Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S 2024 Review

New name, increased price, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S starts at $45,090 plus on-road costs, which represents a $4300 hike compared to the previous XV equivalent.

However, it’s a little harsh to single out the Crosstrek as price creep is infiltrating the market and the Hybrid S is also the top-of-the-range variant.

The price is competitive against rivals such as the Honda HR-V e:HEV (from $47,000 drive-away), Nissan QASHQAI e-POWER (from $51,590 plus ORCs) and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD (from $43,230 plus ORCs).

It does, however, start upstream of the excellent Hyundai Kona Hybrid (from $36,000 plus ORCs) and the value-oriented Haval Jolion Hybrid (from $36,990 drive-away).

As a premium variant, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S bundles in sat-nav, part-leather trim, a powered driver’s seat (although both front pews are heated), sunroof, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and 18-inch alloy wheels.

All this is on top of the regular Crosstrek features such as tinted glass, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a roll-out rear cargo blind, 60/40-split folding rear seat and smart unlock/engine start.

Subaru’s off-road-enhancing X-Mode, which adjusts engine output, transmission settings and other traction-related functions to better deal with gnarly or slippery surfaces, is also standard. It includes two settings, Intelligent and Sport, selectable via the SI-Drive controls.

The Subaru Crosstrek is out of step with its main rivals, however, by failing to offer air vents for rear seat passengers.

It’s covered by an industry-standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with just one year of roadside assist.

Subaru offers three-year ($1240.32) or five-year ($2373.19) prepaid servicing plans. Service intervals are spaced every 12 months/15,000km.

The safety suite in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S is extensive and includes updates to the manufacturer’s camera/radar-based EyeSight system.

Active safety technology includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – forward or reverse – adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist/lane tracking, road edge detection, self-levelling and auto-dimming LED headlights, speed sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, driver attention detection and 360-degree multi-view cameras.

There’s also tyre pressure monitoring, a pedestrian alert, a front view monitor, rear parking sensors and a rear seat occupancy reminder, but no front cross traffic alert or front parking sensors.

ANCAP has not yet assessed the Subaru Crosstrek, but a high safety rating is anticipated.

The car also has nine airbags fitted standard including Subaru’s first “far side” airbag, which helps protect occupants from lateral passenger-to-passenger contact in a side-on collision.

A fresh dash design with a deep and dominant centre display is a big 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S identifier – although the 11.6-inch touch-screen proves to be not that large.

However, the general aesthetic remains overtly XV and many of the key elements and graphics look as if they’ve been directly transplanted. So much so that the floor pedals and the steering wheel appear identical.

The leather-rimmed steering wheel bristles with various buttons and toggles accessing audio, Bluetooth, cruise control, trip computer and numerous other functions. Thankfully, they’re all well laid out for quick and tactile responses.

Other highlights include wireless phone charging, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming, four USB-A and USB-C points, a 12-volt power outlet, AM/FM/DAB digital radio and voice recognition.

Apart from the odd tweak, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S and the superseded XV-equivalent hybrid share the same fundamental drivetrain.

The 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated boxer engine is slightly detuned from the regular version. It produces 110kW and 196Nm combined with a 12kW/66Nm electric motor, which is powered by a lithium-ion battery sitting above the rear axle.

This hybrid all-wheel drive package shifts the Crosstrek to 100km/h in a leisurely 10.5sec, which is monstrously slow compared with, say, the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid eFour AWD, which is quoted at a much-brisker 7.6sec.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) remains, with only small changes to the clutch assembly aimed at reducing noise and vibration.

We already know Subaru’s hybrid system is among the mildest out there. With minimal changes to the powertrain, it’s no surprise that the combined-cycle fuel consumption for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S remains 6.5L/100km – despite a weight increase from 1536kg to 1586kg.

CO2 emissions also hold at 147g/km.

In our week with the Crosstrek Hybrid S covering mixed driving conditions, we managed a respectable 7.5L/100km. For reference, the non-hybrid 2.0 S is claimed to record 7.2L/100km.

Of course, Subaru is at a bit of a disadvantage compared with regular on-demand AWDs because of the added driveline friction created by its always-on ‘symmetrical’ system.

What’s more, many of the Crosstrek’s rivals are front-wheel drive only.

While we acknowledge the fact the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S isn’t exactly ‘all-new’ compared to the XV, there are some key changes.

A redesign of the suspension mounting points (including retuned front dampers) and the rear subframe has seen a 10 per cent improvement in structural rigidity.

They’re subtle but welcome changes that only add to the Crosstrek’s ride/handling balance and overall compact wieldiness. Plus, the symmetrical AWD system plays a positive role in the immense grip on offer.

The steering is clearly geared and weighted for urban manoeuvrability, yet it maintains tangible feel on the open road. When you get there, you’ll notice that the road noise, which is said to be reduced, is still noticeable (but acceptable) for a small SUV.

The Crosstrek Hybrid S largely eschews common CVT pitfalls given its ability to manually select from seven artificially induced ratios via the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

In terms of dynamics, the Crosstrek Hybrid S is hard to fault, even if the power-to-weight ratio (69kW/tonne) is far from impressive and below most of its competitors.

Then again, where some of its faux-wheel drive rivals are merely for show, the 220mm of ground clearance almost puts the little Subie in Land Rover territory. It can tackle rutted, boulder-strewn tracks, while hill descent control is a welcome feature, too.

Cabin space is a strength of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S.

Dimensionally, the SUV has grown only 10mm in length, as well as 5mm in height and wheelbase. Yet it excels with its balance of leg-stretching space front to back.

The rear seats deal with lanky passengers well, even with a comparably tall front seat occupant, while shoulder-room and headroom are sufficient.

Subaru has taken a scientific approach to its seat design, claiming to calm normally unnoticed head movements that contribute to travel fatigue.

Rear visibility has also been a focus, with the Japanese marque claiming metre-high objects as close as 1.8 metres behind the Crosstrek are visible to the driver.

The general presentation of the Crosstrek’s interior is now more up to date with a modernised design.

In general, the cabin promotes an easy-to-live-with demeanour with sound ergonomics and soft-touch surfaces. The well-considered trim materials, as well as stitching on the doors, seats and centre console, amp up the visual appearance, too.

And if you need to drown out the sound of your passengers, the Harman Kardon audio (with amplifier) does the trick.

The downside of the Crosstrek is a very small boot rated at 315 litres with the rear seat up in the hybrid (291L in the non-hybrids) – inferior to many of its rivals.

And that’s with no room allocated for a spare tyre; only a puncture repair kit is provided in the hybrid models.

New name, new me? Not quite. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S has clearly been the subject of a reasonable development budget, it’s just that the changes are harder to detect past the badge.

This means the positives of old remain, but so does the negative commentary pertaining to the lacklustre hybrid system – it’s worth checking out the non-electrified versions.

Still, this is a genuinely capable small SUV that wears its rugged capability with pride. The Subaru hallmarks of a boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive are present, while the hybrid system offers the promise of added frugality.

Forget the name change, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S is the XV in updated clothes. Luckily, the wardrobe isn’t a kitsch departure from what made the forbear easy to recommend.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid S at a glance:
Price: $45,090 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric
Output: 110kW/196Nm (electric motor: 12.3kW/66Nm)
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 147g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au