The 2026 Subaru Forester SUV is a ‘pleasant surprise’
Auto critic Mark Phelan spent a day with the 2026 Subaru Forester SUV and found the car handled the wilderness with ease.
- The Crosstrek hybrid prices start at $33,995.
- The Crosstrek hybrid goes on sale in November.
The Subaru Crosstrek hybrid is back, with better fuel economy and plenty of other new features since 2023, the last time the automaker offered hybrid power in the popular subcompact SUV.
The hybrid is the top of the Crosstrek’s model line. It has more power than gasoline-only models, 194 horsepower versus 180.
The Crosstrek competes with the small SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross and Volkswagen Taos.
Hybrids are uncommon among subcompact AWD SUVs. The Corolla Cross is the only hybrid among the Crosstrek’s competitors.
Crosstrek prices start at $26,995, with the hybrid joining the lineup at $33,995. All prices exclude $1,420 destination charge.
I tested a nicely equipped Hybrid Sport on country roads and wooded trails in rural Oregon. My test vehicle stickered at $33,995.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek trim levels and prices
- Base: $26,995
- Premium: $27,995
- Sport: $30,625
- Limited: $32,995
- Wilderness: $33,795
- Sport Hybrid: $33,995
- Limited Hybrid: $34,995
Source: Edmunds. Prices exclude $1,420 destination charge.
Driving impressions
The Crosstrek has one of the roomiest interiors in its class. It’s comfortable and well equipped, with useful storage room and cargo capacity.
Subaru’s rural test site didn’t lend itself to the stop and go city driving where hybrids shine, but the Crosstrek’s extra power was apparent on twisting mountain roads.
The route included a reasonable challenging off-road trail I believe would stymie every other subcompact SUV. The Crosstrek hybrid’s standard AWD handled everything with ease.
The system features a mechanical connection between the engine and rear axle, unlike the Corolla Cross, which has an independent electrically powered rear axle. Crosstrek planning manager Chris Charles said the Subaru’s layout provides superior off-road performance. I’ll never drive a Corolla Cross down that trail, but the Crosstrek’s performance was convincing.
The Crosstrek’s design also allowed it to get in and out of deep dips without scraping the front or rear.
Like all Subarus, a big centrally mounted touch screen manages most of the Crosstrek’s system. A few buttons would improve ease of use and reduce distraction, but it’s far from the worst system on the road.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid key features
- All-wheel drive
- 1,500-pound towing capacity
- 8.7-inch ground clearance
- Continuously variable transmission.
- 18-inch wheels
- Cyclist and pedestrian detection
- Emergency steering assist
- Automatic high beams
- Rear occupant reminder
- Standard push button start
- Standard dual-zone climate control with occupant sensors and voice control
Why buy an 2026 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid?
The Crosstrek hybrid is attractive, capable and efficient. The hybrid drivetrain delivers a welcome power boost in addition to appealing fuel economy.
The interior is roomy, with plenty of cargo space for purchases and pets.
Few, if any, subcompact SUVs will match the Crosstrek’s capability on backwoods trails.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid at a glance
Subcompact all-wheel drive SUV
Seats five
Base price: $33,995, excluding $1,420 destination charge
On sale second half November 2025
Price as tested: $33,995
Power: 2.5L four-cylinder engine and electric motor
Total system output: 194 hp; torque not provided
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
EPA estimated fuel economy: 36 mpg city/36highway/36 combined. Regular gasoline.
Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length: 176.4 inches
Width: 70.9 inches (79.4 with mirrors)
Height: 63 inches
Ground clearance: 8.7 inches
EPA passenger volume: 100.2 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 18.6 cubic feet behind rear seat; 50.6 cubic feet with seat folded
Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds
Curb weight: 3,296 pounds
Assembled in Gunma, Japan
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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