descent control and, as mentioned earlier, segment-leading ground clearance that makes even some larger SUVs green with envy.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
While the extra weight of 142 kg (313 lbs) compared to the Limited model is somewhat noticeable, it doesn’t overly affect handling and braking performance. After freezing rain that transformed a vast, empty lot into an ice rink, we had some fun throwing the Crosstrek Hybrid sideways. Not to be disrupted, it remained easy to control and inspired confidence behind the wheel.
What else? Let’s see. We really appreciated the solid build quality, comfortable ride on bumpy roads and generally adequate visibility (less than in a Subaru Forester, obviously). On the other hand, sound insulation could be better and the infotainment system is often slow to respond to input. The various driver assistance features aren’t too intrusive, except maybe for the driver attention alert, which we preferred to turn off as it frequently triggered when fiddling with the ventilation controls at the bottom of the portrait-style, 11.6-inch touchscreen.
Photo: Guillaume Rivard
Our Verdict
When all is said and done, is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid a good buy? For most Crosstrek customers, especially those with reasonable mileage, it’s arguably smarter to opt for a gas-only model that’s cheaper and still fairly efficient. On that note, it’s too bad that Canada gets a single, top-of-the-line trim (the same applies to the Forester Hybrid) instead of two like south of the border.
However, considering its superior on-road/off-road capabilities and rare combination of power and fuel economy in the segment (besides the Corolla Cross, the Kia Niro is the only other rival with a hybrid powertrain at the moment), this Crosstrek Hybrid has a brighter future than its two predecessors.
Oh, and if you’re looking for a fully electric alternative, the all-new 2026 Subaru Uncharted goes on sale in the next couple of months with a range of 460-480 km. Pricing has not yet been announced at the time of writing.
Watch: All-New 2026 Subaru Uncharted is Coming to Canada
