Subaru Bids Farewell to Crosstrek Hybrid, Steps Away from Hybrid Market
2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
Of Subaru’s robust, outdoorsy lineup, the Crosstrek might not necessarily be the most recognizable SUV–especially compared to the hot-selling Forester and Outback–but the compact crossover still stands strong and returns for the 2017 model year. At least, part of it is.
The automaker has announced that while the Crosstrek will be priced at $21,695 for the 2017 year and feature the return of many signature aspects, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will not be returning this year. Instead, the hybrid variant of the Crosstrek will be retired after the remaining 2016 units are sold.
The Crosstrek Hybrid has been the brand’s only hybrid model in its lineup and has been part of its since its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show. Subaru’s decision to retire its first-ever hybrid model may seem concerning, especially seeing how the rest of the automotive market is leaping toward more hybrid and EV powertrains, but Subaru knows what it’s doing. Its vehicles already have above-average fuel economy even without hybrid powertrains, with the latest Crosstrek getting up to 33 mpg in the highway.
Plus, Subaru has made it publicly known that this isn’t a long-term absence from producing hybrid vehicles. “It is important to note that we are not leaving the hybrid market permanently,” explained Jeff Walters, executive vice president of sales, Subaru of America. “We are currently working on a new hybrid vehicle, although it is too early to discuss specifics.”
So what exactly are Subaru’s plans now? The company will be redirecting its efforts in order to develop a new hybrid based on the recently-launched Subaru Global Platform, this time aiming for fully-electric PHEVs. Signature features like Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and cutting-edge safety features are sure to return on them, so not it’s just a matter of time until something new is revealed.
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