While Subaru has been making hybrid concept cars since 2003, the manufacturer did not build their first production hybrid car until 2013. Subaru's Crosstrek Hybrid is a subcompact crossover SUV. Production of the Crosstrek began in 2012 with gasoline and diesel engines.
The manufacturer's Crosstrek shares many similarities with one of Subaru's models, the Impreza, but the Crosstrek is about 3.6 inches taller than the Impreza. The Crosstrek also has an X-mode feature which was formally exclusive to the Subaru Forester. While the Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t rank among the best hybrid SUVs on the market, it packs an abundance of exciting features that put it ahead of other budget crossovers. Here are the 10 features that caught our attention the most.
10 Sprightly Engine
Subaru's first production hybrid car used a 10 kW permanent magnet synchronous motor. Recently, the automakers gave the Crosstrek model and the Crosstrek hybrid a facelift, so there are some changes. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors.
In combination with the two electric motors, the 2.0-liter engine churns out a respectable 148 horsepower and sent it through either a six-speed transmission and a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). In addition, the hybrid can do the 0-60 in about 9 seconds.
9 Sporty Handling
Subaru did a great job with the 2021 Crosstrek's handling. For the 2021 model year, there seems to be an improvement on previous years, as it offers a better and smoother driving experience. The vehicle has a responsive brake system and steering wheel.
With Subaru’s standard Symmetrical AWD, the SUV distributes power evenly for optimal stability and traction. The Crosstrek also accelerates seamlessly, whether it is on city roads or off-pavement. When compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30, the Crosstrek proves a more refined option.
8 Redesigned Exterior
Since Subaru already gave the 2020 Crosstrek model a facelift, the general structure of the new SUV's exterior remains unchanged to a large extent. Subaru’s hybrid gets a redesigned front bumper, front fascia, complete with a new grille, and a fog-light trim.
The Crosstrek's body cladding is one of the significant features that set the SUV apart from Subaru's Impreza. However, the chunky fenders and curved rear associated with the Crosstrek were also retained.
7 Eyesight Driver Assistance
The 2021 Crosstrek hybrid features Subaru's standard Eyesight Driver assistance, which includes the rear parking sensors, lane centering, pre-collision braking, cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot detection, advanced automatic collision notification, and reverse automatic braking.
Subaru also included the SOS emergency assistance button as a standard feature in the new hybrid. The SOS emergency feature is similar to Mercedes Benz's SOS call feature. An X-mode control also helps drivers limit tire slippage by lowering transmission gear and slowing down the engine throttle.
6 Ample Cargo Space
For a subcompact SUV, the Crosstrek Hybrid is quite spacious. The 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid has a passenger capacity of 100.7 cu ft and a decent trunk space of 20.8 cu ft, not entirely compromised by the electric batteries.
When the seats are upright, you get 15.9 cu ft of space in the five-seater, and when the rear seats are folded, you get 43.1 cu ft of space. The Crosstrek's combustion engine model has a trunk space of 20.8 cu-ft and 55.3 cu-ft of space when the rear seats are folded.
5 Charge On The Go
As with every other battery-powered vehicle, drivers of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid would be naturally worried when the car’s juice is getting low. However, Subaru has a solution to this. While the vehicle is on the road, the gas engine starts automatically and charges it if the system detects a low battery.
On the other hand, if you turn on the Battery Charge Mode, the battery charges while driving, and it can get up to 33% in 30 minutes.
4 Fuel Economy
A major strength of this vehicle is its fuel efficiency. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid has a fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon on the highway, 27 miles per gallon in the city, and a combined fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon.
For charging, the 2021 Crosstrek's 8.8kWh lithium-ion battery can charge completely in five hours when a 120-volt outlet is used. When a 240-volt outlet is employed, the SUV can charge completely in two hours.
3 Infotainment System
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek hybrid has a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen and an optional 8.0-inch touchscreen. Subaru also has this feature on their combustion engine Crosstrek. There's a 4-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with an optional 8-speaker system.
The Infotainment media system comes with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi, and USB ports. For practicability, the Japanese carmaker included control buttons under the media screen, so you can use the control buttons if you don't want to use the touchscreen.
2 8.7-Inch Ground Clearance
Subaru's new Crosstrek hybrid model is a symmetrical all-wheel drive with a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. Of course, the SUV features Crosstrek's signature body cladding. Plastic cladding helps protect the car from gravel, rocks, and corrosion.
The 2021 Crosstrek's ground clearance beats that of the 2021 Toyota RAV4 at 8.4 inches. This is quite impressive for a budget crossover, and drivers can tackle rough terrains without fear.
1 Integrated Roof Rails
One crucial part of an off-road vehicle is the roof rails. The Crosstrek's roof rails are integrated into the car roof. They are also sturdy and can carry surfboards, bicycles, and other equipment. Almost all off-road vehicles have standard roof rails, but the rails on the Crosstrek are quite peculiar.
They are aero-style, meaning they make less noise when the car is in motion, and they're adjustable. Subaru's Forester, Ascent, and Crosstrek models can carry about 700 lbs on their roof rails.