Finally a hybrid moniker worthy Subaru! Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – May 14, 2018 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited non-PHEV shown. Subaru just announed that it is going to offer its first-ever plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV), the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV. The new Crosstrek Hybrid maintains all the capability of the traditional Subaru Crosstrek but with a large yet to be announce increase in efficiency. It can be driven as a normal Hybrid, using both gas and electric power, or driven on pure electric drive for local commuting while drawing down from a yet to be disclosed Li-Ion pack size. The Crosstrek PHEV is a more advanced version of the compact Crosstrek SUV that has become the brand’s third best-selling model in America. The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid uniquely integrates the Toyota Hybrid System (THS) with Subaru’s four-cylinder direct-injection BOXER engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and an all-new transmission. The Crosstrek Hybrid combines the wide-ranging off-road capability of the gas-powered Crosstrek with hybrid efficiency. XV Crosstek April 2018 sales of 12,266 were up 69.9 percent over the 7,218 sold in April of 2017. On a DSR basis, sales were up 84.1 percent with 24 selling days in April of 2018 vs. 26 days in April of 2017. YTD sales of 45,728 were up 66. percent over the 27,456 sold through the same period of 2017. Arriving at Subaru retailers near the end of this year, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid will also feature unique styling, calling out its distinct abilities. Like the gas-powered Crosstrek models, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is built around the Subaru Global Platform that was designed to accommodate hybrid and electric powertrains. Early conclusions? It will certainly be more efficient and finally a full hybrid vs. the previous gens sort of hybrid. Adding plug-in capability only helps. Will it be using the latest THS or the previous gen? Will the Boxer be atkinsonized to the nth degree allowing the motor to make up for the loss of torque or will they be pulling a performance hybrid trick? All questions while I await this cannot wait to drive PHEV.
The Crosstrek PHEV should still do better than other CUV hybrids and current plug-ins. I'm thinking RAV4, Outlander, etc. It's all good compared to ICE only.
HI Bill: I am hoping for at least a 37/37 mpg city/highway rating in CS mode given the current Crosstrek w/ the 2.0L and 6-speed AT is rated at 27/33. Carcus, possibly. Wayne
Is PHEV version for US only or will it be a global model? In Europe this car is not called Crosstrek but XV, but essentially the same car. The first news when I heard about PHEV model was that it will use Prius Prime hybrid system and e-AWD, don't know if that is correct or not. Prius can tow a 1,598 lbs trailer in Europe, RAV4 e-AWD has higher tow rating than 2WD Hybrid, I expect towing will be allowed with Crosstrek e-AWD even in US.
This is interesting. I would have given it serious consideration if it was out a year ago when I was looking for a new vehicle.
Using the Prime system was just speculation upon the original announcement. I don't think Subaru even said if they were using Toyota technology or not in their first release. It sounds like they are replacing the transmission with the hybrid system, and are keeping the their engine and mechanical AWD.
I had similar thoughts... If the Crosstrek PHEV had been available in 2016, I would still be driving it, but then I would have missed out on the Bolt EV that I have now. I wanted AWD so badly I went with the 2016 Crosstrek (over a RAV-4 hybrid by the way). When it came down to what I really needed, I let that Crosstrek go so the wife could get into a Prius Prime while returning a 3-year old C-MAX Energi. I'm trying to behave and stay at a 2-car level. The AWD would have been nice for real estate business year round and on occasional bad or unpaved roads; I've been on a few with the Prime. Ouch.
The Prime drivetrain likely would not have fit in the Subaru's engine bay. It is built in the traditional transverse orientation for FWD. Subarus have their engines mounted longitudinally, which allows a simpler AWD drivetrain. The boxer engine is also known as a flat one because of the piston arrangement; it is physically shorter than an inline engine. It would take a lot of effort to get the Toyota engine into the Crosstrek, and even then they might haven't been able to use their AWD system. Atkinsonizing the boxer is much easier. Not for the Crosstrek demographic, or even Subaru's. Their marketing made a deal out them having symmetrical AWD over the competitors' asymmetrical systems, and Toyota's electric AWD is still asymmetrical. On road, the difference isn't that big of a deal, but off road, and the Crosstrek is the off road Imperza, it can be. I'd love a 4WD/AWD vehicle for surf fishing, but it doesn't sound like Toyota's hybrid SUVs are up to the task of crawling through soft sand for potentially miles. Symmetrical AWD is possible with an electric system, but it requires larger batteries and motors.
If true, I'm really curious how they will package mechanical AWD and bigger battery. I think having two separate motors on each axle can be superior, the problem with some of the offering (eg. RAV4) is not the design but execution.
First, the Crosstrek auto is a stepped CVT with 7 pre-programmed ratios. I get 26 or 27 out of mine in mixed driving. I like the car. It is quiet and rides well. Has enough room for what I use it for and is offroadable. The roof rack is very usable. I carry kayaks, canoes, and a roof top tent on it. The mechanical AWD system is what makes Subaru unique in today’s market and should stay. The Crosstrek currently defaults to 60% front and 40% rear. It doesn’t slip in rain and plows through snow. Having had a ‘10 Prius for many years, I hope the hybrid Crosstrek retains most of what makes a Subaru a Subaru.
Hi All: While nothing new has been released regarding the upcoming all-new 2019 Crosstrek PHEV, I did receive my first ever Subaru Short Lead invite earlier this afternoon. I suspect this is going to be a good one for all concerned. In the meantime, the conventionally powered 2019 Subaru Crosstrek prices were released earlier this year. Here are a few details. Every 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical AWD, Active Torque Vectoring and a 152-hp and 145 lb-ft of torque 2.0L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine. Base and Premium trim levels are offered with either a 6-speed MT or Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). The 6-speed MT models have fuel economy of 23/29/25 mpg city/hwy/combined rating. For Premium and Limited trims, the CVT features a 7-speed manual mode function with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via seven pre-set ratios. Fuel economy for CVT models is 27/33/29 mpg city/hwy/combined rating. CVT models have X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for enhanced performance in low-friction and off-road conditions. The 2019 Crosstrek includes a highly capable chassis with 8.7" of ground clearance for versatility in both off-road and city driving. The Crosstrek 2.0i base comes equipped with black 17-inch alloys, roof rails and black side cladding. The interior has black simulated carbon fiber finish on the center dash panel as well as the front and rear door panels, in addition to a standard gloss black rear roof spoiler. Inside, standard features including 6.5-inch STARLINK Multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; power windows with auto-up/ auto-down on both driver and passenger sides; 60/40-split fold-down rear seat; power door locks and side mirrors; multi-function display with fuel economy information; remote keyless entry system, tilt and telescoping steering column; security system with engine immobilizer; carpeted floor mats; and more. The 2019 Crosstrek 2.0i CVT model is priced at $22,895 and can be equipped with the award winning EyeSight along with a high-grade instrument cluster with color LCD display, overhead console shower light, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire pressure display. Equipped with a standard 6-speed MT, the 2019 Crosstrek 2.0i Premium starts at $22,895. The Premium trim adds an All-Weather Package (heated front seats, windshield Wiper De-Icer and heated exterior mirrors); body-color exterior mirrors; dual rear USB ports; On/Off automatic headlights linked to windshield wiper operation; and Welcoming lighting. The standard features on the Premium continue with a 6-speaker sound system, retractable cargo cover, cargo tray, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle and more. Premium trim level includes an updated SUBARU STARLINK 6.5-inch Multimedia system that now includes a single-disc CD player; SiriusXM All Access Radio; SiriusXM Travel Link; and the latest SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security services (with a complimentary 3-year subscription to Safety Plus services and a 6-month trial subscription to Safety and Security Plus services). The Premium trim with Lineartronic CVT offers more including packages with a moonroof and/or EyeSight with Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Cross Traffic Alert. Models equipped with EyeSight also include TPMS with individual tire pressure display; high grade instrument cluster with color LCD display an overhead console shower light; and Steering Responsive Headlights. The Crosstrek 2.0i Limited continues as the top of the model line with standard features over the Premium which now include CVT with X-MODE with Hill Descent Control; SUBARU STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus that adds Voice activated controls, Bluetooth® hands-free text messaging and Near Field Communication; 18-inch alloy wheels in black with machine finish; Keyless Access with Push-Button Start; 6-way power driver’s seat; Steering Responsive Headlights; and High Beam Assist. Limited trims come standard with a suite of driver assist technology including EyeSight; High Beam Assist; Steering Responsive Headlights; Reverse Automatic Braking; and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Limited trims also include Automatic LED low and high beam height adjustment control. The 2019 Limited is priced from $27,195. 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Limited Interior The interior on the Crosstrek Limited features black or high-contrast gray leather with orange stitching on seats, door armrests and instrument panel. Limited trims include upgraded Multi-Function display and individual wheel display TPMS indicators. An optional power moonroof is available for the Limited. A second option package, with moonroof, adds the SUBARU STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia with Navigation that features voiced activated navigation powered by TomTom with over-the-air map updates along with Harman Kardon premium audio. All 2019 Crosstrek models include seven airbags including driver and dual front airbags, side curtains, side airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment through the vehicle’s multimedia or navigation system. All STARLINK Multimedia systems offer a high-resolution touchscreen; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Aha and Pandora; Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; and Rear Vision Camera as standard. The 6.5-inch multimedia system in the Premium adds a single-disc CD player; SiriusXM All Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link. The 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus adds to voice activated controls for phone and Near Field Communication to the list of features. The top-of-the-line 8.0-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation powered by TomTom, voiced activated navigation, and over-the-air updates. Wayne
NO TOW NO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate that about the US cars! In Europe same cars can tow rated! Here they screw us! Take the Prius, it gets 1600lbs rated in Europe.
Hi George: It is not a vehicle spec or HW change but the fact European Regs are far less stringent on braking with a trailer. The Prius drivetrain and chassis is the same on both Continents but in Europe, tow ratings indicate a reasonable mass the vehicle can tow, not necessarily brake. Here it is all about braking and imho, that is by fr the more important of the two. IHTHs? Wayne
All patriotic Murricans are s'posed to buy a thirsty-ass pickup or SUV for their towing needs. Didn't you get the memo ? I towed stuff with my 89 Civic Si ( with no tow rating ).
It's funny Wayne. You would think Europe would be VERY strict with the brake testing also? I have heard annual inspections are strict their? So the issues is then they don't pass on brake tests with the trailers here?