Price Is Up, But Value Is Too: 2026 Crosstrek Base Makes More Sense originally appeared on Autoblog.
New Engine, New Hybrid, Small Price Hike
Subaru's popular Crosstrek gets several key updates for 2026, including the return of a hybrid model, but the most interesting development might be at the very bottom of the range.
The entry-level Crosstrek Base sees only a modest price increase for the new model year, yet now comes with a much more capable engine as standard. While the previous Base trim used a 2.0-liter flat-four, the 2026 version finally upgrades to the same 180-hp 2.5-liter engine used in higher trims, addressing complaints about the underpowered entry-level Crosstrek.
Even better, Subaru has priced the 2026 Crosstrek Base at $26,995 (before destination), roughly $1,300 more than last year’s MSRP. For buyers who found the 2.0-liter too weak, this change alone could make the extra spend worthwhile.
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The Outgoing Model Isn't Aggressively Discounted
That price increase becomes more reasonable after a quick scan of listings for the 2025 Crosstrek Base on Cars.com. Dealers aren't cutting deep discounts on remaining inventory. Many are still priced in the $26,000–$27,000 range, with only minimal markdowns. That narrows the real-world gap between outgoing 2.0L models and the incoming 2026 2.5-liter version.
Considering that the new engine brings better drivability, especially in city and highway merging situations, it's a meaningful improvement for only a marginal increase in cost. The rest of the 2026 Base trim package remains simple, but with the added power, buyers no longer have to stretch to the Premium or Sport just to get decent performance.
Subaru hasn't radically changed the rest of the lineup, but the Base model's value proposition is now stronger than before, especially for budget-conscious buyers who want to stick with AWD without sacrificing usable power.
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New Hybrid Adds Power and Efficiency –At a Cost
The bigger headline for 2026 is the return of a Crosstrek Hybrid, and this time it's a nationwide offering, not a limited-run compliance model. The new hybrid pairs the 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for a total of 194 hp, making it the most powerful Crosstrek to date. Subaru hasn't released official fuel economy numbers, but it's expected to average around 35 mpg combined, a 20% bump over the non-hybrid.
But the price is steep: the Sport Hybrid starts at $33,995, while the Limited Hybrid goes for $34,995, placing them at the top of the Crosstrek lineup.
While these hybrids offer more tech and better efficiency, they face tough value comparisons against rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. For now, the 2026 Crosstrek Base – with its upgraded engine and reasonable pricing – is the sweet spot for those who need an all-paw vehicle.
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is expected to hit showrooms in fall 2025.
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Price Is Up, But Value Is Too: 2026 Crosstrek Base Makes More Sense first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
