Auto & Bike Blog: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: Space Age Technology, Logical Fashion

Sunday 25 November 2018

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: Space Age Technology, Logical Fashion

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offers up to 90 MPGe.
Subaru’s new “StarDrive Technology” powers the Crosstrek Hybrid.
The vehicle makes its official debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show.

Here is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the first-ever Subaru plug-in hybrid vehicle. Wait, can that be right? Subie has never made a plug-in hybrid until now? Yup, that is right. Well it’s about time, for one thing, and they could have put a hybrid drive in a more practical package, for another.

If you were being logical, the Subaru Crosstrek is the only true “SUV” choice. But I get it, fashion statements must be made; the hierarchy at the school drop off zone must be maintained, so that’s why people drive stuff like Range Rovers and BMW X-Types. If you’re being logical, you need not look any further than the Crosstrek.

And now that they’re making a hybrid version, you can ignore the perceived need to buy a Prius.

Space Age Technology

Subaru’s new StarDrive Technology integrates the electric motors, the evergreen 2.0-liter boxer engine (with direct-injection), the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission. StarDrive Technology (totally bitchin’ sci-fi name, isn’t it? “Mr. Spock, prepare to engage the StarDrive!”) uses two electric motors; one works as the engine starter and hybrid battery generator.

The second powers the Crosstrek in hybrid and electric modes, and charges the batteries during regenerative braking. The new, electronically-controlled brake system distributes braking force between the regenerative brakes and the mechanical ones to improve efficiency and extended battery life. Nice!

The instrument panel houses a 4.2-inch color LCD screen for monitoring real-time power output and battery regeneration. The multi-function display, perched above the center stack, incorporates both driving and charging screens.

The Crosstrek Hybrid employs a high-capacity, lithium-ion battery, beneath the cargo area, for an EV range of 17 miles. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

What’s Good: Solid Range & Towing

And no, this ain’t no Harry Hairshirt, hipper than thou granola-mobile. Subaru dials up the fun (a little). To wit: The Crosstrek Hybrid can reach 65 mph in full electric mode, and it clocks in a full second faster, zero to 60, than the standard Crosstrek. Huzzah! Efficiency suffers? Au contraire, mon frère: Up to 90 MPGe with a total range of 480 miles, and an EV range of 17 miles running on the lithium-ion battery alone.

The Crosstrek Hybrid shares a number of goodies with its “normal” Crosstrek siblings. It has the same Linerartronic CVT with X-MODE and Hill Descent Control for slippery, off-pavement conditions. The Hybrid has 8.7-inches of ground clearance (nice!) and can tow and 1,000 lbs. And the standard, “performance management” SI-DRIVE system adapts the throttle characteristics to your liking between “Intelligent” and “Sport” modes.

Standard Active Torque Vectoring improves control and handling.

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offers 43.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

This ain't no Harry Hairshirt, hipper than thou granola-mobile.
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Tech & Safety: With That 70s Flair

Naturally, there’s a bunch of tech stuff on-board. Standard features include an eight-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, push-button start, automatic climate control, and two rear USB ports. The standard All-Weather Package comes with heated front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, and heated exterior mirrors. The steering wheel (leather-wrapped, natch) includes audio, Bluetooth, and SI-DRIVE control switches.

The safety gizmos include Steering Responsive Headlights to illuminate curves as you steer (just like Citroens from the 1970s!). Reverse Automatic Braking is there in case you nearly back over something and LED High Beam Assist helps you light up everything without blinding oncoming traffic. The Pedestrian Alert System provides an audible warning to pedestrians when you’re traveling below 20 mph.

Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package is standard on all Crosstrek Hybrids. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Pricing & Availability

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid arrives at the end of the year, priced at a rather reasonable $34,995. Destination charges, according to Subaru, may vary depending on where you live. The Crosstrek Hybrid also qualifies for HOV permits states like California and New York.

Given the Crosstrek is Subie’s third-best-selling model in America since its debut six years ago, the Japanese company didn’t want to mess it up.

Hence why this hybrid version is nicely refined and well thought out.

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.