When you want to enjoy a small crossover that packs a huge punch, this Crosstrek Hybrid review shows you just how much Subaru has put into its tiny crossover.

For some, the Crosstrek doesn’t look much like an SUV, but it sure acts like one. It’s lifted, has the standard Symmetrical AWD that has become famous with Subaru, and it can head off into the wilderness better than most SUVs in its class. The Crosstrek defies the odds and breaks all the rules, giving you a small, efficient, and affordable crossover that can handle everything you throw at it.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is the subcompact crossover SUV you need to drive

We all have our guilty pleasures. Some people don’t want to admit to the shows and movies they secretly love, while others might not tell you about the hobbies that they enjoy. The Crosstrek Hybrid might be a bit of a guilty pleasure for some drivers, but once you see everything it offers, you won’t care who knows that you’re driving this small SUV. The 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid proves that subcompact SUVs can deliver serious performance. This torquey little crossover redefines what drivers should expect from the hybrid crossover segment.

A Crosstrek Hybrid review reveals improved performance

Although Subaru did the right thing and deleted the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the lineup for 2026, the 2.5-liter boxer-four is still a bit of a plodding performer on the road. If you have this engine under the hood, you’ve got to plan your passing maneuvers carefully and understand that it only delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Thankfully, the hybrid powertrain fixes this issue.

The Hybrid model uses the same basic engine setup but adds a two-motor hybrid system to the mix. This increases horsepower to 194 and brings in plenty of torque. The electric motor makes 199 lb-ft on its own, while the engine delivers 154 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the electric torque is immediately available at low speeds, turning this slow-moving crossover into a highway passing machine.

The Subaru hybrid system makes driving more fun

If you want a tiny crossover with quick acceleration, you’ve got to step behind the wheel and complete your own Crosstrek Hybrid review. This Subaru jumps off the line with unexpected acceleration, making this fuel-efficient crossover, which returns 36 mpg combined, a lot more fun to drive than the gas-only version.

As a technical departure, the traction motor for the electric system is packaged within the CVT, which means the hybrid has a conventional driveshaft, making it one of the most capable all-wheel drive hybrid vehicles on the road. That’s right, you get the best of both worlds with the Crosstrek Hybrid.

Both sides of the Crosstrek Hybrid review

Once we stop geeking out about the amazing hybrid powertrain, it’s time to get down to the nuts and bolts of the Crosstrek. Can this Subaru crossover give us what we expect from the brand? The grippy Symmetrical AWD system is present, which is one of the top systems of its kind on the market. Additionally, the Crosstrek stands 8.7 inches off the ground, which is more than most versions of the Ford Bronco Sport.

On the flip side, the Crosstrek offers only 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is significantly less than the Toyota Corolla Cross and Bronco Sport. Still, when you see the Crosstrek, it’s easy to understand why the cargo space is so small.

Taking on the trails is pretty easy

When you hit the dirt with the Crosstrek Hybrid, you’ll be pleased at how much the torque helps you get through some of the toughest spots. Additionally, the X-Mode function allows the traction control to be disabled to ensure you get power to the wheels that need it, putting away any worries of wheelspin or getting stuck on the trails. The Crosstrek is extremely capable on light to medium trails, where you’ll find some fantastic views and wonderful camping spots. You do want to take this Subaru SUV out on the trails, right?

Which Crosstrek should you buy?

The added driving fun, impressive fuel mileage, and excellent acceleration of the Crosstrek Hybrid could make it worth the price bump over the gas-only model. A Crosstrek Hybrid review reveals that the hybrid model comes in Sport and Limited trim levels, requiring you to spend $3,370 and $2,000 more than the gas-only counterparts.

Considering the added benefits of the hybrid system, it’s certainly worth the cost to choose the Crosstrek Hybrid. Don’t you agree?