You would think that the sort of outdoor enthusiast that might be drawn to the off-road nature of the Subaru Crosstrek would also be the sort that appreciates the cleaner, more efficient nature of a hybrid drivetrain, but until now, Subaru hadn't combined those qualities in a single model. MotorWeek, a longtime fan of the Crosstrek, was eager to see if the new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid met its expectations, and this Team Gillman Subaru of Clear Lake post tells you the result.

MotorWeek states up front that its editors remain fans of the Crosstrek and its new hybrid variant, noting that although the hybrid is a little more powerful than a standard Crosstrek, the gains are modest, coming in at 14 additional horsepower. The Crosstrek Hybrid starts with the same 2.5-liter flat-4 engine but uses unique valve timing that increases efficiency but reduces the engine's power output ever so slightly. The power reduction is more than compensated for by the hybrid system's pair of electric motors; when all three power sources work together, the system as a whole produces a combined 194 horsepower. Both motors live inside the continuously variable transmission, which is notable in part because it means there isn’t an electric motor on the rear axle. Instead, the Crosstrek Hybrid continues to use Subaru's tried and tested symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which has proven itself for years across countless Subaru models.

In short, it is the engine and hybrid system from the Forester Hybrid, packaged in a smaller package. While this does not make the Crosstrek Hybrid a hot rod, MotorWeek states, “it definitely feels a little livelier, especially right off the line and when Crosstrek-ing through the urban grid; both situations making best use of the electric boost, all less noticeable at highway speeds.”

MotorWeek’s testing occurred in winter on snow-covered roads, so while this allowed them to conclude that the AWD system is just as effective as ever, editors were unable to record precise acceleration figures. The EPA reports 36 mpg for both city and highway driving, and MotorWeek's testing in the snow fell just short of that at 34.8 mpg.

Apart from a digital driver's gauge cluster, some additional contrast stitching accents, and the battery eating up some underfloor cargo space, the Crosstrek Hybrid otherwise delivers the same experience as conventional Crosstrek Sport and Limited models. The Crosstrek Hybrid Sport gets a power moonroof, wireless phone charging, and additions to the standard EyeSight set of safety and driver-assist technologies.

MotorWeek concludes that the Crosstrek Hybrid delivers everything Crosstrek owners have liked about their models with the bonus of greater efficiency and a little more punch in city driving. We welcome you to visit Team Gillman Subaru of Clear Lake to and conduct your own test of the Crosstrek Hybrid.