Subaru Australia is exploring new electrified options for its small SUV, the Crosstrek, including a more powerful hybrid version and a potential third electric model, the brand has confirmed.
Currently, the Crosstrek is available in Australia with either a conventional petrol engine or a mild-hybrid system. Both variants use Subaru’s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer petrol engine. Petrol-only versions produce 115kW and 196Nm, while mild-hybrid models offer slightly lower output at 100kW and 182Nm.
However, Subaru has indicated that a Toyota-derived hybrid system, similar to the Forester “Strong Hybrid,” is being considered for the Crosstrek. This setup combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 90kW electric motor and a 1.1kWh battery, producing a combined output of 145kW, offering improved power and efficiency over the current mild-hybrid variant.
“Watch this space,” said Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Subaru Australia. “We’re working with Subaru Corporation [in Japan] on a few different options.”
For context, the current Crosstrek achieves fuel consumption ratings of 7.2L/100km for petrol models and 6.5L/100km for mild-hybrids, while the Forester Strong Hybrid claims 6.2L/100km. A stronger hybrid Crosstrek would likely be priced above the current top-spec Hybrid S, which retails for $47,590 before on-road costs.
While a turbocharged 2.4-litre Crosstrek variant, akin to the Outback’s engine, has been discussed, Lawrence noted it is unlikely. “Crosstrek turbo is a discussion point. I would say it would not be as high on my agenda as the Strong Hybrid,” he said. “Nowhere in the world is there a market for a turbo Crosstrek, so it would be tricky to implement.”
Subaru’s electric lineup is also expanding in Australia. The Trailseeker EV is confirmed to arrive between April and June, joining the Solterra as the brand’s second locally available electric vehicle. Another electric model, the Subaru Uncharted—developed in partnership with Toyota—is not yet confirmed for Australia, but Lawrence hinted it could be next.
“We’ve been very busy over the last six months,” he said. “I can’t unveil everything all at once, but watch this space.”
The Uncharted, named after the popular action-adventure video game series, is Subaru’s version of the upcoming Toyota C-HR+ small electric SUV. Little is known about the Australian specifications, but U.S. models feature entry-level front-wheel-drive and higher-spec all-wheel-drive variants. All-wheel-drive models produce 252kW from two electric motors, paired with a 74.7kWh battery offering an EPA-rated range of 467km. The front-wheel-drive version exceeds 483km, although it may not be offered in Australia.
