There are two engines available for the 2025 Crosstrek. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes a relatively modest 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. There’s an optional engine available, which is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Like the base engine, the optional 2.5-liter powerplant has a strong EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of 29 mpg combined (27 city/33 highway). 

With lots of ground clearance, robust underbody protection, and standard all-wheel drive, the Crosstrek is pretty capable off-road as well. Rugged versions like the Wilderness trim level should be where the adventurous types start their shopping search, but they do see a drop in fuel economy to 27 mpg combined, according to EPA estimates.

While the Crosstrek is technically classified as an SUV, it’s quite small compared to other vehicles in the class. From nose to tail, the Crosstrek only measures 176.4 inches, 4.5 inches shorter than the 2025 Toyota RAV4. That means it has limited cargo space at just 19.9 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats. Compare that to 24.4 cubic feet in something like the compact and affordable Honda HR-V, or 37.6 cubic feet in the slightly larger RAV4, and it’s clear that the Crosstrek isn’t super spacious. Its exterior dimensions, though, are small enough to fit in tight spaces, and its diminutive stature doesn’t stop it from being capable enough to trek up your local off-road trail.

For 2026, Subaru is getting rid of the base 2.0-liter engine, with the 2.5-liter engine becoming the standard. Power drops slightly to 180 hp, but torque goes up to 178 lb-ft. The real big change, however, is the hybrid model. It uses the 2.5-liter engine and a hybrid system for a total output of 194 hp. Subaru hasn’t released torque info yet, but hybrids tend to get a chunk of extra torque and some off-the-line push from the battery, so our hopes are high for the Crosstrek. Fuel economy is also undisclosed at this time, but it’s likely to beat out the standard model’s 29 mpg combined. Subaru says there will be a 33% increase in city fuel economy over the old standard model; by our math, that’s about 35 mpg in the city.

What Subaru has announced, however, is the pricing. Base trim levels for 2026 start at $28,415. The hybrid is more expensive, starting at $35,415 for the least-expensive hybrid model. The Limited trim level comes with more features and creature comforts, and it comes in at $36,415 (all prices include $1,420 destination fee). Whether or not either version of the hybrid will be worth the extra cash will likely come down to factors like the difference in real-world fuel economy and how the hybrid system changes the driving experience.