2026 Subaru Crosstrek: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the arrival of hybrid models. Subaru also drops the old 2.0-liter base engine, so every Crosstrek now uses a 2.5-liter engine either by itself or with hybrid assistance.
About the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
3rd generation (2024-present), third model year.
Subaru positions the Crosstrek as a right-sized adventure SUV: small enough for daily driving and easy parking, but built with standard AWD, useful ground clearance, and a flexible cargo area for bad weather, dirt roads, camping gear, and weekend travel. Its core appeal versus many small SUVs is that this capability is built in rather than reserved for expensive trims. Subaru also emphasizes safety and long-term durability, so the Crosstrek works as an everyday commuter first and an outdoor-ready small SUV second.
The 2026 Crosstrek range runs from a practical AWD base model to the comfort-focused Limited, with Sport adding bolder trim and Wilderness emphasizing trail ability. Premium and higher gas trims use an 11.6-inch touchscreen, Limited has leather-trimmed seats and added driver-assistance features, and Wilderness has 9.3 inches of ground clearance and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
What changed, by category
2026 Subaru Crosstrek specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode / Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas / Hybrid | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26–36 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 36 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33–36 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 36 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 154–178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft | 154 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.7 cu-ft | 50.6–54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 50.6 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.5 in | 36.5–36.7 in | 36.5 in | 36.5 in | 36.7 in | 36.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek offered as a hybrid?
Yes. The 2026 Crosstrek adds a Sport Hybrid trim, and the Limited also gains a hybrid powertrain. Gas-only versions remain in the lineup.
Does every 2026 Subaru Crosstrek have a 2.5-liter engine?
Yes. Every 2026 Crosstrek uses a 2.5-liter engine, either as the regular gas engine or as part of the hybrid system. The previous 2.0-liter base engine is gone.
What changed on the 2026 Crosstrek base trim?
The 2026 Crosstrek base trim replaces its old 152-hp 2.0-liter engine with a 180-hp 2.5-liter engine. It also gains dual-function X-MODE, keyless access with push-button start, rear-seat side airbags, and paddle shifters with an eight-speed manual shift mode.
What safety features were added to the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek?
Rear-seat side airbags become standard on every 2026 Crosstrek. The Limited also adds standard DriverFocus, which watches for signs of driver distraction.
What changed on the 2026 Crosstrek Wilderness?
The 2026 Crosstrek Wilderness gains a standard heated steering wheel and rear-seat side airbags, while satellite radio changes from standard to optional. Its trail-focused equipment still includes 9.3 inches of ground clearance, dual-function X-MODE, protective body cladding, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.