Subaru Crosstrek (GU) S:HEV

A first for Subaru, the series-parallel hybrid system has arrived, with the Crosstrek being the first car to utilize a strong hybrid powertrain.

2025 Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV

Starting at 3,833,500 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV features all of the similar nooks and crannies as you get from the regular mild-hybrid model, but it dons a different e-BOXER badging with black letterings instead of blue to show the world that this is the full hybrid model, not the MHEV one.

The Crosstrek S:HEV features a 160PS 2.5L FB25 DOHC 4-cylinder engine, paired with two electric motors sourced from its ally carmaker Toyota and a 1.1kWh lithium-ion battery. This powertrain is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), a front differential gear, and an electronically-controlled coupling. According to WLTC Mode standards, the fuel economy is rated at 22.7 km/L, lower than its main competitor, the Toyota Corolla Cross, equipped with a 1.8L hybrid engine and e-4WD.

Subaru says that the S:HEV powertrain can cover 1000km of driving range, which is the distance from Sapporo to Fukuoka. This means you could drive from one end of the country to the other without stopping for fuel. That makes it a great choice for a Japanese road trip. Get your cameras ready.

The Crosstrek S:HEV comes standard with Subaru's signature AWD system with X-MODE, allowing you to travel through tarmac, gravel, and snow like a true Subaru should. With the Subaru Global Platform, front struts, rear double wishbones, ventilated disc brakes, and Rack and Pinion steering, driving the Crosstrek is almost no drama.

It also features an updated EyeSight system featuring a wide-angle mono camera working in tandem with the existing stereo camera, making it capable of detecting moving objects to make use of its pre-crash brake and other ADAS offered.

Whether you love it, like it, or not, the Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV marks the beginning of Subaru's electrification strategy. If the Solterra doesn't interest you, the Crosstrek S:HEV could be the ideal alternative. This should be clear to you.

Available Colors: Crystal White Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Crystal Black Silica, Pure Red, Sapphire Blue Pearl, Oasis Blue, and Offshore Blue Metallic.

Photo: Subaru Corporation

Subaru Crosstrek (GUD)

Served as the replacement for the XV, the first-ever Subaru Crosstrek picks up where the XV left off by catering to the most adventurous people with its style, interior, signature Subaru driving feel, and tech, not necessarily in order.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Priced at 2,695,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Subaru Crosstrek broke the tradition from its Impreza-derived XV predecessor because honestly, it feels like a matured crossover hatch that is officially independent of being an Impreza offspring.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Starting with the exterior design, the Crosstrek can be easily mistaken for one of its main rivals, the Mazda CX-30, when you take a gander at its front while the side view carried over from its XV predecessor and the rear view looks suspiciously similar to today's Outback. Approaching through different angles, you can't really say what's going on with the Crosstrek's exterior, but either way, it's a sign of maturity.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek interior

On the interior, the Crosstrek features the same Tesla-esque dashboard from today's Levorg, meaning speedo boys won't like the tall touchscreen on it but hey, some speedo boys are starting to admire this massive screen on the dashboard, especially when it comes with smartphone connectivity, dials for the radio, and clicks for the aircon.

In terms of spacing, the Crosstrek is as big as the XV it replaces, meaning it still has a modest space for five people, 315 liters of boot space with rear seats present, and various seating arrangements that can accommodate various situations. Although outdoorsy in spirit, it's all work and all play for the Crosstrek.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek

Under the hood, the Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0L e-BOXER mild hybrid powertrain where the 145PS 2.0L boxer 4-cylinder engine is bolted to a 10kW MA1 electric motor and Li-ion battery. Mated to a CVT gearbox, it has a fuel economy of 16.4km/L for FF variants while AWD variants get 15.8km/L.

With the AWD variant with X-MODE, the Crosstrek behaves with a classic Subaru driving feel, giving the impression of heading towards the "west of weird" for some curiosity. With the Subaru Global Platform, front struts, rear double wishbones, ventilated disc brakes, and Rack and Pinion steering, driving the Crosstrek is almost no drama.

In the interest of safety, the Crosstrek features an updated EyeSight system featuring a wide-angle mono camera working in tandem with the existing stereo camera, making it capable of detecting moving objects to make use of its pre-crash brake and other ADAS offered.

No longer the Impreza offspring compared to its XV predecessor, the first-ever Crosstrek is a matured crossover hatchback that is all about being ready for another road trip thanks to its numerous improvements compared to the XV, although having a fuel-efficient FF variant can be debatable as if. This crossover hatchback has grown.

Photo: Subaru