The Crosstrek Hybrid is new for 2019 and becomes Subaru’s first plug-in vehicle with an all-electric range of 17 miles. It gets excellent fuel efficiency, has an upscale cabin and has respectable off-road capability. And hey, it’s a Crosstrek—one of Subaru’s most popular models. But it costs a lot more than its gas-powered sibling.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is available in one trim that starts at $34,995 compared to $21,895 for the regular Crosstrek. The price skyrockets even more with options and packages. It seats five passengers.
It’s powered by a four-cylinder boxer engine and two motor generators which combine to make 148 horsepower and 134 pound-feet of torque, with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
The Crosstrek Hybrid is quick off the line, but then things can get a little lackluster. Need to pass at freeway speeds or when going uphill? Give yourself some extra time. And the gas engine can sound unrefined when pressed. The CVT shifts smoothly. The ride is pretty smooth, even on rough roads. Its smaller size makes it easy to drive in busy city traffic and maneuver in tight parking lots.
The Crosstrek Hybrid has decent off-roading chops with its 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is the same as the regular Crosstrek. Plus it has Subaru’s Symetrical All Wheel Drive system so you’re ready for the ever-changing weather in the Pacific Northwest.
Fuel efficiency is excellent. EPA ratings are 90 MPGe and 30 mpg combined . I got an average 66 mpg during my week. It takes about five hours to charge using a standard 120-volt household plug, and about two hours using a 240-volt plug. Total range is 480 miles.
The interior is nice with quality materials and controls laid out in a logical fashion. Gauges are easy to read. The two-tone leather seating with blue accents adds a fashionable touch. Passengers have decent leg- and head-room, although the back seat is more suited to two passengers instead of three, unless they’re small kids.
Standard features include proximity key entry, push-button start, rearview camera, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, Starlink infotainment system with eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, HD Radio, satellite radio, two USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Several driver assistance features are standard including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, reverse automatic braking and adaptive headlights.
There’s an option package that adds a moonroof, heated steering wh eel, navigation and eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system that costs $2,500. A Rockford Fosgate audio system is available for $570.
The Crosstrek Hybrid has less cargo space than other compact SUVs with 15.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 43.1 cubes with the second row folded. The hybrid battery makes the cargo floor taller than in the regular Crosstrek so it can be tough to lift large and/or bulky items.
The good:
Upscale interior
Decent passenger room
Excellent fuel efficiency
Lots of standard features
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard
The not-so-good:
It’s expensive
Lackluster performance
Less cargo space than other compact SUVs
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $34,995. The Option Package with power moonroof, heated steering wheel, navigation and Harmon Kardon audio system is $2,500. Destination fee is $975 bringing the grand total to $38,470.
Bottom line:
The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the few hybrids that has all-wheel-drive and can do some light off-roading. Question is, will buyers be willing to spend 35k for 17 miles of all-electric range?
