2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Review | Small SUV Taken On and Off-Road | Drive.com.au

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Subaru's small SUV - which is now known as the Crosstrek - is as solid-feeling as ever. However, it's let down by recent price rises and an an unimpressive hybrid powertrain.
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Pricing and Specifications
01:56 Interior
03:40 2nd Row
04:52 Boot
05:57 Subscribe
06:15 Off-Road
07:28 On-Road
10:23 Safety
10:49 Summary
#crosstrek #subaruoffroad #hybridsuv
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[@LudwingVillalobos]

Estaba esperando este review... No hay mucho como este. Me encanta este modelo😂

[@bradad2026]

I currently have a 2018 Subaru XV (bought new) and it ticks most of the boxes for me, even in regards to highway travel - not being a lead foot, I can sit on 100 - 110kph with a full load without any issues plus the petrol consumption is very good. The CVT is fine, I can set acceleration to different modes and handling and ride are good. It's more of a 'bad' roader than an 'off' roader as I've driven it over rugged, rough, corrugated, pot holed roads and tracks but wouldn't take it to Range Rover country. I was considering updating to the latest hybrid but, after watching this review, I think I'll hold off until Subaru do more work with the drive train (a 2.5L + turbo would be nice) and make their hybrid more economical as the figure of 8L/100km is nudging close to double the fuel used by my present Subie.

[@hollybolly1]

Thank you for the review. I have loved my 2018 xv and will wait for the Toyota hybrid technology version in hopefully 2025 for the Crosstrek. Also just wish they would put in rear vents… other than that love my Subaru ( had three so far)

[@fahadbaloch8442]

Pretty good review thanks

[@Drivecomau]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@ZeryusXD]

2.5L should be the standard for the Crosstrek in this day and age

[@SethPinnock]

Would the MPGs be better on 16" wheels on 60 profile Tyres. ❓❓

[@kelvpoon]

Wow that contrast on the vids!!

[@Drivecomau]

Which contrast do you mean?

[@PiriakaTrackwrecker]

Good lut?

[@CaffeinatedHiFi]

Imagine driving a Crosstrek and expecting horsepower. He also completely glossed over the face that these can drive 10-20 miles on the electric motor, which is WELL within the limits of many people's daily errand running.

[@Apeiron242]

Why did you mirror image video?

[@karlk.6819]

I hope they bring this in US, that's a nice small vehicle with a boxer engine!! The cheapest plugin small awd suvs in north America are the tucson and sportage right now...howerer I had terrible reliability on my old 2018 V6 kia sorento and on my wife hyundai elantra, so I won't buy any other vehicle from a Korean brand unfortunately....

[@PiriakaTrackwrecker]

Love my 2013 xv, seriously considering upgrading to the new one, or at least a newer one, we love it. It'd be that, a Tiguan or a Cx5. I'd love the cx60 but can't afford it. I have a new Mazda 3 as my work car and I love it, so we're torn. Could do with a bigger boot.

[@Drivecomau]

Have you thought about the Forester? The 2.5-litres engine feels better matched. - Sam

[@johnlambert1744]

Very honest review! I've owned a 2017 Subaru XV since new (now the wife's car) and I like pretty much everything about it EXCEPT it's very lacking in power. That's it's biggest downfall, especially if you want to go off-road. I've taken it on some pretty techie tracks you would normally only take a proper 4WD, and found it would be so much better if it had more power. I think it needs the 2.5 litre engine that's in the Outback.

[@Drivecomau]

Cheers John and thanks for sharing!

[@robertceroli3512]

the biggest complaint on the previous gen xv by auto reviewers world wide was the underdone hybrid system which offered sweet eff all terms of economy and power so what do they do they change the name and leave that hybrid system all but unchanged

[@Drivecomau]

Stay tuned, because we undertand future Subarus will pick up a version of Toyota's well-regard hybrid powertrain technology. - Sam

[@SethPinnock]

Can we get a deep dive video on 'why the hybrid system performs the way it does' . Is it just programmed for city driving below 30Km/Hr. Is it due to the clutch based AWD system. We want answers.

[@Drivecomau]

Put simply in this case, the battery is too small, and the electric motor isn't powerful enough. This affects regeneration, as well.

[@paulwang9881]

Is there an improvement compared to the previous XV hybrid? I heard some people said the transition from EV model to Engine kicks in become more smooth.

[@stuartkennedy4202]

The U.K. has the same problem with the performance or lack of 2.5 L would be much better suitable for this car. The hybrid as you say is a joke better with the non hybrid but again the 2.0L is not good for motorway driving but I believe it’s an excellent car otherwise. Come on Subaru give the U.K. and other places more power with a 2.5L that you already have in other models especially as the economy is only 1 mpg difference. Give us what we yearn for.

[@kcpncfs9234]

I have been always imagining an hybrid cross over that has Subaru's AWD and Toyota's hybrid system... guess I can only keep imagining.

[@Drivecomau]

It may not be as far off as you think. Subaru has signed an agreement with Toyota that will see them able to access the more advanced hybrid tech. It's tipped to appear on the Forester from as early as 2025. You can check out more at www.drive.com.au/news/next-subaru-forester-could-be-first-with-toyota-hybrid-tech/

[@z1az285]

​@@DrivecomauThanks for the article. That's awesome to hear. I prefer the E-CVT htransmission any day. I think it's disingenuous when Subaru claims the CVT fluid is "lifetime" when it has to be replaced every 30,000 miles

[@MsAce0424]

Nothing says I'm extremely confident in my safety like ," no spare tire in the middle of offroad trials, miles back into the wilderness." LOL 😂 Honestly if i bought it, I'd get a full size spare and a hitch mount for the spare tire. It's over all a good little car. I like it. Even toyota has lost the spare tire area on some hybrid models. Like the toyota corolla cross

[@richardwalsh5570]

Pretty heavy on fuel, tiny battery. Toyota hybrids smash for km/l

[@Drivecomau]

It does. - Sam

[@HarukiYamamoto]

Subaru still smashes the collora cross hybrid off road.

[@mmccbb7mcb278]

Love the Crosstrek. My previous XV handled well if a little down in the engine department. Adequate performance only. But I would seriously consider this with the 2.5 litre boxer. What about placing a turbo in it Subie like Outback or WRX. About as unlikely as winning the Lottery sadly.

[@Drivecomau]

It would be a really good thing with some extra power, either via electrification, cubes or boost. - Sam

[@thehuonpine]

there seems to be no alternative to Toyota for a trusty hybrid at the moment.

[@shelbyfanman]

I heard that Toyota would be looking after the hybrid components of Subaru hybrids from 2025 onwards

[@Drivecomau]

That's the plan. You can read more about it here: www.drive.com.au/news/next-subaru-forester-could-be-first-with-toyota-hybrid-tech/

[@rexthesheep]

Ah, a fellow Suzuki S-Cross appreciator!

[@Drivecomau]

If you want to read up on Sam's time in the S-Cross, including how it went off-road check out the full review at www.drive.com.au/reviews/2023-suzuki-s-cross-prestige-review/

[@rebelarchangel1589]

The steering wheel on the wrong side.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Why can't we get this gorgeous blue for the Crosstrek here in the States :(

[@Drivecomau]

It's an interesting colour, for sure. Seems most people by that orange colour. - Sam

[@user-bu6sk2pt5t]

I cant see subaru and hybrid going together. Ive always maintained that their vehicles drink gas

[@ausmartin1]

The 2.5L in the USA has a heap more power & torque for minuscule fuel increase. Also the boot space is the small not average in class. Please tell the truth 🙏

[@hollybolly1]

He’s talking about what’s available in Australia so it probably is correct

[@johnomontgomery4321]

It's not really an SUV, it's a lifted and "rugged out" hatch...

[@Tommy_Barlow]

Wrong tyres mate.

[@M8YM8]

Subaru makes rubbish hybrids, I’ve got the petrol Forester and it’s great off-road

[@Drivecomau]

The 2.5 feels better matched than this 2.0, that's for sure. - Sam

[@UTube-gs1yf]

FMD WHY can't car makers give me a car a bit bigger than this with a PHEV vairiant with 50 km EV range?? The Outlander I guess, but it's what, a year's wait to get one? Clearance is only 190 too. And ugly AF.

[@HarukiYamamoto]

At current prices, hybrid vehicles make absolutely zero economic sense.

[@AdrianRec]

Again a very disappointing Subaru Hybrid l wish it had Toyota Hybrid system sad

[@Drivecomau]

Stay tuned, because apparently one is coming soon. - Sam

[@127Foxtrot]

Agreed, their entire hybrid range to date is disappointingly bad in terms of performance and economy, one wonders why did they bother. But since they are so unique and good at Boxers & AWD, I gather they are working very hard with Toyota's hybrid tech to create the next generation combining the best of both worlds.