2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is substandard in a few key areas, including cargo capacity, efficiency, and gearbox refinement. Its looks are also a bit humdrum compared to more stylish rivals in the USA, like the larger Toyota RAV4 Prime. Still, it has an awful lot going for it. Like most Subarus, the Crosstrek has all-wheel drive as standard, and not just for show. You'd be surprised at what you can do in a Crosstrek. It's also one of a handful of compact crossovers with an actual tow rating. It may only be 1,000 pounds, but it's something. Finally, the Crosstrek is a plug-in hybrid, with a 2.0-liter boxer engine/electric motor combination that provides a total of 148 horsepower. The benefit of this is that you get 17 miles of all-electric range before the four-cylinder engine is activated. Admittedly, it's not a lot, but every mile is a win when some of your competitors don't offer this capability at all.

Essentially, yes. The Crosstrek is already a great car, offering permanent all-wheel drive, decent ground clearance, and high safety levels - the IIHS review of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid resulted in a Top Safety Pick+ award. Among other compact crossover and SUV models, the Crosstrek is the most willing to get down and dirty. Adding a hybrid powertrain just adds to an already popular vehicle. It may not get the best mpg performance in the segment, but it's hardly a twin-turbo V8. The claimed 17-mile range might not seem that great, but if your daily commute is less than ten miles, you're going to be smiling all the way: Use cheap electricity during the week and the 2.0-liter engine for weekend adventures. Having said that, we have to wonder whether the high asking price of the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is worth it. There's a massive $7,350 price gap between the top-spec Crosstrek Limited and the base-model Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid, with the latter costing the most. To us, the standard Crosstrek sans hybrid tech remains the one to have.

The solitary Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid model will cost you a tidy $36,345 MSRP, excluding Subaru's destination and delivery of $1,175. That's not bad considering the plug-in ability and what its rivals cost, but within the Crosstrek range, it's costly. The top-spec Crosstrek with an old-school gas engine is more than $7,000 cheaper and fully stocked with features. In the US, $7,000 can buy a lot of gas. On a more positive note, the Crosstrek Hybrid qualifies for a federal tax credit of $4,502 which helps to soften the blow of its high initial asking price.