Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek Hybrid?
The Crosstrek Hybrid is being discontinued as Subaru shifts its focus toward a broader electrification strategy that emphasizes full-electric vehicles and other electrified powertrains over plug-in hybrids.
Subaru has signaled a strategic reorientation around electrification across its lineup, balancing the cost and complexity of maintaining a plug-in variant with a plan to expand electrified options through dedicated EVs and hybrid technologies in partnership with its existing platforms and partners.
Why Subaru ended the Crosstrek Hybrid
A combination of market performance, cost considerations, and strategic direction drove the decision to discontinue the Crosstrek Hybrid. The model never sold at volumes that justified the additional engineering and manufacturing expense of a plug-in variant, especially as consumer interest shifted toward other forms of electrification.
- Weak demand relative to other Crosstrek variants and the overall lineup.
- Higher development and production costs for maintaining a plug-in hybrid option.
- A strategic pivot toward broader electrification goals, including full-electric models and non-plug-in hybrids, rather than expanding the plug-in hybrid family.
- Market and regulatory dynamics affecting incentives and consumer choice for PHEVs.
As part of this shift, Subaru did not continue the Crosstrek Hybrid into the next model year in the United States, effectively ending the variant there.
What Subaru is pursuing instead
To replace or complement the Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru is leaning into its existing electrification pathways and new products, aiming to offer customers robust choices across the powertrain spectrum while leveraging partnerships and shared platforms.
- Solterra, Subaru’s dedicated battery-electric SUV, developed in partnership with Toyota and built on the e-TNGA platform.
- Expanded electrified options across the lineup, including mild-hybrid or other non-plug-in electrified variants where feasible.
- Continued collaboration on scalable electrification technology aligned with Subaru’s global strategy and partnerships.
This approach is designed to keep Subaru competitive in a rapidly evolving market while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on symmetrical all-wheel-drive capability and reliability across electrified and traditional powertrains.
Market context for plug-in hybrids
Subaru’s decision fits a broader industry trend as automakers reassess plug-in hybrids in favor of all-electric vehicles and more cost-efficient electrified solutions. In several markets, consumer demand for PHEVs has been uneven, with some buyers favoring the simplicity, range, and charging infrastructure advantages of BEVs. Regulatory incentives and the total cost of ownership also influence how automakers allocate resources between plug-in hybrids and full EVs.
With the Solterra and other electrified offerings maturing, Subaru is positioning itself to deliver a broader range of electric and electrified vehicles while maintaining its core strengths—such as all-wheel-drive capability and practical practicality—across a more streamlined product lineup.
Summary
Subaru’s discontinuation of the Crosstrek Hybrid reflects a strategic recalibration of its electrification plan. By shifting focus away from plug-in hybrids toward a stronger BEV lineup (notably the Solterra) and other electrified powertrains, Subaru aims to meet evolving customer demand, manage costs, and accelerate its move into a more electrified future without relying on a single plug-in variant.
