Is a Subaru Hybrid Worth It?

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is Subaru’s only hybrid vehicle. Here’s everything you need to know.
Written by Christelle Agustin
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
With its off-road capability and 5-star safety rating, the 2022
Crosstrek
Hybrid is Subaru’s most efficient hybrid since the company's debut in the hybrid market in 2013. 
With more cars on the road creating more air pollution, manufacturers are turning to cleaner and more efficient alternatives. Gas is a finite (and costly!) resource, but
electric cars
use electricity to cut down on fuel costs and harmful emissions. 
But what if your car runs out of charge mid-drive? This is where hybrid cars come in—using both fuel and electricity to run so that you can make it to your destination without missing a beat.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

Subaru hybrid models guide

Japanese car company Subaru is a fairly new player in the electric vehicle game. The 2014 Crosstrek Hybrid (also known as the Subaru XV) was the company’s first hybrid—unlike veteran car company
Toyota
, which has been doing it since the release of the
Prius
in 1997.
Based on its gas-only cousin, the Crosstrek Hybrid is now in its second generation. The subcompact SUV is small in size but packs a punch with its off-road capability. And while it may be Subaru’s only hybrid, it’s been upgraded every year since its introduction.
Here’s a breakdown of recent Crosstrek Hybrids, including starting prices and fuel economy:
Model
Vehicle type
Starting price
Fuel economy (base trim)
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
SUV
$34,995
90 electric / 35 gas
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
SUV
$35,145
90 electric / 35 gas
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
SUV
$36,395
90 electric / 35 gas
2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
SUV
$37,520
90 electric / 35 gas
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Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric car: what’s the difference?

Hybrid vehicles use both a gas engine and an electric motor. They’re ideal in slower driving environments like cities, where stops are more frequent. Using a process called regenerative braking, the car stores energy from the momentum of braking until it accelerates again, recycling energy and reducing fuel emissions.
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has two perks to standard hybrids: they can fully run on an electric charge and be recharged at home or at a charging station. When gas runs out, PHEVs are capable of running purely on electricity. Crosstrek Hybrids are plug-in hybrids that can reach up to 17 miles solely on an electric charge!
For those itching to go full electric, good news: Subaru is coming out with their first all-electric vehicle, the 2023 Solterra EV SUV. The Solterra will be available in three models: Premium, Limited, and Touring (names are subject to change). 

The best Subaru hybrid car

While there is only one Subaru hybrid, you have eight model years to choose from. Subaru has managed to improve on its craft every year, so the newer models fare better than the older ones.
Here are the strongest contenders based on performance, fuel economy, price, and value.

Best Subaru hybrid overall: 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2022 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is our top pick for safety, compact size, and versatility for daily commutes and family road trips. While its 2021 predecessor comes with the same features for $1,000 less, overall ownership expenses are higher. With the 2022 Crosstrek Hybrid, you’ll be saving more in the long run!

Best used Subaru hybrid: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

With an upgraded suspension and look from the previous year’s model—plus the same features of the 2022 model—you’ll get the most value out of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Since the price tag on a brand-new one of these is already $1,000 cheaper than the 2022 version, you bet a used 2021 hybrid will cost you even less!
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Are Subaru hybrids worth it? 

Let’s dive into the performance, reliability, and cost of owning a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

Performance

As an off-road SUV, the Crosstrek Hybrid can handle adventure with ease—including bumpy roads, winding trails, and unpredictable weather conditions. Its X-Mode system aids in traction when your wheels encounter tough terrain. The system will automatically transfer power on a wheel or wheels with more traction to give you a better grip on the road. 
In addition, X-Mode includes a high descent control setting, which allows you to focus on steering when driving down a hill. As terrifying as it may seem, all you have to do is steer and the vehicle will automatically brake each wheel as you make your way down. Of course, hovering your foot over the brake is always a good idea.
While the Crosstrek Hybrid excels in slow, adventurous driving, it struggles to speed past it. Hybrid models from 2019 to 2022 tend to be slow to accelerate on highways. If you’re looking to go faster, the 2.5L engine upgrade is only available on the gas-powered Sport and Limited trims for the 2021 and 2022 model years. 

Reliability

The 2022 Crosstrek Hybrid has safety on lock with a 2022Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-star overall vehicle score from the National Highway Safety Administration. These are the highest possible ratings for a car to receive, so you know you’re in good hands.

Cost of ownership

Overall costs of owning a hybrid go beyond the initial vehicle price. Let’s take a look at five-year costs as a potential hybrid owner. 
The starting price of a 2022 Crosstrek Hybrid is $36,395, but according to Edmunds, the true cost of ownership is about $32,432 over five years. Here’s what that includes:
  • Insurance: $4,997
  • Maintenance: $4,863
  • Repairs: $757
  • Financing: $3,954
  • Taxes and fees: $3,690
  • Fuel: $8,040
  • Depreciation: $10,633
  • Tax credit: -$4,502
In contrast, the five-year cost to own the older 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid will cost you about $580 more. No doubt, that figure will increase as your vehicle ages and repairs become more necessary. 

How to get sustainable rates on car insurance

Switching to hybrid and buying a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid can save you in fuel costs—but cutting costs doesn’t have to end there. With
Jerry
, you can find the best deals on the
car insurance
coverage you need in seconds.
All you need to do is download the app and answer a few easy questions. Jerry browses rates from more than 50 insurers and presents you with the top deals. Once you choose your new policy, Jerry handles everything to finalize it and even helps cancel your old one.
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FAQs

You could earn up to $4,502 in
tax credits
just for purchasing an electric vehicle. Your state may also have electric car incentives, which can add around $1,500 in savings.
It will cost around $1,000 to $2,000 to replace a Subaru hybrid battery. If you bought your Subaru hybrid brand new, batteries are covered by a
Subaru warranty
for eight years or 100,000 miles.
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