Now we have a proper, conventional hybrid model of the Crosstrek. On a brand-hosted test drive of more than 100 miles in Oregon and Washington, it proved the smoothest, quietest, and nicest Crosstrek. The fuel economy of 38.1 mpg over that distance may not be representative, as the drive combined 25 miles on forest trails with more than 90 miles of mostly highway driving—and a 1,900-foot decline in altitude. Hybrids do well when they’re going downhill.
Real, Mechanical AWD
The Crosstrek Hybrid’s 1.1-kilowatt-hour, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery is located under the rear floor, packaged so that it cuts cargo volume only incrementally. The hybrid Crosstrek retains the standard car’s 16.6-gallon fuel tank, giving it a range of almost 600 miles. That contrasts to most hybrid SUVs, which have smaller tanks.
The battery powers a two-motor hybrid system that entirely replaces the chain-driven continuously variable transmission in other Crosstreks. Subaru’s standard 2.5-liter flat-four engine has been heavily adapted. At lower engine revs, torque from the electric motor compensates for a lack of power. One motor replaces the starter and generator of a conventional combustion engine and uses overrun engine power to recharge the battery. The other powers the wheels through the center differential and also charges the battery via regenerative braking.
Combined output of the total powertrain is 194 horsepower, or 14 hp more than the next-most-powerful Crosstrek. Subaru says rather quietly that highway passing time is reduced by 10 percent, which is nice but not necessarily a staggering difference.
Unlike competing small hybrid SUVs, Subaru retains its mechanical all-wheel-drive system. That applies to Toyota, which provides some of the Subaru hybrid components. The AWD system in the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid powers only the front wheels mechanically; it uses an electric motor on the rear axle. Fewer moving parts and lower operating friction boost fuel economy, but the downside is reduced AWD capability. In mud or sand, if the rear wheels spin as the system tries to get traction, the rear e-motor can shut down to avert overheating—just when it’s needed most.
Subaru notes that the Crosstrek Hybrid retains the standard car’s 8.7 inches of ground clearance, more than virtually any other hybrid competitor. While we had little truly challenging terrain on the test, the hybrid Crosstrek should do well in slippery or partial-traction situations—due to that mechanical AWD and its greater ground clearance.
An Incrementally Nicer Crosstrek
Now in its third generation, the Crosstrek has proven an unexpected success for Subaru, even in the US, where buyers tend to like big trucks and equally big SUVs. In 2022 and 2023, the Crosstrek even outsold the larger Outback and Forester mainstays. Subaru execs suggest it’s the entry-level utility vehicle for WRX owners as they age or acquire families but want to stay active, automotive, and outdoors. Or, to quote car-line planning manager Chris Charles, “from stancing to coolers.”
Courtesy of Subaru
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