
Yes, Subaru does make hybrid cars. Currently, their primary hybrid offering in the U.S. market is the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. It's a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that combines a 2.0-liter Subaru Boxer engine with two electric motors. This setup allows for an estimated 17 miles of all-electric driving range before the gasoline engine engages, making it ideal for short daily commutes. Subaru's approach to hybridization leverages its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, ensuring the hybrid model retains the brand's renowned all-weather capability.
The Crosstrek Hybrid isn't designed as a high-performance PHEV but rather as an efficient and capable compact SUV. Its total system output is 148 horsepower, which is sufficient for city and highway driving but places it more in the category of fuel efficiency over sportiness. The electric motors are integrated into the Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to provide smooth acceleration.
For buyers, the main consideration is the trade-off. You get the benefit of significant fuel economy savings on short trips and the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys. However, the Crosstrek Hybrid comes at a premium price compared to the standard gasoline-only models. Its electric range is also less than some competitors, which may be a deciding factor if your daily commute exceeds 17 miles one-way. Subaru has also offered a hybrid version of the Forester in the past, but the Crosstrek PHEV is the main hybrid model available new today.
| Feature | Specification | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) | Only current new Subaru hybrid in the U.S. |
| Total System Horsepower | 148 hp | Combined output of engine and electric motors |
| All-Electric Range (EPA Est.) | 17 miles | Ideal for short, emission-free daily trips |
| Combined MPG Equivalent (MPGe) | 90 MPGe | Measures efficiency when using both electricity and gas |
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC Subaru Boxer 4-cylinder | Standard Subaru horizontally-opposed engine |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | Standard on all Subarus, including hybrids |
| Transmission | Lineartronic CVT | Optimized for hybrid power delivery |
| Starting MSRP | Approximately $36,845 | Significantly higher than the gasoline Crosstrek |

Yeah, they've got the Crosstrek Hybrid. It's a plug-in, so you can charge it up and drive around town on just electric power for about 17 miles. Once that's used up, it acts like a regular gas car. You still get Subaru's all-wheel drive, which is the whole point for a lot of us. It's a solid choice if your daily drive is short and you want to cut down on gas station visits, but it is definitely pricier than the normal version.

As a previous Forester owner who now has the Crosstrek Hybrid, I see it as a practical first step into electrification for Subaru. It feels very much like a regular Subaru—dependable and sure-footed in snow. The electric mode is wonderfully quiet for school drop-offs and grocery runs. I just wish the electric range was a bit longer to cover my entire daily round-trip without using gas. It's a great bridge vehicle for loyal Subaru fans not ready for a full electric car.


