Next-gen Subaru hybrid tech set for Aussie Crosstrek

UPDATE, 28/05/2025: Subaru Australia general manager Scott Lawrence has indirectly confirmed the brand’s new ‘Strong Hybrid’ system will be offered in the Crosstrek.

Speaking to media during this week’s Forester briefing, Lawrence said there would be "some exciting news" regarding the Crosstrek and the new hybrid system, though he stopped short of divulging exactly when an announcement would be made or when the product might arrive.

"We’re working closely with the Subaru Corporation on how and when further Strong Hybrid technology comes to Australia ... our focus has been on bringing it out on Forester first, but all I can say is watch this space," he said.

During that same briefing it was revealed the new 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid system had a combined output of 145kW which would put the Crosstrek at the point end of the electrified small SUV segment, however it can’t really compete with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD which offers a combined 176kW.

As for fuel consumption, we'll have to wait and see, however we now know the bigger and heavier Forester Hybrid will use 6.2 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle.

ORIGINAL, 21/10/2024: Subaru has shown off the advanced next-generation hybrid system it’s developed with Toyota and Mazda and confirmed it will launch in the Japanese-spec Crosstrek SUV later this year.

Due to be released Down Under in 2025, the next-gen hybrid system has been developed to work with the car brand’s signature 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder ‘Boxer’ engine and is said to bring efficiency gains of more than 20 per cent while delivering a fuel range of more than 1000km.

The system combines the 118kW/209Nm petrol engine with a 1.2kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, the larger of which outputs 90kW/270Nm all on its own.

Mounting the lithium-ion battery on the rear axle, the Subaru gets a transaxle that includes a rear e-motor. Unlike other systems, however, there’s a mechanical link between the front and rear axles for proper all-wheel drive – another signature of Subaru.

A total combined power output has yet to be announced but early reports suggest a 0-100km/h dash of less than 9.0 seconds for the new Crosstrek hybrid.

The full inner workings of the hybrid system are yet to be revealed, but Subaru says the combustion engine can either act as a generator or drive the wheels directly depending on the situation.

Meantime, the battery is said to feature cutting edge tech to ensure it has both high-power density, is lightweight and has long-life, while an enlarged 63-litre fuel tank guarantees a generous fuel range.

An official fuel efficiency figure has yet to be revealed.

Even though the new hybrid has no plug-in capability, there will be a 1500-watt power outlet that can power tools and even a campsite when out in the bush.

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