2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Review - Real AWD Toyota Tech = The Ultimate Mini-Outback
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Date: 2025-12-23
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Comments and reviews: 20
ayushmalpeddi2793
2026 Rav4 AWD is $700 less. Mechanical AWD is not beneficial for 98% of crosstrek drivers
If you want a mechanical Hybrid get a 2026 Sportage Hybrid AWD. So much less expensive in fact that the 3rd trim level of the sportage (EX) is still less expensive than the base Crosstrek Hybrid. A LOT more room, 0-60 can be under 7 seconds, has way more features/luxury/etc, much better NVH, and it's rated for the same MPG!
This crosstrek Hybrid is kinda junk value. I don't see any reason to get it. Especially with the boxer engine which are not known be as reliable as toyota's engine and probably no more than a Hyundai/KIA.
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2026 Rav4 AWD is $700 less. Mechanical AWD is not beneficial for 98% of crosstrek drivers
If you want a mechanical Hybrid get a 2026 Sportage Hybrid AWD. So much less expensive in fact that the 3rd trim level of the sportage (EX) is still less expensive than the base Crosstrek Hybrid. A LOT more room, 0-60 can be under 7 seconds, has way more features/luxury/etc, much better NVH, and it's rated for the same MPG!
This crosstrek Hybrid is kinda junk value. I don't see any reason to get it. Especially with the boxer engine which are not known be as reliable as toyota's engine and probably no more than a Hyundai/KIA.
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Zhenocnra
Subaru really needs to do the exact same thing they did with this Crosstrek hybrid but with the Forester using Toyota's RAV4 PHEV system. Subaru's mechanical AWD with Toyota's RAV4 PHEV system would be an absolute win.
If I had to pick today, it would be the Forester Hybrid instead of the Crosstrek Hybrid. Much more interior space, rear air vents, and cargo volume compared to the Crosstrek makes the Forester a no brainer even with a $3k difference for base hybrid models. Toyota's RAV4 PHEV system would fix the need for more oomph that the Forester Hybrid needs.
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Subaru really needs to do the exact same thing they did with this Crosstrek hybrid but with the Forester using Toyota's RAV4 PHEV system. Subaru's mechanical AWD with Toyota's RAV4 PHEV system would be an absolute win.
If I had to pick today, it would be the Forester Hybrid instead of the Crosstrek Hybrid. Much more interior space, rear air vents, and cargo volume compared to the Crosstrek makes the Forester a no brainer even with a $3k difference for base hybrid models. Toyota's RAV4 PHEV system would fix the need for more oomph that the Forester Hybrid needs.
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RightLaneHog3151
Alex, Yes, it is truly confounding that the Crosstrek and Corolla Cross hybrids are missing a spare tire. In regard to the chart displayed at 9: 21, my careful observation of your rigorous rear seat Travis Testing makes it clear to me that
the Corolla Cross has substantially more headroom than the Crosstrek or the Forester. You reach the conclusion that the Forester is a better purchase than a Crosstrek while I say an AWD RAV4 Hybrid is a better choice than any of them.
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Alex, Yes, it is truly confounding that the Crosstrek and Corolla Cross hybrids are missing a spare tire. In regard to the chart displayed at 9: 21, my careful observation of your rigorous rear seat Travis Testing makes it clear to me that
the Corolla Cross has substantially more headroom than the Crosstrek or the Forester. You reach the conclusion that the Forester is a better purchase than a Crosstrek while I say an AWD RAV4 Hybrid is a better choice than any of them.
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MugatuJag
The price needs to be around 35k for top Trim. You can get a CX50 hybrid Premium Plus new for 36kish. And I would take that any day over this. Plus they didn't even put the new infotainment from the outback, absolutely absurd.
You can also get a near top trim Sportage or Tucson hybrid for 36k so even though they are going to sell.
And people will say that they love them and the resale value is going to be fantastic it's just not competitive
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The price needs to be around 35k for top Trim. You can get a CX50 hybrid Premium Plus new for 36kish. And I would take that any day over this. Plus they didn't even put the new infotainment from the outback, absolutely absurd.
You can also get a near top trim Sportage or Tucson hybrid for 36k so even though they are going to sell.
And people will say that they love them and the resale value is going to be fantastic it's just not competitive
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Stevo71
My wife and I went with the Crosstrek Hybrid, we’ve had it for a month now and absolutely love it. It’s just the two of us so we didn’t need the extra room of a Forester and, I just like the styling of the Crosstrek better. I use it as my daily driver replacing a 2011 Tacoma. The Crosstrek, though it may not be the best in some respects compared to the Corolla Cross, is light years beyond my old Tacoma. I do not regret buying it at all.
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My wife and I went with the Crosstrek Hybrid, we’ve had it for a month now and absolutely love it. It’s just the two of us so we didn’t need the extra room of a Forester and, I just like the styling of the Crosstrek better. I use it as my daily driver replacing a 2011 Tacoma. The Crosstrek, though it may not be the best in some respects compared to the Corolla Cross, is light years beyond my old Tacoma. I do not regret buying it at all.
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alex_on_autos
I currently am driving a 2015 Forester with a CVT that doesn't imitate shifts and I have to say I REALLY appreciate it. Don't get me wrong, I'm an enthusiast through and through, but it optimizes both fuel economy and acceleration. Thus, I like how this hybrid system doesn't imitate shifts.
If it was up to me, I'd have the manual Forester, but my mom needed to drive this one for a bit.
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I currently am driving a 2015 Forester with a CVT that doesn't imitate shifts and I have to say I REALLY appreciate it. Don't get me wrong, I'm an enthusiast through and through, but it optimizes both fuel economy and acceleration. Thus, I like how this hybrid system doesn't imitate shifts.
If it was up to me, I'd have the manual Forester, but my mom needed to drive this one for a bit.
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Skyzu-b5k
It's not the same AWD system as the regular Subaru.
The cvt Subaru uses high pressure cvt fluid ( cvt operates on much higher fluid pressure than AT transmission) to compress a set of clutches integrated inside the transmission, which sends reliable power to the rear axle. The hybrid model uses an electromagnetic clutch to send power to the rear end, not as capable as the cvt version
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It's not the same AWD system as the regular Subaru.
The cvt Subaru uses high pressure cvt fluid ( cvt operates on much higher fluid pressure than AT transmission) to compress a set of clutches integrated inside the transmission, which sends reliable power to the rear axle. The hybrid model uses an electromagnetic clutch to send power to the rear end, not as capable as the cvt version
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Unchainedmaple888
We just need a true base model Crosstrek Hybrid. As in take the base Crosstrek gas model and put the hybrid system in that for right around $30k-$32k. As it is right now, it is far too expensive. Or give me a true sport model with no sunroof, sporty suspension, WRX sport seats, and then delete any other gimmick option on the current sport trim
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We just need a true base model Crosstrek Hybrid. As in take the base Crosstrek gas model and put the hybrid system in that for right around $30k-$32k. As it is right now, it is far too expensive. Or give me a true sport model with no sunroof, sporty suspension, WRX sport seats, and then delete any other gimmick option on the current sport trim
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afcgeo882
I don’t get you Alex what’s your spin When you tested the Corolla Cross hybrid you said it was getting you considerably better mileage than advertised. You said it was netting you high 40’s to low 50’s. Now you’re saying it’s close to the 39mpg that the Crosstrek was netting These videos are starting to look less and less honest.
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I don’t get you Alex what’s your spin When you tested the Corolla Cross hybrid you said it was getting you considerably better mileage than advertised. You said it was netting you high 40’s to low 50’s. Now you’re saying it’s close to the 39mpg that the Crosstrek was netting These videos are starting to look less and less honest.
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C10sRule
The E- Axel in the Corolla Cross is a BIG HELL NO! That system is lazy & very weak. It’s not really sufficient in bad weather in the city, so it’s definitely not the system for highway speeds in bad conditions. The Subaru is where I would go. The better CVT is also a big pro for the Crosstrek.
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The E- Axel in the Corolla Cross is a BIG HELL NO! That system is lazy & very weak. It’s not really sufficient in bad weather in the city, so it’s definitely not the system for highway speeds in bad conditions. The Subaru is where I would go. The better CVT is also a big pro for the Crosstrek.
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iogogilby
You fail to mention that Subaru kept the infotainment screen that is very slow. They should have changed to the same screen as the 2026 Outback. I have a 2025 Crosstrek and get nowhere near the advertised MPG in the city so I’m dubious of the 36/36/36. Otherwise, I love the ride in the size.
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You fail to mention that Subaru kept the infotainment screen that is very slow. They should have changed to the same screen as the 2026 Outback. I have a 2025 Crosstrek and get nowhere near the advertised MPG in the city so I’m dubious of the 36/36/36. Otherwise, I love the ride in the size.
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brianmccarty3615
Leaning towards the Corolla Cross - less expensive and better mileage, but it is a close call. For my use case I'm not sure the more capable AWD is enough for the extra cost and gas consumption. Note that both spec 1500lb towing (thinking of a small teardrop)
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Leaning towards the Corolla Cross - less expensive and better mileage, but it is a close call. For my use case I'm not sure the more capable AWD is enough for the extra cost and gas consumption. Note that both spec 1500lb towing (thinking of a small teardrop)
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alliejr
Thanks for a little more detail on the drivetrain, but stuffing Toyota hybrid into Subaru transmission enclosure still doesn’t really explain how the Toyota planetary gearset works with the Subaru rear drive shaft. Please do a deep dive into
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Thanks for a little more detail on the drivetrain, but stuffing Toyota hybrid into Subaru transmission enclosure still doesn’t really explain how the Toyota planetary gearset works with the Subaru rear drive shaft. Please do a deep dive into
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flipfloplogic
I have a 24 Crosstrek limited. It's a great daily driver. I love the layout of everything and the tablet infotainment is much snappier after some updates. I understand why the trek is a big seller.
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I have a 24 Crosstrek limited. It's a great daily driver. I love the layout of everything and the tablet infotainment is much snappier after some updates. I understand why the trek is a big seller.
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LetMeCook86
SUBARU dropped the ball, by putting the battery in the trunk and not under the rear seat! They had since 2013 to figure it out. Total failure in design and implementation. No room for a spare tire.
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SUBARU dropped the ball, by putting the battery in the trunk and not under the rear seat! They had since 2013 to figure it out. Total failure in design and implementation. No room for a spare tire.
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davidburrus9813
Hey Alex, love your car reviews. I've discovered I kinda prefer fabric over leather and assume I'd have to choose Sport. I wonder if this Sport trim is quieter than the Limited trim
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Hey Alex, love your car reviews. I've discovered I kinda prefer fabric over leather and assume I'd have to choose Sport. I wonder if this Sport trim is quieter than the Limited trim
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LetMeCook86
The KIA Seltos hybrid is the buy! Toyota Corolla Cross didn’t even bother to give NA market the updated rear light design that EU received. Meanwhile, KIA is a total redesign!
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The KIA Seltos hybrid is the buy! Toyota Corolla Cross didn’t even bother to give NA market the updated rear light design that EU received. Meanwhile, KIA is a total redesign!
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dafightdoc8836
Cost. Still several thousand dollars more. Still underpowered. Still short electric range. Very few are done correctly. With Hyundai getting it mostly right.
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Cost. Still several thousand dollars more. Still underpowered. Still short electric range. Very few are done correctly. With Hyundai getting it mostly right.
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rossmcgreg6r642
It's been a while since I watched. Did you change the way you measure noise
In older tests the quietest vehicles were 70db, now you say 65db is loud.
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It's been a while since I watched. Did you change the way you measure noise
In older tests the quietest vehicles were 70db, now you say 65db is loud.
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SamVillegas
Does the fact that you can't replace just one tire on the Subaru, make in your thinking on the spare tire Obviously having a tire t get you home matters.
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Does the fact that you can't replace just one tire on the Subaru, make in your thinking on the spare tire Obviously having a tire t get you home matters.
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