2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Is More Expensive Than Bigger RAV4 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog.
There’s good and bad news for the 2026 Crosstrek
After undergoing a complete redesign for the 2024 model year, Subaru’s Crosstrek is now ready to step into the 2026 model year with an all-new hybrid model and a more powerful non-hybrid model. The hybrid will finally give Subaru a direct competitor to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and Kia Niro Hybrid, other ultra-efficient subcompact crossovers. On the downside, Subaru’s pricing for the new Crosstrek Hybrid is far above the normal model, but it does come in two highly-specced trim levels, which should slightly make up for the jarring MSRP.
Crosstrek Hybrid Starts At Almost $35k
The base Crosstrek Sport Hybrid starts at $33,995, and that’s before a delivery charge of $1,420. It’s followed by the Crosstrek Limited Hybrid at $34,995.
To put that pricing into perspective, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid begins at $28,495. That’s for a 2025 model, but the Toyota should still be comfortably cheaper when the 2026 version arrives.
However, Subaru has chosen to pitch the Crosstrek Hybrid at a higher point, as the well-equipped Sport gets features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.6-inch touchscreen, blind-spot detection, a power moonroof, and a 10-way power driver’s seat. That’s a lot more kit than you’d get in a base Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Limited model also gets the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System for 2026.
The combination of an electric motor and a 2.5-liter Boxer four-pot delivers 194 horsepower combined, almost exactly matching the 196 hp of the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Subaru claims the Crosstrek Hybrid offers 33% better gas mileage in city driving than gas models and has a total range of 597 miles.
Related: Subaru Isn't Going to Like Toyota's Hybrid MPG Numbers
Standard Crosstrek Gets More Power And Features For 2026
The 2026 Crosstrek with the normal gas engine now starts at $26,995 and goes all the way up to $33,795 for the Wilderness variant.
Previously, the cheaper Crosstrek models made do with a disappointing 152-hp 2.0-liter engine, but all 2026 models now get the larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder mill with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a CVT.
On the Limited and Wilderness trims, a heated steering wheel is standard. Like the Hybrid Limited, the gas-only Limited trim receives the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System for 2026, too. On the Limited, a heated steering wheel and emergency lane keep assist are also included. For all models, Subaru notes that rear-seat side airbags, keyless access with push-button start, and auto vehicle shut down (which turns off the car if it hasn’t been driven for 30 minutes) are now standard.
Final Thoughts
The addition of a more efficient hybrid and a more powerful base engine are welcome for Subaru’s smallest crossover. However, it’s a bit disappointing that the hybrid isn’t available in a lower trim level at a cheaper price. As things stand now, you can buy a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid from a segment above for less than the Crosstrek Hybrid.
All 2026 Subaru Crosstrek models will be arriving at retailers this fall, so we’ll have an idea of how the hybrid model impacts sales later in the year.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Is More Expensive Than Bigger RAV4 Hybrid first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 17, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
