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2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Revealed As Chevy Trailblazer Rival

The Subaru Crosstrek is consistently among America’s best-selling subcompact crossovers, although it was recently dethroned from the number-one spot by none other than the Chevy Trax. However, some new variety in the Crosstrek lineup may put it back on top. Meet the all-new 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid rear three quarter angle.

The new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid employs a series-parallel hybrid system, similar to the Toyota Prius. At its heart is a 2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engine mated to electric motors and a CVT. Naturally, Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system comes standard. Subaru says the hybrid powertrain’s total output is 194 horsepower with “enhanced efficiency compared to its non-hybrid counterparts.” Subaru didn’t specify an mpg estimate, but it will be better than the non-hybrid’s max efficiency rating of 29 combined mpg.

Subaru is promising that the new Crosstrek Hybrid will retain the off-road capability it’s known for thanks to the aforementioned AWD system, X-Mode, hill descent control, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid interior.

With a hybrid variant of the Subaru Forester on the way, possibly with the same powertrain as the Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru will have two hybrids and one EV in its lineup by the end of 2025.

This is the third iteration of a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The original XV Crosstrek Hybrid was short-lived. It uses a parallel hybrid system, was technically a mild hybrid, and wasn’t that much more efficient than the regular Crosstrek. The next iteration was a pricey plug-in hybrid with only 17 miles of all-electric range. This new Crosstrek Hybrid marks a return to a conventional hybrid setup with no plugging in required.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid engine bay.

Although the Trax outsells the Crosstrek, the Subaru Crosstrek is actually a closer rival to the Chevy Trailblazer. That’s because all-wheel drive is standard in the Crosstrek, optional in the Trailblazer, and unavailable in the Trax.

Pricing, specs, and feature content will be confirmed closer to the launch of the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, which is scheduled to go on sale in Fall 2025. We know of no conventional hybrid GM rivals in the works, but last we heard, GM is still deciding which segments to introduce new plug-in hybrids.

George is an automotive journalist with soft spots for classic GM muscle cars, Corvettes, and Geo.

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Comments

  1. The only thing worse than being in a Subaru is being behind one.

    Reply
  2. You have to appreciate how unreal the visibility is in the Crosstrek.

    Reply
    1. Forester is even better, a lot better.

      Reply
  3. The problem with this one is that equipped nicely, it’ll be close to $40K, and that’s over the top in this class. Plus, Subie greenies will all pay sticker or close to it. Subaru would have had more pricing leeway had they started with a Forester hybrid (initial Subie hybrid adopters would have bought that instantly instead), which is also apparently coming at some point.

    Reply
  4. as ugly as any out there

    Reply
  5. The Crosstrek is like a Honda Civic and GMC Terrain molded together. It would make a great hybrid as long as offers >40mpg.

    Reply
  6. Don’t see much difference from the old one, still one of the ugliest vehicles on the market. Subaru has built quite a cult that actually believes their version of AWD is better than all others.

    Reply

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