What kind of drive is a Subaru Crosstrek?
The Crosstrek is built around Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), pairing a boxer engine with a traditional AWD system. A hybrid variant adds electric assist for greater efficiency. This article explains how the drive system works on the gas version and how the hybrid version differs.
Standard gas-powered Crosstrek: how it drives
Before detailing the components, here is a quick overview of what drives the gas-only Crosstrek. The vehicle relies on Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, a boxer-engine setup, and an automatic transmission. The following points summarize the core drive characteristics of the gas version.
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on most Crosstrek models in the United States, delivering power to all four wheels for improved traction in rain, snow, and uneven terrain.
- Engine and transmission: a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is typical, providing smooth power delivery.
- Drive philosophy: the AWD system uses a center differential and electronically controlled coupling to distribute torque where it’s needed, enhancing stability and grip during cornering and on slippery surfaces.
In practice, these features translate to steady on-road performance with confident handling in adverse conditions and modest off-road capability for light to moderate trails.
The Crosstrek Hybrid: added electric drive
For buyers seeking higher efficiency, Subaru offers a Crosstrek Hybrid that combines the gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery. The hybrid variant retains all-wheel drive and adds electric assist to improve fuel economy without requiring a plug-in charge in most markets.
- Hybrid powertrain: the 2.0-liter engine works alongside an electric motor and a battery to provide additional power and efficiency, with AWD retained via the vehicle’s AWD system.
- Charging and operation: the battery is charged through the engine and regenerative braking; the Crosstrek Hybrid is not a plug-in electric vehicle in most markets.
- Efficiency benefits: the hybrid setup typically yields better fuel economy than the gas-only Crosstrek, especially in city driving and stop-and-go conditions.
Overall, the Crosstrek Hybrid offers a more efficient option while preserving Subaru’s signature AWD capability and versatility for light adventure use.
Summary
The Subaru Crosstrek’s core drive is Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, paired with a 2.0-liter boxer engine and a CVT in the gas version. A hybrid variant adds an electric motor and battery to boost efficiency while maintaining AWD. Both configurations emphasize traction and stability across weather and terrain, with the hybrid offering an extra efficiency edge without requiring plug-in charging.
Summary of key takeaways
- Standard Symmetrical AWD is a defining feature of the Crosstrek.
- Gas models use a 2.0L boxer engine with a CVT and no manual option in US-market trims.
- The Crosstrek Hybrid adds electric motor assist for better fuel economy while keeping AWD.
