With the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Finally Gets It Just Right.
Posted by Juicyjackson@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 181 comments
Posted by Juicyjackson@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 181 comments
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
The Crosstrek, WRX, and Outback have all now been confirmed to have a Digital Dash as a change from the long time standard of Subaru having analog dashes only.
Real All-Wheel Drive, Not Electric Rear-Drive
Today's Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid finally has the right formula. First off, it's a series-parallel hybrid built using the 2.5-liter boxer engine, modified to run the Atkinson cycle. Total system output is listed at 194 horsepower, which compares favorably to the nonhybrid 2.5-liter's 182 horsepower. The engine alone makes 162 horsepower, with the main traction motor rated at 118 hp and 199 pound-feet of its own.
GroovinJaxx22L@reddit
How much does it weigh?
start3ch@reddit
Why is real awd better?
Electric rear should have better efficiency, and less chance of slipping with one less differential
animealt46@reddit
Nothing is inherently bad about electric AWD. But almost all eAWD setups use very weak motors meaning there is a torque issue in low grip. However systems like Toyota's Hybrid Max and Lexus' Direct4 use giant motors like a BEV so it gets over that.
cbf1232@reddit
The Rav4 Hybrid has a 54HP rear motor that can produce 89 ft-lbs of toque. Not a monster, but not a dinky little one like the old AWD Prius. I believe the new Prius uses a 40HP rear motor.
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
Because it's mechanical and full-time. It's not part-time on-demand. On-demand is more efficient because it's not full-time.
rocketman6307@reddit
Except it can be full time. Turn the motor on.
00x0xx@reddit
Not for long periods of time. Electrical AWD aren't designed to be durable and efficient enough to always be on.
rocketman6307@reddit
You have no idea what you’re talking about. These motors are used for propulsion in 99% of cases (the AWD e in the Prius is a slightly exception, but even that motor is rated for 100% duty cycle under a certain speed)
The Rav 4 PHEV and Hybrid, Outlander PHEV, Toyota Crown, and others use the rear motor 100% of the time when driving. The Outlander is slightly rear wheel drive biased since the rear motor produces more power than the front motor.
cbf1232@reddit
From personal experience, the Rav4 Hybrid doesn't use the rear motor 100% of the time, only when it thinks it needs to.
Once it's up to speed it generally only uses the front motors.
00x0xx@reddit
The PHEV's does use the rear motor 100%, but not all hybrids do.
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
But that's not a mechanical AWD then.
rocketman6307@reddit
What difference does it really make? If you want a 50/50 split or lock, sync the motor drives. I’ve worked on developing controls for a dual motor EV AWD system. It’s simple to create a “locked” 4x4 system with two separate motors
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
None, this is purely a bunch of oldheads saying "Electric bad" without any logic, reasoning, or data.
animealt46@reddit
You can tell Subaru has more engineering prowess or negotiating power with Toyota than Mazda. Whereas CX-50 got pretty much the Toyota parts bin last gen hybrid system, Subaru manages their own engine, own AWD, and bespoke Li-Ion pack.
varezhka11@reddit
Well, Subaru has been at this for a while with the 2018 Crosstrek Hybrid (the PHEV) essentially the test prototype using PHEV's larger battery for extra leeway to experiment.
Mazda also tried using HSD with their own engine back in 2013 Axela (Mazda3) Hybrid but decided this wasn't for them, prompting a strong internal push for more investment into ICE (hence Sky-D and Sky-X). A lot of the Mazda3's engineering did apparently feedback into Toyota's own hybrids, though.
For Mazda the CX-50 is just a short term placeholder while they prepare their own mass market hybrid system.
Mackinnon29E@reddit
Subaru doesn't compete as much as Mazda with Toyota, it's for purely outdoorsy people who want the best AWD. And they don't make vehicles that compete with Toyotas outdoorsy vehicles like the 4Runner and Tacoma.
At least that's my guess.
No_Skirt_6002@reddit
You'd be surprised the amount of people that cross-shop a 4Runner and an Outback Wilderness
tsar73@reddit
I cross shopped a 4Runner with my Touring.
cncwmg@reddit
The next CX5 will have Mazda's own system.
Solaire_praise_sun@reddit
You have to also take into account that Toyota is Subaru's largest shareholder at 20%. So they're making money on both ends of this deal. As a result they have a bigger incentive to give Subaru exactly what they want. Mazda was a bit different, they already use an i4 engine in the CX-50, Subaru's always used boxer engines so trying to put an i4 in an engine bay made for a flat 4 would be a real pain. Much easier for Subaru to take an existing engine and do some modifications to have it run on the Atkinson cycle to improve efficiency. While the pack may be bespoke I'm assuming it isn't too different from Toyota's as they're using their motors so the load would be very similar if not the same.
Master-Mission-2954@reddit
This drivetrain is the obvious way to go. I'm glad they've gotten serious about hybrids.
Mimical@reddit
Especially for the Crosstrek and outback. The biggest drawback to the vehicle compared to others in the class was the fuel economy and their interior design.
I know we all like to rip on Subaru but their management lines have steered them in the right direction sales wise. These two bits really are the last two pieces in this puzzle. I feel like I see a bazillion crosstreks around here so a hybrid one with a coherent interior should basically sell itself.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
Electric Rear drives are totally fine for pedestrian appliances, no need to throw shade on a perfectly fine and cheap AWD system for 95% of drivers.
Just like how on-demand is great for appliance drivers since they don't care about performance and it's more efficient than full time.
iamCosmoKramerAMA@reddit
But this is a Subaru. Their brand is great AWD, so this car should have that, not some compromised solution that’s perfectly fine for 95%.
My mom’s Range Rover has rock crawling cameras and radars in the mirrors to gauge water depth. Will she ever use that shit? No, but it’s a Range Rover not a Jaguar so it’s gotta have it.
MechMeister@reddit
Most cringe vanity purchase
t001_t1m3@reddit
Next Mustang will be a FWD I4 because you shouldn’t be drifting intersections anyways. Next Jeep Wrangler will be a 5-speed automatic only because they’re better than manual. In fact, your next protein shake will be unsweetened because sugar isn’t good for you.
-NotEnoughMinerals@reddit
Yeah, we refer to your mother as a pavement princess.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
electric rear axle AWD is still great. It's an objectively good and very efficient way to achieve AWD with little drivetrain loss, reduced maintenance and tire pickiness (Subaru calls out a 4mm of tread difference to need new tires), and likely costs less. Can you actually provide a real objective issue with Rear Electric drive instead of just saying it's "compromised solution" for the crosstrak? which is a whole different point since Subaru's AWD system really isn't "great" (compared to 4matic+, Torsen Quattro, XDrive, SH-AWD, etc), it's just available on everything.
If your mom could have saved a few k not getting those, that might be a better choice car for her and more cost efficient, which is the goal for a large majority of car buyers.
Hunt3rj2@reddit
Mechanical AWD systems will fail if you have big deltas in tread depth but I'm not sure that the e-AWD systems are actually happy with it either. To determine activation of the rear drive motor they usually look at front vs rear wheel speed sensor values. So the motor might activate a lot more than is intended.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
/u/rocketman6307 might have better insight, but I don't think they would care really. Instead of damage, you might just use the rear motor more like you said.
tsar73@reddit
In my experience (so take this as the anecdote it is) the tiny electric motors that Toyota uses to spin the rear wheels in their non-Max powertains lack torque and take a good bit of time to kick in, so they do little to get moving or add additional traction on slippery surfaces. There’s nothing wrong with them per se—especially for driving around plowed roads in the city—but I know what I’m picking here in CO.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
That's just because they're using inadequate electric motors (max out at 54hp instead of ~90-100 that a mechanical system would provide), there's no inherent design flaw with Rear Electric Drive. The same way I can't say that ICE or 3cylinders are flawed because the Mirage has no power or that x86 architecture sucks because I bought a shitty i3 laptop from 2014. But rear electric drive exists in like every ev because when properly spec'd, it's a great choice.
You're right that they're not good in the low tier current offerings, but that doesn't invalidate anything about the architecture.
tsar73@reddit
This is kind of a facile point. Sure, when done correctly they are good. No AWD system is done more correctly than Subarus at that price point. And if we take your claim at face value that Torsen Quattro, xDrive, 4MATIC, SH-AWD, etc. are better then yeah, I’d hope so. They’re fitted to cars that cost twice as much. These assertions and criticisms only make sense in the context of the market.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
Congrats, you circled back to the original point of saying that "Real AWD, not rear electric drive" is an incorrect statement, the whole spawning point of this comment chain.
Cool but that's a totally different and irrelevant point to the original conversation about how rear electric drive is still a fine and sufficient AWD architecture when properly designed.
Yes, and if the context is cheap AWD, there's no reason that rear electric drive isn't a valid choice when properly spec'd. Just like how CVT's, when properly made, can be more efficient and cheaper. None of anything you've said has been an objective issue with Rear Electric AWD systems.
rocketman6307@reddit
Mitsubishi uses a rear motor with over 140ft-lb of torque in their PHEV. Toyota also uses a bigger rear motor in the RAV4 prime. The Prius doesn’t need a ton of power to the rear since it’s a light vehicle, and I’d imagine you’re not going to get very much power to the rear with a mechanical system in a AWD crossover anyway unless you build it super heavy duty. When done right eAWD is superior to a mechanical system, there’s less parts, no need for a drive shaft, and 100% of the electric motors torque is available from 0 rpm, which is ideal in off road situations.
SophistXIII@reddit
Comparing Subaru's AWD to systems on vehicles often double the price isn't exactly fair.
And having owned both a WRX and now an S4, and living somewhere with snow/ice on the ground 5-6 mos. a year, I can't say the 50:50 Symmetrical AWD in the WRX really gives up anything to the Torsen Quattro system OTHER THAN the optional sport diff in my S4 gives it a bit more rear bias and some additional stability control in the wet.
And if I had to choose which one to take out in "fuck you weather" it would be the WRX every time because of its better steering and better control with the MT.
DM725@reddit
The important aspect is that Subaru's loyal customers want symmetrical AWD.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
They don't know what symmetrical AWD is, they only care that it's AWD, regardless of how it's achieved.
DM725@reddit
Please show me the data you collected from every Subaru owner across the globe.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
That's not how burden of proof works. You're the one who claimed that subaru customers want symmetrical AWD. If someone needs to show proof, it's the person with the initial and more specific claim.
DM725@reddit
this_dudeagain@reddit
Mmmmhmmm
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
"The burden of proof is usually on the person who brings a claim in a dispute" aka your claim that their customers want SYMMETRICAL AWD specifically. Until you prove that claim, your statement is as valid as me saying they want a free hotdog with their purchase.
DM725@reddit
Change your username.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
Learn some basic debate skills. It's pretty embarrassing to not know some of the basic fallacies.
DM725@reddit
I think your mistake is nobody wants to debate a pretentious person that uses unprovable nonsense like " [Subaru owners] don't know what symmetrical AWD is".
A 10 second search of r/Subaru would show you that's an asinine thing to say so why should I dEbAtE you in good faith?
BeingWrongAmbassador might be available and seems like a more appropriate username for you.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
Literally all you would have to do (since you clearly don't understand debating even on a surface level) is prove that a majority of Subaru customers specifically want symmetrical AWD. A single survey or study that calls out SYMMETRICAL AWD. That's it. That's how debating works. But you are either unwilling or unable, and therefore have no valid claims until you do.
a search of the Subaru subreddit isn't valid proof. You need a study, survey, report, etc.
I don't take advice from people who can't follow basic debate and logic practices, because their advice is often rife with fallacies and incorrect logic.
ImSureYouDidThat@reddit
Hey chucklefuck, this isn’t a high school debate team gathering. Demanding people debate you is not how normal conversations work. Take note, this may be a valuable skill if you ever leave your mom’s basement!
DM725@reddit
You said no Subaru customers know what symmetrical AWD is and yet the subreddit is filled with posts about it. Walk away.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
That's still not how the burden of proof works. It's just sad that you can't understand this at this point.
DM725@reddit
Subaru owners discussing the merits of the brands proprietary all wheel drive system isn't proof that they know what it is. Got it.
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
That's not an official source with proper methodology nor does it represent "Subaru's most loyal customers".
it's even more embarrassing when you can't remember the qualifiers to your own claim.
DM725@reddit
You are hilarious.
No_Day_7416@reddit
Don’t see how clarity is throwing shade, but you’ll find threats if you are always looking for them
BeingRightAmbassador@reddit
because rear electric drive is still real awd, so this "real" being applied to only mechanically driven awd systems is shade throwing.
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
This was what stood out to me as significant. The last regular hybrid Crosstrek from 2014 (not to be confused with the plug in) weighed 415 lbs more than the non hybrid version. That weight gain on top of it only offering 160 combined horsepower meant it took over 10 seconds to hit 60. It also wasn’t that efficient at 29 city and 33 highway. So this new version looks like a dramatic improvement from that one.
No_Skirt_6002@reddit
This is the correct way to do a regular, non-plug-in hybrid vehicle. Electric traction motor for scooting around at low speeds, charged by the engine, engine powers the wheels at higher speeds where it's more efficient to do so, and both can be used at the same time to get faster acceleration. Series-Parallel hybrids are where it's at. And they kept the mechanical permanent AWD! Bravo, Subaru!
Shitadviceguy@reddit
Stupid question, if the drivetrain is mechanical to get the AWD, how does the electric engine contribute to faster acceleration? Isn't the electric acceleration/instant torque benefit due to the drive motors being electric?
NFIFTY2@reddit
Probably a clutched pancake motor between the engine and transmission. Both motor and transmission can provide combined power to the wheels through the trans, or they can provide power individually. Past the transmission it would be the typical Subaru mechanical AWD.
CeramicCastle49@reddit
What's the point of charging the battery with the engine? Is the idea that you lose less energy going from engine->battery->motor than with engine->transmission->wheels?
Isn't most of the efficiency for non-plug in hybrid vehicles from regenerative braking, and then using that energy to drive the car?
cbf1232@reddit
Non-plugin hybrids gain efficiency from regenerative braking, but also from running the Atkinson/Miller cycle and using the electric motors to fill in at low RPM, from charging the battery when the motor is putting out more power than is actually needed at the time, and from being able to turn off the motor and run on battery power when the power demand is low.
niftyjack@reddit
It depends on the efficiency of the transmission. The engine powering the motor through a generator might lose 10% to inefficiency, but a transmission could have 15% loss.
Captain_Alaska@reddit
Transmissions are way less lossy than the efficiency hit from converting mechanical energy to electrical energy and back again.
Most series hybrids either have some way of connecting the engine to the wheels at highway speeds especially or they generally return the same economy as a pure ICE car.
Take the BMW i3 REx, which is a subcompact that rides on tires the size of space savers and it still only gets 31mpg combined.
No_Skirt_6002@reddit
Electric motors have instant torque and lot of it. This makes them great for stop-and-go traffic, and because the engine just needs to be recharging a battery, as long as it's not being drained too quickly the engine just has to stay at one single RPM instead of going up and down the rev range like in a normal car, which is what wastes fuel. That's why you get better MPG on the highway than in the city, on a normal ICE car. Then, because the electric motors handle most of the acceleration, the engine can afford to be less powerful and more efficient because it's only purpose is to recharge the battery and maintain a single speed on the highway, which doesn't take much power.
Here's another way to explain it:
When a vehicle is starting from a dig, it has to deal with static friction opposing motion at a standstill, as well as the rolling friction when the vehicle has started moving. Therefore, the reasons why cars have as much HP and torque as they do (especially now, as cars have gotten heavier and thus harder to move) is primarily to produce the required effort to accelerate. Let's just say that to accelerate to 45 mph a normal ICE car's engine will rev as high as 5000 rpm, therefore consuming the amount of fuel that engine consumes at 5000 rpm, and the amount of fuel it takes to get that engine to 5000 rpm
In a hybrid vehicle, the energy required to move to accelerate to 45 mph can be generated and put into the battery pack by an smaller, more fuel efficient engine constantly rotating at, say, 1800 rpm, therefore consuming less fuel overall.
In this manner, you're essentially getting highway MPG constantly- hence why a Civic Hybrid's City and Highway mileage are within 3 mpg of each other, versus a 9 mpg difference on the standard Civic. And also, because many hybrids (Hondas included) turn off electric assistance on the highway and use the engine alone (because ICEs are more efficient at highway speeds), they will get slightly worse mileage on the highway, because the engine is turning at a higher speed and working harder than it would be just generating electricity for the motor.
CeramicCastle49@reddit
Thank you
narcistic_asshole@reddit
That's a complicated question to answer. In general electric motors are far more efficient under acceleration, while gas engines are more efficient cruising at higher speeds. That's where these series-parallel systems that they can switch between electric and gas propulsion.
But yes regenerative braking is key to making hybrid systems like this really work because it recovers energy that would otherwise be lost. In theory the system is more efficient the higher percentage of the total power generation is from regenerative braking. There are situations where it's more efficient the car to be utilizing electric propulsion with batteries charged by regenerative braking + ICE operating as a generator, and there are times we're gas propulsion is more efficient. These series-parallel systems that Honda/Toyota/Subaru are using are great because they can switch between both and do so pretty seamlessly with surprisingly solid performance too
Exodia101@reddit
Isn't this how all hybrids have been until very recently?
TheGT1030MasterRace@reddit
I've done 35 in EV. 2002 Prius 1st gen.
No_Skirt_6002@reddit
Low speeds typically means anything below about 50-70 mph, as this is the threshold where electric motors become less efficient than internal combustion engines. The Chevrolet Volt would become all ICE above 70 mph through an output shaft from the engine to the wheels, but at all other speeds it was an EV with a gas range extender. Indeed, many Volt owners who plugged in their cars daily would report their gas going stale in the tanks from the engine basically never being on, as long as you're not driving long distances at speed. Honda's modern hybrids also use a similar system. GM was just too early with the tech for the Volt to be popular or profitable at the time IMO.
biggsteve81@reddit
That shouldn't have happened. The Volt used programming to ensure it would run the engine to burn the gasoline before it went stale (would empty the tank before 12 months passed).
ChonsonPapa@reddit
Give us a v8 turbo crosstrek already! 😅
Two_Shekels@reddit
Bummed about the lack of a spare tire, hopefully that won’t be the case for the bigger Forester and Outback
Drzhivago138@reddit
It's a non-issue for 95% of buyers.
chlronald@reddit
Spare is something you don't think you need it... until that moment you wish you have it kind of thing.
Intro24@reddit
Yeah, it's true that most will never use it but that misses the point. Cars should be capable. Having a spare adds capability. I'm not at all mechanically inclined but I changed a spare once and just barely got to where I was going in time. No chance I would have made it there in time without the spare.
Drzhivago138@reddit
Don't misunderstand, I love that I have a spare in mine. But it's not something most folks worry about.
I_like_cake_7@reddit
Yeah, I think most people will just a call a tow truck if they have a flat, because the average driver (at least in the US) probably don’t even know how to change a tire in the first place.
Drzhivago138@reddit
Even if you do know, the average person would probably rather call someone anyway, because who wants to go through the trouble? Especially if it's at the bottom of the trunk buried under stuff.
chlronald@reddit
Id rather replacing the tire myself than paying hundreds and wait hour(s) for the tow truck to come.
Koil_ting@reddit
Me too, and I've had to do it in pretty remote areas before as well it should be necessary as a sort of safety feature and just push people learning basic knowledge like how to change a tire or headlight before driving.
Drzhivago138@reddit
We're in the minority.
chlronald@reddit
I really wish manufacturers would go with collapsible spares tire like the one in audi instead of completely eliminating it. I know it's easy way to turn the under trunk space for the traction battery but still.
JMPopaleetus@reddit
When I saw the collapsable spare in my trunk for the first time, my mind was pretty blown.
Two_Shekels@reddit
For Subaru buyers it’s a much bigger deal than for most brands, especially if this also applies to whatever hybrid Wilderness versions they make down the road.
FearlessTomatillo911@reddit
It's still a small, budget, hybrid crossover - nobody is offroading in that.
xt1nct@reddit
You would be surprised.
A small lift, good tire and this would be extremely capable.
FearlessTomatillo911@reddit
Sure, it's capable of off-roading but nobody who buys a crosstrek is off-roading them. They are small reliable family cars good for all road conditions.
Hell most people who have off-roading specific overlanding vehicles don't even off road them. Off-roading is an extremely niche hobby. It's cool but most people like the idea of off-roading more than actually doing the thing.
Active-Device-8058@reddit
Sure, it's capable of off-roading but nobody who buys a crosstrek is off-roading them. They are small reliable family cars good for all road conditions.
Man come out to Seattle. There's WAY more Crosstreks and Outbacks at Duthie Hill and every trailhead than Tacos or Jeeps.
Tricky_Condition_279@reddit
If you're just trying to get into the back country and not doing off-roading for sport, then you can get a lot of places in a Subaru. I certainly have. If you are into "lets see how close we can get to flipping it crawling over boulders", then ya, that's not the niche for this vehicle.
SophistXIII@reddit
Imagine buying a hybrid to save on fuel, then immediately slapping on some chunky offroad tires and a lift to ruin all those extra MPGs
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
Still more efficient than doing the same with a regular Crosstrek.
animealt46@reddit
Sounds like a great opportunity for Wilderness models to pack in external spares either on the roof or on a Wilderness specific side hinge hatch. That's exactly the kind of very visible and not mechanically too intense mods that Wilderness models have loved to do.
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
I would imagine it could be mitigated by offering a tire carrier on the rear cargo door for those that are concerned. That way you would also be able to carry an actual full size spare too.
Tricky_Condition_279@reddit
Or strap it on a roof rack if you need it.
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
I’ve seen some Subaru owners do that too.
Two_Shekels@reddit
Would be pretty unlikely without a side hinged door. Quite a few people put the spare on a hitch carrier thing but I doubt Subaru would sell one like that from the factory
DocPhilMcGraw@reddit
The ones I am referring to go on the rear hitch like this.
Pahlevun@reddit
Lol. Subaru buyers. This isn’t the 00s anymore. The average Subaru sees nothing more than asphalt and the occasional dirt road.
I_like_cake_7@reddit
I agree. Most Subaru drivers only want the AWD for driving in snow. They’re not doing any actual off-roading.
tsar73@reddit
I’ve always maintained this but if you bought a Subie to do rock crawling or anything significantly more technical than a forest road you bought the wrong car.
SkPensFan@reddit
When a family members Subaru broke down continuously due to electrical problems we were told it was likely due to driving on gravel roads. Our house is 2 miles off the highway on a great gravel road. So maybe they aren't made for that anymore haha
Hirsuitism@reddit
A spare tire is an absolute necessity for me. I was on the interstate in FL and hit a driveshaft that fell off a box truck. Tore a tire to shreds. I didn't have to spent hours waiting to be towed somewhere because I just changed the tire and went to a tire place.
DaaanzzzTT@reddit
msrp going up, yep
Jone951@reddit
Now it just needs an inline 4
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
Boxer 4 is cool.
Keeps the weight low down and handles like a sedan.
Jone951@reddit
It IS a sedan? The boxer sucks to work on. A regular Toyota engine would be a huge upgrade
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
Its a lifted hatchback impreza.
yetiflask@reddit
This should fly off the shelves. Very well put together vehicle.
ZeGermanHam@reddit
Even if they don't look fancy, Subaru build quality of the last 7'ish years is exceptional. They use high quality materials and components, screwed together very well.
ieatdogsforlunch@reddit
The eCVT is new right? I’m glad they are getting away from belt/chain CVTs.
m0viestar@reddit
Just a Toyota unit repackaged id imagine.
ZeGermanHam@reddit
I sorta doubt it's a repurposed Toyota unit. Toyota won't have anything that will work with the positioning of the center diff needed to fit with the Subaru AWD packaging.
flugherbutter@reddit
Was excited until I saw the same old clunky infotainment screen in the middle
EdgarsRavens@reddit
I purchased a 2023 Crosstrek (previous generation) that was one of the last the dealer was getting before the 2024s specifically because it still had manual climate control knobs.
ZeGermanHam@reddit
I bought a 2023 Crosstrek Limited for the same reason. Great car.
SINBIN802@reddit
I would have bought the GolfR except for the terrible screen and controls. I even forgave the subpar audio system but the stupid volume buttons are a non starter. Ended up with another Mazda3 Turbo PP and still love it
verysketchyreply@reddit
I had to walk away from buying a crosstrek wilderness because the screen was so bad. I know subaru is a smaller company and all, but I can't believe that's where they decided to roll out a half-baked feature into production. It's unusable compared to the ancient head unit in my 4runner. Such a shame, but I'm excited for the forester as it seems to have a better unit.
tbone747@reddit
Same here, probably wasn't going to buy the Crosstrek anyways b/c there was no hybrid at the time but that infotainment was one thing I hated. Even if it was working perfectly I just can't jive with digital HVAC controls.
Intro24@reddit
It's a shame because Subaru is supposed to be outdoorsy and so they're the last brand that should be ditching physical knobs.
Exodia101@reddit
The spy shots of the new Outback have Toyota's infotainment system, hopefully they'll put it on the whole lineup soon.
Maddonomics101@reddit
What’s unusable about it? Works fine on my Outback
animealt46@reddit
If all you use is Apple maps and music (me) then it's a magic system that's borderline perfect. If you fiddle with car settings a lot while in motion, especially things like custom vent positions (high heat or low cool) then it's a nightmare. With a gradient in between.
Maddonomics101@reddit
I just use Apple CarPlay 95% of the time which is fine. Fan speed, temperature, recirculation, and heated seats are very easy to use as well
ukcats12@reddit
My parents have a Subaru with this infotainment and I drive it from time to time. Do heated seats not require multiple taps of the screen? I seem to remember needing to tap to bring up the heated seat setting, then tap again to turn them on, then maybe tap again to close out of the heated seat setting. To me it's an absolute dealbreaker. Just give me a button.
Maddonomics101@reddit
Yeah the 2020-2022 require multiple steps to turn on heated seats but they launched a software update in 2023 that allows you to use heated seats more easily with just a tap
HOONIGAN-@reddit
A new infotainment system won't debut until the new Outback, which debuted the current system back in 2020.
The current system will likely plague the rest of the lineup for a few more years while it trickles down.
flugherbutter@reddit
True, I just figured they’d give the crosstrek a hybrid and do a mid cycle refresh at the same time, kinda like the Honda civic and its hybrid version
uglybushes@reddit
Subaru isn’t big on change
Urdnought@reddit
Do you think the 2027 model w/ have the new infotainment set up
finnyy04@reddit
“w/“ means with, not will.
uglybushes@reddit
Possible. They did that w the ascent in 23. It usually goes 3 year the vehicles get a facelift 5/6 they get a redesign however Subarus rarely do dramatic changes.
HOONIGAN-@reddit
2024 was the first model year for this Crosstrek generation. There was no chance that was going to happen for 2026.
Easy_Money_@reddit
Got lucky finding a Crosstrek at Hertz last month and it was lovely in every way—except for that awful infotainment. Made me appreciate the simplicity and consistency of Mazda’s setup a lot more. A glaring blemish on an otherwise brilliant subcompact
Maddonomics101@reddit
I find it very easy to use
froiwok@reddit
Currently on the fence on Maverick hybrid, CX50 Hybrid and Crosstrek hybrid. I also hear that Nissan may be getting a Rogue hybrid possibly next year. If that’s true I’ll probably get the Rogue hybrid used and depreciated.
rbrehm@reddit
Funny I’ve also been considering the Maverick and cx50, pretty different vehicles but fulfill the same use!
Dayman_Nightman@reddit
Every time I go through my list, Maverick always wins. It's great in so many categories
tablewithoutlegs@reddit
I love the Maverick but the price increases have made it a little bit of a tougher call if you don't need it to do truck stuff TOO often. Even the '25 interior is pretty dire compared to the Crosstrek or the CX-50.
Dayman_Nightman@reddit
I hear you. I'm speaking only for myself. If I could get away with having a trailer I wouldn't need a truck bed. I have a hard time putting a price on being able to go do truck stuff without renting one or storing a trailer. I bought a ton of stuff this year I COULD put in a suv/cuv but between the dirt/leaves/grease/gas/oil I'm very very happy to have a bed.
HawtGarbage917@reddit
except inflation
theloop82@reddit
I would get that CX-50 hybrid in a heartbeat if I was shopping now
froiwok@reddit
For new purchase I’d lean towards Maverick the most because it’ll hold onto its value really well. Almost bought 2 2023 Mavericks I preordered but backed out of. Crosstrek would be second for same reasoning. For used I’d lean towards CX50 and Rogue because they don’t hold their values as well so I’d be able to snag a good deal.
CX50 has the best interior and exterior design of the 4 and uses Toyota reliable hybrid tech without the insane Toyo markup. If Mazda teamed up with Toyota and made a unibody small pickup like the maverick but with Toyota hybrid it’d be #1 pick both new and used.
niftyjack@reddit
Ford licenses Toyota’s hybrid design, the only different is the gas engine attached to the eCVT
Exodia101@reddit
Ford hasn't used Toyota hybrid systems since 2004.
theloop82@reddit
Yeah it’s literally the drivetrain from the current RAV 4 hybrid at 10k less and a lot better looking to boot.
xt1nct@reddit
Meh. No parking sensors, no heated steering wheel, no 360 camera. Really small inside. I wouldn’t be surprised if the crosstrek was more spacious.
NorthernTransplant_@reddit
They'd probably package it in a different trim next year since the signature models have all of those. With a 360 camera do you really need the sensors? I just turn them off. The crosstrek is also pretty small even for its class/pricepoint
Easy_Money_@reddit
These are three hilariously different vehicles
Dignam3@reddit
I've had my '25 hybrid AWD for a few weeks and am in love. What a fantastic design this little trucklet is.
fka_specialk@reddit
As a former Maverick hybrid owner, it was fantastic except for the recalls. The upcoming awd hybrid sounds like an amazing value. I really liked the basic-ness and price of the 2022 XL trim though. But there were far too many problems.
jca_ftw@reddit
I will tell you how I know Subaru is actually failing. They tried to transform from a niche car company, selling small and fun AWD vehicles in the mountain states, to a massive global car company that appeals to the masses. They thought they could push the quirky-factor to the masses, and at first it worked. But then, the masses started realizing (1) they are NOT more reliable than a Toyo or Honda, (2) they are slow, (3) they get horrible MPG, and (4) all other brands also now offer AWD. and (5) they are not less expensive.
Their AWD systems are no better than anything from any other manufacturer anymore. Subaru has the same FWD-bias on-demand type of system as everybody else.
In Colorado, the place where EVERYBODY bought Subies, people are switching to the RAV4 and CRV in huge numbers.
Master-Mission-2954@reddit
Subaru has 3 vehicles as top 25 best selling in its biggest (and most important) market, the US. They're definitely not failing.
Although I will say, I wish Australia were wise to how actually good these new Subaru's are. They seem like a perfect fit for that market.
TRI_95@reddit
#23 of 2024 - Outback 161,814 sold
#19 of 2024 - Forester 175,521 sold
#18 of 2024 - Crosstrek 181,811
Drzhivago138@reddit
Those 3 combined make up 75% of Subaru's US sales.
I_like_cake_7@reddit
Then why have Subaru’s sales numbers been increasing for the last 4 years?
You also are extremely mistaken on Subaru’s AWD system. It is not front biased. It’s 50/50 all the time, hence why it is called symmetrical AWD. It is absolutely not the same FWD biased on demand type of system that a lot of other brands are using.
jakeuten@reddit
It’s not false information. Unless you’re driving a manual transmission or CVT WRX, the rear axle is engaged by a coupling, typically at a nominal 60:40 torque split, up to 50:50, but can go down to 90:10 at highway speed for fuel efficiency. This is not like the manual transmission Subies, where the power is managed by an open center differential, or the CVT WRX, which uses a more complex spider gear within the center differential to create a slight rear bias (45/55 F/R nominally).
DodgerBlueRobert1@reddit
Tell us you know nothing of Subaru's AWD system without actually telling us you know nothing of Subaru's AWD system.
tsar73@reddit
I live in Colorado. You are correct that the RAV4 (and Model Y) have become extremely popular on the Front Range—personally I see so few CR-Vs that I forget they exist.
That said, once you get out of the urban corridor it’s the same story it’s always been; the Subies (along with 4Runners and trucks) outnumber everything else by an order of magnitude. Lots of reasons for this: significantly better AWD, much more surefooted, dealership in Silverthorne, etc.
I don’t think it’s surprising if suburbanites in Parker or Thornton are moving to RAV4s but that is hardly an indictment of Subaru’s strategy.
Clustre2@reddit
Yeah this is completely false. The numbers tell a completely different story that what you’re claiming. Also, you clearly do not understand Subarus AWD system.
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
Nope.
Other all-wheel-drive hybrids, such as the RAV4 Hybrid, are front-drive machines with a rear electric motor. If you're driving on ice and snow, the front and rear feel different because the torque of the rear electric motor is delivered differently than the front ICE/electric hybrid. In other words, they can feel strange.
The Subaru symmetrical AWD system is purely mechanical, so both ends feel the same all the time. It's essentially the same as any other Subaru AWD system. They give up a couple MPG for this, but Subaru thinks it's worth the price.
Also
Subaru continues to sell more and more cars every year, the Crosstrek sells like hotcakes to everyone.
penis-tango-man@reddit
Digital instrument cluster is a bummer.
TheWeinerThief@reddit
If you say so.. this feels like an advertisement though
Jone951@reddit
Does it have an eCVT now like the Toyotas or the same mechanical CVT as always? I'm hoping they put a Toyota eCVT and inline-4 in it one day.
F1_Geek@reddit
This looks to be an absolute home-run for Subaru.
sl0wjim@reddit
Please have rear seat vents, please have rear seat vents, have rear seat vents...
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately no, have to go up to their other actual SUV's to get the rear vents.
Darius2112@reddit
Colour me very interested. I love my Crosstrek and if the price is reasonable, I can totally see myself upgrading to a hybrid.
When this comes out, I should become a car salesman for Subaru because it’ll be the easiest job in the world as they will fly off the lots.
randomcanyon@reddit
The auto I wanted now a year too late. Got the Accord hybrid but wanted the Subaru for various reasons. But not available. Oh well see you in 10 years.
Unoriginal-@reddit
I could never imagine spending that much money on such a piece of shit engine
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
You are driving a decade old 5 series, I don't think this car is meant for you...
I would trust the Subaru engine before your 5 series engine...
Unoriginal-@reddit
First of all, it’s a 2017 so it’s not a decade old but cute joke for your internet likes lol
On topic, it’s still faster and nicer than the comparable kid hauler
Juicyjackson@reddit (OP)
I would hope A 2017 550i that was $73,495 in 2017 and would be $95k today in terms of inflation is faster and nicer than a high $20k low $30k car...
Unoriginal-@reddit
Thanks, because it is faster
BigDaddy531@reddit
the cope is real
tsar73@reddit
I’d be coping if I owned something with an N63, lol
CeramicCastle49@reddit
And for every one of you, there are 10 people who are saying "take my money!"
Tricky_Condition_279@reddit
I've been waiting for this. Might be my next vehicle.
Bmotley@reddit
They are going to sell a lot of these, more power, better mpg, practical packaging, seems like a home run.
Comms-Error@reddit
Eating into the already pretty cramped cargo capacity is unfortunate. Sucks Subaru couldn't stretch the body of the new gen Crosstrek out just a bit to make more room in the trunk.
Nonameswhere@reddit
Hope the price difference between non-hybrid and hybrid is not too big and they keep the prices in check for the model range. Seems like a neat little package at the right price.