World Premiere! 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid - Exclusive First look

[@kidwelldavid6136]

Can you look into the trans please. Find out if they went to an E-CVT trans!! For the hybrid system. Thanks

[@drivingsports]

It's the e-cvt planetary setup.

[@jeffer1101]

@@drivingsports This is a game changer for Subaru. This new hybrid set up is going to sell like crazy.

[@Cozmo85]

@@drivingsportsis this sourced from Toyota?

[@wxdTSU2brt]

@@jeffer1101 it will also sell well in Europe - like you said, it may be a game changer. Can't wait for new Outback hybrid though

[@Joelmoliveira]

@@drivingsports this is a major improvement. Well done Subaru.

[@belowme4927]

25 YEARS AGO SOMEBODY ACCIDENTALLY ORDERED 40,000,000 OF THOSE SEAT HEATER BUTTONS. THEY WILL CHANGE IT IN ANOTHER 20 YEARS WHEN THEY RUN OUT OF THEM.

[@adrianen9440]

Lmao

[@K03sport]

they work; why change? better placement and integration into console still needs work. maybe in 5 yrs or so. 🤔

[@belowme4927]

@ you can't turn on the seat heater from the subaru app. they are too close to the cup holder. spill a drink on them and it gums them all up.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

@@belowme4927 Don't be so F'''''ing clumsy....................Paul

[@Lorenzo_Velasquez]

Do you prefer the digital ones in the infotainment?

[@717dash_cam]

I wish they would ditch the lower 2 inches of screen and just give physical HVAC controls, especially with the switched seat heaters anyway.

[@ВсеПроснулись]

And physical switch for open/close fresh air

[@wildbill23c]

That would be great, I'd prefer the physical HVAC controls because the touch screen isn't needed much for radio controls since I think those are on the steering wheel. My Jeep has the radio controls on the steering wheel, I hardly ever have to touch the physical radio control buttons for anything, its a nice feature, since you never have to take your eyes off the road. My Jeep is 22 years old so....radio controls on the steering wheel is kind of the normal thing now I think with a lot of vehicles LOL.

[@717dash_cam]

@@wildbill23c Not talkin audio, talking climate controls. It has knobs for volume and tuning and buttons on the wheel too. But the infotainment screen is heavily tasked and when it goes down, you lose control of climate systems as well as the safety suite. I love Subaru, and love the customizability within the safety suite, but physical buttons for climate and turning features on/off entirely need to make a comeback.

[@K03sport]

screen response at 0*F? My phones hates anything below 25 and my current '19 Starlink is slow when you hit single digits.

[@wildbill23c]

@@K03sport The digital temp display that was in my 08 Tundra was frozen up most of the winter when it was below zero LOL.

[@abufarhaz2306]

Currently, I own a 2023 Forester Sport and absolutely love this vehicle more than anything. However, I’m eagerly waiting for the Forester Hybrid, even though I’m not a fan of the new redesign. A Crosstrek Hybrid for my wife and a Forester Hybrid for me-a complete Subaru family!

[@kenhoward3512]

"A complete Subaru family!" Wait, what about the dogs and children?

[@127Foxtrot]

Really happy that the Boxer engine & AWD remains the central heart and spirit of Subaru ! So looking forward to performance testing of these vehicles.

[@StephenYang]

As a former owner of the 2014 hybrid, THIS is pretty much what I was expecting from it, instead of what it actually had.

[@omarpulido8502]

2014 was a mild hybrid. 2018 was a Plug in hybrid. This is a real hybrid.

[@mattheviewer]

Promising new Crosstrek....upcoming offroad tests will give clearer picture.

[@victorteran9766]

Yes, but the 2.5 liter + Symetrical AWD + X-mode + 190 lb/ft of instantaneous torque available, there is no way it wont excel at it!!

[@josanrishi]

I was really hoping that ugly screen wouldn't return. We need more physical buttons, not laggy screens.

[@hynsum]

100% Agreed 👍 There is just a few real buttons a lots of wasted space around the screen....badly organized I think

[@kenhoward3512]

"Laggy" or not, a driver in a moving vehicle should not be required to look so far from viewing the road to tap tiny icons. It is a safety issue that Subaru should *quickly* address (with actual knobs and buttons).

[@sjs1555]

@@kenhoward3512Yes. Because you don’t look at knobs at all. You magically know where they and what they are.

[@marknelson9406]

Awesome review and vehicle. The only real disappoint for me is the lack of a spare. If you live in a rural area like me, a spare of some type is essential. Other than that, the hybrid Crosstrek seems like a home run!

[@johnwilliams3075]

Hopefully they have room for a spare + battery within the packaging of some of the bigger Subie models (maybe Forrester, definitely should in the new Outback). There just isn't a whole lot of room to work in a vehicle this size!

[@wildbill23c]

These cars with fix a flat kits are pointless, its not of any use for a blowout, which is something you'd have a much better chance of needing a spare tire for, than a leak that's slow enough to just use fix a flat, and you could carry a simple 12V inflator to put air in the tire to get you to a tire shop...fix a flat and an inflator won't fix a blow out, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere, or worse in a dangerous place along a busy freeway.

[@lorimcquinn3966]

I agree, no spare, no sale. I guess I could bunggie one to the roof rack:(

[@Day7Reset]

My neighbor has a lift with oversized tires, so the spare is on a really nice roof rack. It stays covered and looks like a cool mini Baha runner.

[@lorimcquinn3966]

@@Day7Reset Sounds great although I'm assuming there's no jack included w/ the vehicle. Could get messy.

[@danielriggs3357]

I hope they come out with a Wilderness version of the hybrid. I love my '24 CTW and would only upgrade to another wilderness model. I'm going to end up adding a full-size spare on a rear carrier at some point to my current car anyway, so the loss of spare wouldn't be the end of the world and I'd like to see better torque that usually comes with hybrid drive train.

[@robertman369]

Fellow CTW owner here! What tire carrier are you looking at?

[@moonsapling]

Subaru is back in the game! Seems like Subaru boxer + Toyota Hybrid + Symmetrical AWD. A great recipe if you ask me!

[@BoopSnoot]

2026's already? I remember as a kid we thought we'd have flying cars by now. But since Americans got too fat to become airborne, we'll settle for hybrid Subarus! ⚡

[@anthonyng3014]

Boxer engines are not designed to start and stop frequently. This will not end well. The boxer design will always result in an engine that starts rougher (and thus produce more wear over many repetitions) than other engines such as the I-4 or V6 everything else being equal. This means no matter how good Subaru makes their hybrid, the Toyota equivalent using the same generation hybrid will always be better from a reliability and efficiency angle.

[@martinr8278]

@@anthonyng3014facts on your comment? Probably a very high percentage of brands are not supposed to start and stop. Personally, I think it’s ridiculous, I’ll be next to a vehicle that stops, probably for only under 10 seconds, and then starts up again, that actually uses more gas than saves it. Utterly useless. Concerning the boxer engine, that is a well designed engine that Subaru owners would tell you, you get a lot of mileage out of, it’s a lot better than what you think, I own two. My cousin actually had a Forrester that went over 350,000 miles, (serviced during recommended mileage) arguments about reliability and CVTS or boxer engines, being faulty, hold no weight

[@BoopSnoot]

@@martinr8278 source: "trust me, bro"

[@anthonyng3014]

@@martinr8278 Just simply drive a modern Subie with the auto start stop enabled. You will feel how rough the re-starting process is. I'm in a 2024 Outback Limited XT basically with all the sound and vibration dampening goodies available to Subaru and the engine restart literally shakes the entire 4000lb car like a bear walked up and hit the car every single time. This cannot be good for either the engine or engine mounts nor the chassis of the car itself. In regards to the reliability of the boxer engines, it's reportedly much better with this new generation of FA and FB motors compared to the leaky EJs. Same with the CVT; lots of moaning and groaning about CVTs but not too many with real-world problems with Subie CVTs. My real-world mileage is much lower than the EPA rated mileage for my Outback XT. I'm getting less than 20mpg or 12l/100km in mixed city/highway averaged out over 8500kms. I can take picture proof of this if you think this number is unreal. I think the mileage really gets hit hard if you live in a colder climate (as the engine spends so much energy getting up to temperature, which is a good thing in my books) and in city driving even with the auto start/stop enabled. I don't mind the mileage because I knew this going into the turbo and I specifically chose the turbo over the gutless 2.5, but the EPA ratings don't match the real world for the XT models. You can see many reports of this online.

[@martinr8278]

The only channel to get informative, objective testing and accuracy! I’m a bit biased but love when the Subaru vehicles are on your channel. Love this brand, only one I trust. Truly reliable, safe and pretty good off road and on those snowy roads. VIVA Subaru, crosstrek looking sharp

[@FracturedNinja]

Objective? Sorry, but after purchasing my first Subaru it became very clear that this guy is far from objective. The infotainment screen in the Outback’s is a hot mess - and not one time has this guy talked about it. And now they have put the same setup in the Crosstrek.

[@martinr8278]

@@FracturedNinja if you’re looking at only one thing, infotainment? My comment was overall. You have to go see his other videos before making a judgment on that. I do know a lot of brands that seem to struggle with infotainment, either slow or difficult to use……Subaru is not perfect by any stretch, but given how most of the brands today are really beginning to decline in quality, reliability, workmanship, Subaru and I would even say Mazda seem to have broken away from the declining pack of Nissan, Toyota‘s, Hondas, Kia’s, they are having a lot more issues

[@FracturedNinja]

@@martinr8278 I disagree. The issues with the infotainment system are extensive on the Subaru and very well documented by consumers. This is not just a matter of it being slow or not responsive like the typical "bad" infotainment system. First off everything in the car is controlled by the infotainment system and I mean everything including the vehicle safety systems and xmode. In the event that the infotainment systems freezes you will lose x-mode, traction control, eye sight, blind spot monitoring, cameras, etc. And the dashboard will light up like a Christmas tree as a result. Admittedly recent updates in the last 6 months or so have helped dramatically reduce the crashes and lockups, but previously it was very easy to reproduce this issue on nearly any Subaru that had the infotainment system with the large screen. The system is just not slow its dreadfully slow - you start the car and you cant do anything for 2 to 3 minutes easily. And prior to recent software updates it was so bad at start up that if you attempted to use the infotainment system that it would just crash and you would get a black screen. So I am sorry, but given the number of reviews that this guy has done on Subarus it would be impossible for him to not be aware of the problems. Which begs the question why has he never mentioned this in any of the reviews that he is done? Back in 2022 the issues were so extensive that he could have easily made an entire video on the subject alone. I used to be a big fan of this channel, but until he creates a video addressing the long standing issues with the infotainment systems on Subarus I am sticking to the idea that he is far from objective.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, It seems that whenever the hybrid battery is not located beneath the second row, a chain reaction is unleashed that leads to excessive compromises like the loss of the spare tire. 🤔

[@richardbrown3069]

I used to be concerned about the loss of a real spare tire but I’m really old and have never used the spare tire in any car I have ever owned.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@richardbrown3069 Driving in town with an AAA/CAA membership, the spare is less of a concern. This car is market to adventure seekers who will go far into nature so the issue is magnified.

[@Riley_1955]

Also if you buy new most manufacturers give several years of roadside assistance or your full coverage insurance gives it also ..... I have both on my new 2023 Corolla hybrid LE.

[@K03sport]

roof rack to negate the hybrid "advantage"

[@ericharrison619]

Subaru can make symmetrical AWD but not symmetrical fender cladding. Whoever thought those looked good during design need their creds checked. Great review as always.

[@chettlar212]

I feel like im the only one who likes the way mew subarus look

[@frankb5603]

​@@chettlar212 You are not the only one! Way better in every way - and very affordable.

[@Jerry-wb7vh]

The wheel and exterior color doesn't make this car straight.

[@K03sport]

actually, it's the swirly (ninja) star wheels (can you say "90s"?) And I thought my base wrx looked awful; well they do, but these are worse. 👎

[@RuthlessPope]

I love the digital gauge cluster, and the wheels remind me of a more refined version of the standard factory wheels on my 2022 Crosstrek Limited. Great video, Ryan. I can't wait to see you put the Crosstrek Hybrid to work off road!

[@IchigoKurosaki-ro7uk]

Got my 24 Crosstrek Wilderness with only 5k miles on it! ready for a lifetime of adventure

[@Enzo-0526]

same here! mine was a loaner for the dealer, so 12k miles. and its been such a blast so far, hoping to use it as long as i can

[@IchigoKurosaki-ro7uk]

@@Enzo-0526 mine was a loaner from the dealer too. we did good bro lol

[@WhiteSubie]

Subaru has absolutely hit the nail on the head. They have become such a great company. Hope they keep this up for years and years to come. I like that they don't follow many automotive trends that people dislike. This CT Hybrid is going to sell like hotcakes. I already want one 😂

[@foxtrot685]

They absolutely followed many automotive trends that people dislike. They ditched manual transmissions, introduced crap-vt transmissions, dropped turbo offerings from the Forester, charge way too much money for everything you don’t get in their products. Now they’re pulling a Toyota and linking the more powerful version of the car to the hybrid system just as they do with the Corolla Cross and the RAV4. It’s definitely okay to like this and their other products, but let’s get away from lying.

[@martinr8278]

They need to drop the auto start/stop, don’t embrace the full EV crap like other brands trying to push and end up with a lot full of culture crap. Merge infotainment with a few necessary physical knobs….Their CVT is one of the best. Manual is not returning thanks to epa crap and save on mileage. Just keep making them that continue to get well over 350,000 miles. Yes. I’ve seen it on many Subaru models

[@K03sport]

​@matrinr....EPA has nothing to do with the manual. it's the $42M+ Federalizarion costs per engine/trans/chassis combo. 2 different transmissions dbl the cost and increase roi. It wasn't smart business to sell 6spd Crosstreks. Shoot, in 2019, I wanted to test drive a manual Crosstrek, but the closest one was 300 miles away, was a base trim and black. Too far, wrong trim and color for me, sadly.

[@neosplays8587]

Explains why Subaru is the #1 Car brand at the moment!

[@kiefershanks4172]

I hope that there is eventually a hybrid Wilderness option. I just bought a regular Crosstrek Wilderness and I would say the only downside to it is the fuel economy. I love everything else about it. Having owned a Prius and knowing how great those drive, imagining my Crosstrek driving like a Prius sounds absolutely amazing. Subaru AWD with smooth electric power and eCVT would be a killer combo. Make it happen Subaru!!!

[@thatchanguy]

If only that were an option!

[@MrBiscuitfan]

Better to have a spare out in the "wilderness"....

[@Enzo-0526]

same here, just got a crosstrek wilderness, hopefully can use it for as long as i can,as its such a fun car! and if a hybrid version was released would definitely look into trading in, but could be awhile for that

[@christianash8151]

They just skipped 2025 💀

[@memovaillantcoeur9614]

Lotta people would like to skip 2025.

[@raphaelcazenave-leveque7991]

😂

[@cwqrpportable]

@@memovaillantcoeur9614 And the following 3 years!

[@cwqrpportable]

I think Subaru releases their next year models real early in the calendar year, like late spring or early summer.

[@miserj]

This is just a preview. Won't go on sale until the end of 25

[@thedarkestrainbow]

I had a 2018 Crosstrek. Loved it. Felt like the infotainment was the right mix of size and features, combined with the physical controls. The new screen, and lack of controls, disqualifies Subaru for me. Call me old fashioned but I like being able to adjust my vehicle without taking my eyes off the road 🤷🏻‍♂️. And if you’re gonna charge $30-40k for an appliance and force users to interact with a gigantic screen it better be high res, with premium graphics, and as fast/capable as a smart phone.

[@mallninja12]

I feel the same. I had an 18 as well. Then got a 20 Outback Onyx XT. And what really set me over was I was going down Old Control Road off Bee Canyon in Idyllwild when there was snow and ice: I had x-mode selected, but since it wasn't the still to be build Wilderness, the x-mode would go off at (26? IIRC MPH). Anyway.... I was cautiously going down over ice and every time I went too fast, and it would turn off, I had to take my eyes off this VERY small iced over road I was descending, and I recall mis-pressing the arrow next to the dual function xmode, and it round robining off x-mode to the other menu... It was not only frusturating, but totally unsafe as I was trying to basically regain traction during this time, trying not to crash, and messing with the stupid touch screen; I almost pooped myself. I want to get back into a Subaru (I've had/have 6) but I don't want a new one until they give me buttons back.

[@WolfWagon]

i hope they put a front camera on the wilderness trim now that the new hybrid will have surround view or the surround view. even if it raises the price a little bit

[@lannylancaster62]

A great addition to the Subaru lineup. Hybrid is the way to go. I'm with you on the Hybrid badge...that's just not right.

[@wildbill23c]

Looks to me like it was a last second thing, oh crap we forgot the badge, and just slaps it on as the car is speeding down the end of the assembly line.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Reeks of a committee decision

[@SolamenteVees]

This is the Crosstrek we’ve been waiting for. Literally. I’ve been selling Subarus for 8+ years in the southwest. Thanks, Ryan!

[@hartmaan]

This is a welcome addition to the line up. We currently drive a 2022 XV Hybrid Premium down here in New Zealand. Its a similar set up but with still using a 2.o L engine. Thanks for showing us the new version, hopefully we get it in our region.

[@FieldingSmith]

Wilderness trim? And for all us car campers out there, can the AC remain on off the battery (with the engine occasionally turning on to charge) like the Toyota hybrids can? It’s a nice feature when sleeping inside the car during extreme temperatures.

[@wildbill23c]

Hmm, that's interesting, never knew you could have the AC on with the car off with a hybrid. I guess it would be logical since the engine would only run to charge the hybrid battery pack.

[@SansooIan]

Its Toyota's Hybrid Tech. Im betting Yes.

[@LOTOVIII]

All hybrids can do this. You're basically "idling" all night. Probably not healthy for the car in the long run.

[@Volodymyr.Shchadei]

Yeah I really wanted to get a Wilderness hybrid but seems like nothing like that will happen

[@Beagle21]

Another great video. I bought my 2022 SFW because of your reviews. Update: The battery went bad, but Subaru replaced it under warranty with an upgraded battery. The manager told me Subaru was aware that this had become an issue.

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

I’m definitely a Toyota fan but you can’t deny the performance of Subarus AWD system. Something I find my AWD Toyota hybrid lacks. If they make a hybrid Forester I’m pretty sure I’ll be interested. They need to move the battery to under the rear passenger seat. Frees up storage in the back and the battery is in a more temperature controlled environment.

[@717dash_cam]

Won't happen if they keep the mechanical awd. Especially in something this compact where they have nowhere for passenger volume to go to keep that aspect.

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

@ I suppose that’s true. But I imagine there would be more room in a Forester or Outback.

[@wildbill23c]

Isn't the battery in the Prius under the back seat? Pretty sure that's where they are, as well as other hybrids.

[@alaskabornheathen8902]

@ yea that’s the new way of doing it. The problem is that Subarus retain their mechanical AWD system. There wouldn’t be enough room in the crosstrek to put it under the seat. But I’m betting the Forester and Outback have enough room. First and second gen Priuses had them in the back in the spare tire compartment.

[@717dash_cam]

@ Crosstrek and impreza were designed to be hybridized this time around and why they didn't get spare tires (other than the weight savings)... Should be more room for Forester and OB, well see. If they can get it entirely under the seat in those, that would be great for wilderness trims to keep a full size spare.

[@jmichael6931]

I am curious about the hybrid setup. How is it cooled? I presume it's an air cooled system given its size. Will it get adequate ventilation on hot summer days given its location and the lack of any AC to the rear. Not being able to have a full size spare is a huge bummer for me. This thing looks legit. A hybrid setup with Dual X mode is a game changer!

[@uncalm]

Very excited for your eventual full review of this, Ryan, especially real-world mixed MPG vs. the standard 2.5L. My girlfriend and I just bought her a '24 Limited and it has been amazing in our winters, but we would have absolutely bought a hybrid if it was available. I think Subaru is going to sell a ton of these.

[@wildbill23c]

Given Subaru's reputation for the best AWD system out there for bad weather driving, I agree, adding the hybrid option is really going to push a lot of people into a Subaru, especially since Subaru was smart and kept their mechanical AWD system unlike other hybrids that go with electric motors that are way too underpowered to properly manage the AWD. I hope they offer the hybrid in the Outback, and I hope they offer it in Wilderness models as well, they'd definitely have a winner with that combination in any of their models, Wilderness Hybrid would be awesome....I think they started with the Crosstrek as a trial with the Hybrid, but if they did in fact use Toyota's CVT they definitely have made a wise choice.

[@z1az285]

​@@wildbill23cHow does the EV mode work in stopped traffic? Does it completely shut off the gas engine and just use the hybrid battery to keep the car running? also is there any regenerative braking ability?

[@ChrisLauer90]

I have a 21 premium. Love it, but have been waiting for a legit hybrid with proper power and features. Finally! Will probably upgrade in a year or 2.

[@LeeCastillo-i8k]

I had a 2021 CR-V Hybrid and loved it, can't wait for the Subaru Crosstrec.

[@Kipje1200]

Best bijzonder, nog niet in Europa en wel in de USA. Leuk om te zien, ben heel benieuwd wat het gaat worden met deze Crosstrack. Een blije Subarurijder uit Holland.

[@booker9816]

Ik leer Nederlands en kan delen hiervan lezen!!

[@mauritsvw]

@@booker9816 Ek ken nie eens Nederlands nie, en ek verstaan alles!

[@madlucio70]

I am so excited to see you drive this vehicle and give a full review offroad!

[@TheCozz123]

Great video like always! only critique is that for us that watch you from outside the US (I'm in Australia), the imperial system is really screwing with my sense of measurement and what this car can achieve from a fuel efficiency standpoint. Would love to see some metric conversions thrown on screen for future vids. Otherwise love the review

[@raldyjimenez3319]

That Hybrid emblem on the door is the first one to go if I buy one

[@hynsum]

👍

[@alsheremeta]

Ryan, did you look at the VIN to see where the Crosstrek in the video was manufactured? Hopefully the Forester hybrid retains the spare tire.

[@valdius85]

Maybe not, as current e-boxed doesn’t have a spare. Saying that, there has been some changing to packaging as the fuel tank was not affected in the Ctreck and is affected in the Forester e-boxer.

[@cwqrpportable]

Hey Ryan, can you tell me if it's built in JAPAN? (I may have missed that) I'm only interested in vehicles built in Japan, Canada or Mexico.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

That center screen has got to go

[@fraxonthefurry21]

I just want all physical HVAC controls.

[@rickpopham5400]

Yeah. I was on a short trip and the stupid screen wouldn't boot up after I made a short stop on the way. As a result no heat, no radio and an alert for failure of "RAB" (rear automatic braking). Luckily the screen booted up after I let it sit for a couple of hours at my destination. Also it's REALLY laggy. AND I want my CD player back.

[@brianmiller3121]

Bring back all physical controls!

[@wildbill23c]

@@fraxonthefurry21 I'd settle for that, and a button to turn that stupid screen off permanently.

[@wildbill23c]

@@brianmiller3121 100% agree....what'll be funny is in about a decade when the 50" touch windshield goes away and they bring back regular old buttons, switches, and knobs for everything and claim its a new technology LOL.

[@FelixBouchardDetail]

Will it be available on all the trims? Like the wilderness?

[@ConfirmedPatriot]

Thinking not since the Wilderness models will need a spare tire for off-road use.

[@drivingsports]

@@ConfirmedPatriot There will be several trims, but no Wilderness version at this time.

[@uncalm]

Seems like a no brainer but somehow I doubt it. But with the additional low-end torque from the electric motor this might be more capable than the Wilderness. All you'd need to add would be wheels and tires. The electric motor more than makes up for the Wilderness having a shorter final drive ratio.

[@FelixBouchardDetail]

@@uncalm You also have to consider the range!

[@seadoo4life127]

@@uncalmplus a spare on the roof. 1-2 inch lift

[@jonathanbush3943]

Came here looking for "legs/torso proportionate." Leaving satisfied.

[@dannyize]

My newest pickup line. Though my legs are on the shorter side...

[@croquetacaddy]

he needs merch with that catchphrase stat

[@dirtydiesel1149]

Seems like a good upgrade for somebody who wants to get a newer crosstrek or a hybrid with the modern model. I don't love it, but I also don't hate it. The only things that I'm truly not a fan of are the rims, the tablet display, and the badging on the door

[@McLooSK]

The new engine has direct or indirect injection? Or does it have both?

[@madlucio70]

Fantastic!!! Cannot wait to see these out in the wild. This is the one that I have been waiting for, though I really wish that they would have a plugin option for greater EV range as well.

[@tomdfrog]

LOVE that they brought back the old seat heater switches. But, the deal breaker is the lack of vents for the second row. I soooo want a Crosstrek, but seems my old Outback will live on in the driveway.

[@alex5ale]

When I hear a new Subaru I always come to this channel!

[@ashleylitebrite6971]

I found my next car! Thanks for this informative video.

[@AustinGotLostIn]

Hope the Wilderness gets the hybrid option!

[@wildbill23c]

That would be great, well that and I hope they offer the hybrid in all models as well as in all Wilderness models too. I like the Outback Wilderness model and kind of decided that will be my next car, hybrid or not, I want a Outback Wilderness.

[@jeffnaval4894]

Nope. They wont this year.

[@ramilampatuan3979]

I enjoy watching driving sports tv 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@pmusic6414]

Is the digital gauge cluster exclusive to the hybrid version or will all 2026 Crosstrek trims have it?

[@OneBaldingWookiee]

Love it. Can’t wait to see more and on your test course.

[@azgman6439]

Does the passenger seat have a height adjustment?

[@KreeH2023]

Looks good! Now I hope they come out with a PHEV version, actually, PHEV for all three -> Crosstrek, Forester and Outback. One might be my new car for 2025 to replace my 2010 Prius. Love having 500+ mile range and good mpg.

[@wildbill23c]

Everybody hated those cars when they came out, many still do, but you honestly can't beat the fuel economy they get. I have yet to drive a Prius at all, closest I got was a 2018 Camry Hybrid, and I have to say I was impressed I was getting over 50mpg with it and I wasn't driving it very nice either LOL. It had plenty of power for a car that size.

[@valdius85]

Apparently no PHEV for now, Subaru spokesman said they don’t see the need for that.

[@MarksTech]

2:00 lol it will easily get over 500 miles of range on a fill up because my 21' sport crosstrek did too. This will most likely get closer to 600. maybe 590 Edit: 7:13 IS THAT A TOKYO ROKI OIL FILTER?! when did subaru USA start using those?

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

The black filter is oem subaru filter from Japan that all of the cars come with from the factory. You will usually get a blue filter with your dealer oil changes in the usa.

[@MarksTech]

@GetOffMyyLawn that what I'm saying. I saw they were all blue at my dealership. I change oil my self and always order the black filter online

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

@MarksTech All Subaru engines are assembled in Japan, hence the black filter when the car is new.

[@atmartens]

This looks really nice. I wish they could've done one more generation of Legacy with a hybrid set up, but wasn't in the cards. These will sell pretty crazy, unless they're overly expensive.

[@fernandoherranz4095]

I think it's interesting that there are a lot of folks asking if the wilderness version will have this. IMO everything about the Wilderness is designed to prioritize outdoor accessibility with higher ground clearance and such which also adds weight to the car and reduces mpg. I'm not sure how much better mpg you would get throwing an electric motor in there without changing the other specs. But maybe they've got it all worked out and it'll be awesome!

[@markmartinez752]

does they still use central diff in their awd?

[@m1a1tcom]

i wonder will the premium trim tires and wheels fit on the hybrid

[@cruiseadmiral]

Hope good crossovers with conventional engines will be available by the time I need a new car!

[@rossd6809]

Was thinking of going with this car but lack of physical dials and no air vents in the back seat are deal breakers.

[@JanHuyck-t1k]

What is the max towing capacity of the new Hybrid setup? And is there any news on the new Forester Hybrid in Europe? We would love to have it here with some towing capacity.

[@WCTubeful]

Thanks for the channel. Wondering if this one has a spare tire in the trunk.

[@drivingsports]

No. We show it is full of batteries.

[@clintmemo]

From a distance, the hybrid badge looks correct the way they have it. Up close, it might look wrong.

[@xerxs97]

I like how at 2:19 you can see there's another Subaru model way in the back, probably a new Forester by the looks of it.

[@journeymancellist9247]

I saw this exact setting and exact car in another video. Do you guys stand in line to make videos of the same car?

[@wc3478]

Glad to see the 180 degree front camera is now available. But sadly not offered in gas only models :-(

[@edsmith9855]

Love your channel. I cant wait for a full test on a production model. Maybe finally they have addressed the moderate power output, and given a good torque boost especially. I love that it retains the conventional AWD system, not just battery power for the rear wheels. It all comes down to price. The upper trim packages of the Crosstrek are already a bit pricy. Hopefully the hybrid will not raise the price too much. It would also be nice if the hybrid were available in the Premium model. The Wilderness is already approaching mid 30k, and if the hybrid is even a couple thousand more, it would move into competition with a lot of other options, even in the next size class up like the Tuscon/Sportage, CX-5 and RAV4/CRV. Note: I saw another article that stated rear trunk space was slightly lower 18+ cu ft vs 20 for the non hybrid. That does make sense since the floor looks a bit higher. Too bad really, as the trunk space is already a weak point for the Crosstrek. I also hope they move away from the portrait entertainment screen and go back to a more conventional layout with more physical controls for the HVAC system. They could look at Hyundai for a very nice dual screen instrument cluster/entertainment system. Hyundai/Kia also makes navigation standard on the top trim line, even in the Kona/Seltos. Not sure it is even available in the Crosstrek.

[@alexgarcia3900]

Love your videos bro! Can I work for you lol 😂 😅

[@Jeo-What]

would be interesting to see if this one is as capable as the 2013 model you test drove into the river considering it's a HEV.... look forward to the test review!

[@StelaPop]

awesome 😮 I was also wondering how it will perform during the offroad review compared with the same petrol only model Crosstrek from last year which did amazingly well, with no differential overheating due to the diff cooler you mentioned it has. I'm excited to see how the electric motor helps/does not help in that test.

[@KennyPang]

02:48 the first thing I would do when I get this car is to debadge that Hybrid. But keep the one in the rear.

[@wildbill23c]

Or at least straighten the stupid badge so it don't look like they forgot it and slapped it on as it headed out the door from the assembly line.

[@dylandog1289]

I just got a Crosstrek Wilderness. Love it, but i would trade it if there was a hybrid wilderness in 2026. Any news on that front?

[@Davan514]

Is it the same hybrid that we are going to have in the Forrester?

[@iambeyondbrilliant]

I've been curious if they moved to the ECVT from the plain CVT. If that's the case, that, itself, is a game changer. The ECVTs are way more reliable since they are basically a small motor that drives the wheels with planetary gears rather than the belt setup that traditional CVTs have. It's the type of setup that Toyota and Honda are using in their standard hybrids (the mold hybrid systems still use traditional transmissions, I believe). This was major reason I purchased a 2024 Corolla Hybrid last year.

[@bigzach322]

Looks like a good upgrade to the previous hybrids. When my 2021 Crosstrek Sport (purchased after watching your reviews) eventually needs a replacement, I may opt for the Hybrid over the Wilderness just based on mpg.

[@brianmccarty3615]

Towing capacity?

[@chrisw429]

Great car but will they make enough of them from an availability perspective to avoid dealer gouging? A RAV4 Hybrid is like a 2 year wait, and well above MSRP with mandatory dealer "accessories" here in Canada.

[@alsheremeta]

Two year wait.... I was in a Toyota dealership in Edmonton about 6 weeks ago and they had 5 RAV4 hybrids sitting in the showroom, only the LE had a sold sign on it.

[@Th3Think3r]

Subaru has been one of the better brands in terms of dealer gouging. In the Midwest where I live, even during the pandemic, I could custom order a Subaru at MSRP. They were even sweetening the deal with $500 in "free" accessories. Not to say they didn't bring in vehicles with all the extra accessories to try and pad their profit off people who couldn't wait 6 months on a custom order, but you didn't see those 2-5k dealer markups many of the other dealers had. Moreover, with the Legacy being discontinued they'll have extra capacity at the Lafayette plant where this will be assembled.

[@tylerlewis8751]

This thing will sell like hotcakes Finally Subaru!

[@ismaelcruz3315]

Is the Forester going to get the same hybrid setup?

[@mbutzkies3077]

Can you provide more tech details, the spec u give denote an 80c discharge rate, are they using a lto battery. Previously, subaru made a soft hybrid for other markets, but they paired a 1.1 kw battery w a 13kw motor, a 12c rate. The 119 hp ecvt motor was paired with an 8.8kw battery, a 10c discharge rate. If your specs are correct, this is a record discharge rate. A lto battery generally allows a 50c discharge rate. I would also like to know long the boost lasts. My guess is full boost for 2 sec dropping down to 25kw boost for 10 sec

[@epgcst]

Greeting from Spain 🇪🇸🇪🇺!!! Te most crossover expected has arrived now in the US!.We need another jump over the Atlantic and landing in European Unión (begining in Greenland🇪🇺) I hope park it beside my Levorg turbo. Un abrazo american friends from Europe . 🇯🇵🇪🇺🇪🇸🇬🇱🇩🇰 🇺🇲 Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦!

[@fernandoherranz4095]

This is just like my 2024 Crosstrek Sport. But this gets way better mileage. I average about 19-21mpg in the city.

[@Adam_Star_0]

When I saw the digital gauge cluster , I was just like 😮😲😱🙀🤯 . Is Subaru ok 😂😅. But it's a nice upgrade anyway.

[@lilianm7151]

Nice. But I am more interested in the new Forester (Wilderness) and when that will finally show up.

[@wescolumbus]

is this hybrid the same as the Eboxer one just released in Japan?

[@diaperdood1]

Can you leave the ac on where it just runs of the hybrid battery and the engine only turns on a few minutes every hour to recharge the hybrid battery? All the toyota, honda, and ford hybrids do this

[@wisdomugonna4910]

Nice and impressive car. Second fan to watch and comment.

[@craigpawlak630]

I'm driving my 4th Subaru, my second Crosstrek, and I have been waiting for a Hybrid. But, I'm old, and my next vehicle MUST have a heated steering wheel. I live in the North East US, and our Canadian neighbors get the heated steering wheel STD, yet so far, none for the US. So tell me, can I get this option on the 2026 Crosstrek?

[@RC-qm9bx]

I owned 6 Subaru vehicles. One Impreza, two Crosstrek, and three Outback. Now I still have a 2024 Crosstrek Premium and a 2021 Outback Touring XT. It seems like all buttons on the steering wheel seemed transferred from your most basic computer keyboard. Lol.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

I noticed the hp is 194 which is similar to the new Toyota hybrid in the Corolla SUV. Is it a Toyota Hybrid power plant ?

[@drivingsports]

No. Boxer motor like a normal Subaru with electric assist.

[@mdsveda]

@@drivingsports But they are using Toyota hybrid electric tech

[@TheKubyk]

I love your videos! However, could you please add converted numbers to the metric system for your viewers from Europe, Canada (and the rest of the world)? Horsepower is fine since we use both HP and kW, but when it comes to torque, I have absolutely no idea how much it is. The same goes for °F and gallons. Please :D Btw it is 2.5 Litre, it's not in cui :D

[@marxav9896]

Good video. This model is the one presented in Japan that they say it can do 1000KM? I understand that it has a Boxer 2.5 engine of 160HP + an electric motor of about 110HP? Thanks

[@Staticbrain]

Parallel hybrid is the formula subaru needed hopefully these will sell now!

[@ralkros681]

Very curious to see the awd performance vs a non hybrid since it apparently is not electric rear wheel drive like other brands. Certainly looks like Subaru might get me to trade in in a few years

[@MrGtronx]

does the EV mode.. allow you to have just HVAC running without the engine on so you can car camp in it?

[@Elijah-fc3ex]

Looks like an amazing idea. But my first thought is long term reliability. I wonder how it will fare years down the road.

[@marley.pdx21]

This is such a compelling buy for people who want a more fuel efficient and capable Subaru

[@martinr8278]

Subarus are capable, regardless, if they are hybrid or not. They’ve been that way for decades.

[@marley.pdx21]

@ yes I know, this just has more features than the average crosstrek such as the more power and dual x-mode. I own a Subaru and I know they’re capable, but there’s always room for improvement

[@baraclude]

Is this the same hybrid forester will have?

[@beabenz1]

Does it have auto folding side mirrors?

[@jacklo325]

Doubt it. It's not a luxury car.

[@beabenz1]

@@jacklo325my crosstrek, which I bought for my use in Asia has auto folding mirrors and 360 camera. Wondering if the US version would have the auto folding mirror.

[@laurawall7278]

Questions: Does it have a spare tire? What is the mpg rating? Warranty on hybrid parts?

[@trk1973]

I’m guessing no spare because that’s where the battery lives

[@gordon3988]

Seems like a great upgrade, but suspect you may need to own it for 7 years before the difference in price is offset 😊. My only disappointment…you didn’t distract the Subaru folks and get to drive it on some rough terrain. Looks like a nice vehicle.