Posted Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 9:43pm
Hybrid powertrains seem like a no-brainer for Subaru. When the automaker surveyed its buyers on causes they’re most passionate about, 34 percent said wildlife and nature preservation, and 23 percent expressed interest in environmentalism. Given the brand’s nature-loving clientele, it’s surprising the company hasn’t embraced hybrids sooner—especially because Subarus have typically lagged behind the competition in fuel economy, in part due to their standard all-wheel drive.
But after a couple of false starts in the 2010s, Subaru is now doing so wholeheartedly, launching the Forester Hybrid for 2025 and following it up with the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. After driving the Crosstrek Hybrid, we found it to be an improved version of the brand’s smallest SUV, yet one that still plays to Subaru’s main strength.
