2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid evaluation
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid has lastly landed, a couple of month behind its petrol-powered siblings.
Whereas uptake of hybrid and electrical automobiles good points momentum, electrified choices stay comparatively mild on the bottom in Australia.
There are solely a handful of hybrid choices rivalling the Crosstrek: the GWM Haval Jolion, Honda HR-V, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Toyota C-HR and Corolla Cross.
Some are on the way in which, equivalent to the brand new Hyundai Kona Hybrid and Nissan Qashqai e-Energy – however past that there’s solely the mild-hybrid Mazda CX-30 and MX-30 M Hybrid.
There’s a giant alternative for Subaru, being one of many few to supply hybrid and all-wheel drive – solely the Eclipse Cross PHEV and Corolla Cross Hybrid do of the above record. Plus, the Crosstrek and its XV forebear have lengthy been touted as extra adventure-ready choices within the class.
However there’s a niggling challenge; the Subaru e-Boxer Hybrid system hasn’t been met with vital acclaim. It’s typically criticised for providing minimal gasoline financial savings in the true world regardless of a reasonably hefty premium over equal petrol variations of Subaru merchandise.
Whereas the brand new Crosstrek isn’t a revolution in comparison with the previous XV, Subaru says it has advanced and refined the formulation. It positively felt like the usual Crosstrek benefited from this, so it’s time to seek out out if the Crosstrek Hybrid does too.
How a lot does the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S price?
On check we’ve got the flagship Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S, priced from $45,090 plus on-road prices.
That makes it the most costly variant on sale in Australia, commanding a $3500 premium over the equal Crosstrek AWD 2.0S which is successfully an identical in specification bar the e-Boxer setup.
Drive-away, you’re taking a look at $50,495 primarily based on a Melbourne postcode, which is loads of cash for just a little crossover, and in addition places the Subaru within the firing line of entry-level premium crossovers.
If you’d like a Crosstrek Hybrid for much less money, there may be the entry-level AWD Hybrid L from $38,590 earlier than on-roads.
Equally-priced hybrids with AWD embrace the bottom Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid EV ES ($47,290) and the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos AWD Hybrid ($49,050).
2023 Subaru Crosstrek pricing:
- Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L: $34,990
- Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0R: $38,490
- Subaru Crosstrek AWS 2.0S: $41,490
- Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid L: $38,590
- Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S: $45,090
What’s the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S like on the within?
Nearly an identical to the equal petrol Crosstrek.
You’ll be able to hop into the brand new Crosstrek proper after sitting within the newest Outback and WRX and really feel at house, such are the similarities throughout Subaru’s newest fashions.
The upright 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen is the headline act, and comes commonplace throughout the vary with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – step as much as the S-spec right here and also you get embedded navigation.
The interface is clear and straightforward to make use of, whereas the funky fonts and blue color theme supply some visible pop. Responses to inputs and processing speeds are good, and it’s hooked as much as first rate audio techniques no matter which variant to you select.
The ten-speaker Harman Kardon system in S grades has added depth and readability over the setup in lesser fashions which is noticeable in case you hear again to again. That stated, it did shake the door trims just a little with greater quantity.
Whereas the local weather management menu is relegated to the touchscreen, there are bodily temperature controls and the HVAC widget is completely positioned on the base of the show – it’s positively one of many higher implementations.
Comfort is pretty good for the driver and passenger. In S models you get hardy leather trim with powered driver’s seat adjustment and heated front chairs, which proved handy during a week of chilly Melbourne mornings.
The steering wheel is trimmed in hardy, grained leather that’s grippy and well-suited to Subaru’s more adventurous pitch. The multifunction switchgear is chunky and well laid out, too.
Ahead of the driver you won’t find a flash all-digital cluster, but the gauges flanking a colour supervision display look fine but don’t have the ‘wow’ factor of the digitised units in rival models, though will no doubt be favoured by the more traditionalist crowd. I also like the sports pedals.
The second row of seating has by no means been an XV energy, given it’s extra of a hatchback on stilts relatively than a bespoke SUV design that’s been packaged as such.
Leg and knee room are satisfactory however gained’t problem the GWM Haval Jolion or Kia Seltos, and the Crosstrek continues to overlook out on rear air vents. There are, nevertheless, USB-A and USB-C charging factors on the rear of the centre console to maintain gadgets juiced.
Headroom is okay, however the skinny physique and enormous driveline hump within the ground impede on rear-centre passenger area. This may seat 4 fantastic, and may deal with youngster seats because of top-tether factors throughout all three seats and ISOFIX anchors on the outboard positions.
If you’re planning to hold kiddies typically, the rising window line doesn’t give one of the best view out for smaller youngsters – but it surely’s not as dangerous for outward visibility within the rear because the coupe-styled Toyota C-HR.
I assume these measurements are to the window line or the top of the seat backs, as there’s also a 1278L capacity quoted when measured to the ceiling. It’s well off the likes of the Corolla Cross (380-446L), and it can’t even match the Mazda CX-30 (317L).
One key difference between the Crosstrek Hybrid and the standard petrol versions is the lack of a spare wheel, the e-Boxer models instead making do with a tyre repair kit – I can’t imagine this being much help on a trail.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Energy comes from a 2.0-litre e-Boxer Hybrid drivetrain, which mixes the usual petrol engine with a 12.3kW/66Nm electrical motor and small lithium-ion battery for improved gasoline economic system.
Outputs for the engine alone are rated at 110kW (5800-6000rpm) and 196Nm (4000rpm). Subaru Motor Help permits the 2 energy sources to work collectively beneath acceleration.
Drive is distributed to Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system by way of a CVT automated. Nonetheless, not like the petrol mannequin which will get eight ‘gear ratio’ steps, the e-Boxer’s unit will get seven ratios.
Subaru claims mixed gasoline economic system of 7.2L per 100km for the usual Crosstrek petrol, whereas the e-Boxer Hybrid drops that to 6.5L per 100km. The gasoline tank measures a large-for-segment 63 litres for the petrol, and 48 litres for the hybrid.
CO2 emissions for the Petrol and Hybrid are quoted at 165g/km and 147g/km respectively. Each energy models meet Euro 6b emissions requirements, and are tuned to run on common 91 RON unleaded gasoline.
With a braked trailer you’ll be capable to tow as much as 1400kg within the petrol Crosstrek, with the tow ball obtain most quoted as 140kg. The Hybrid drops that to 1270kg and 127kg – although all variations quote a 650kg unbraked capability.
How does the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S drive?
It’s actually not all that totally different to the usual Boxer-powered Crosstrek within the massive scheme of issues.
Acceleration efficiency and dealing with are all largely an identical from what I’ve skilled, although the addition of the mild-hybrid system means the engine will commonly shut off while you let off the accelerator beneath 80km/h and assist you to crawl at low speeds in EV mode with nothing however a synthetic whirring noise emanating from the e-motor.
That may be fairly a juxtaposition to when the Boxer engine is firing, because the signature rumbly word could be fairly current within the cabin on chilly begin and beneath arduous acceleration – even when Subaru has made numerous developments to the chassis and sound deadening to enhance refinement.
Talking of, one of many first stuff you’ll discover while you begin up the Crosstrek Hybrid is that it truly fires up the engine, relatively than beginning in a quiet EV mode like most automobiles operating correct hybrid drivetrains.
Even when the battery is full and the inexperienced ‘Prepared’ is lit up within the instrument cluster, you gained’t see the Crosstrek enter its EV mode for a short time because the engine works to stand up to working temperature.
It was a very chilly week in Melbourne once we had the Crosstrek Hybrid S, so the Boxer most likely needed to work just a little tougher to get heat.
When you’re up and operating, the Crosstrek Hybrid drives very equally to the petrol model, with satisfactory efficiency from the naturally-aspirated petrol engine and clean, slurry ‘steps’ between fake ratios from the CVT.
The important thing distinction is how the hybrid system will commonly shut off the engine when you’re off the accelerator, coasting freely in EV mode on flat roads or on a descent, or as you slowly come to a cease as you method a crimson mild.
You’ll discover when it’s doing its factor, while you see the tach out of the blue drop to zero rpm and a shiny inexperienced EV signal lights up within the instrument cluster. As soon as the engine is at a cheerful working temperature, you’ll see this occur rather a lot.
The little 12.3kW/66Nm e-motor will likely be your first level of name while you set off, however relying on how a lot response you want it will probably both a superb factor or a not-so-good factor.
Once you’re in slow-moving visitors, the electrical motor will whir and let the Crosstrek crawl alongside in EV mode, effectively permitting you to roll with out utilizing a drop of gasoline. You are able to do an identical factor at automobile park speeds or while you’re doing the stop-start faculty run, for instance.
The flipside is while you’re setting off from the lights there’s not sufficient grunt from the electrical motor to supply a lot go by itself, and requires the petrol engine to fireplace up and step in. Whereas Subaru appears to have ironed out the elastic and disjointed really feel of the earlier era, in its regular mode the Crosstrek Hybrid feels prefer it hesitates off the road as the electrical motor palms over to the petrol motor.
It type of feels just like the second when cease/begin fires up the petrol engine, or when a DSG will get itself collectively as you set off. You’ll be able to hear the Boxer engine hearth up as you get going too, although like I stated earlier it’s an enchancment over the previous one.
The Motor Help perform means the petrol engine can really feel and sound much less laboured beneath throttle in comparison with the common petrol mannequin, although, because the e-motor provides a small increase off the road and beneath arduous acceleration.
Whereas the Crosstrek Hybrid is down 5kW in comparison with the petrol mannequin on paper, the increase from the hybrid system means it isn’t down on efficiency. If something it’s just a little higher off – not like the bigger Forester Hybrid which is properly down on outputs in comparison with the two.5i.
It’s in any other case commonplace Subaru fare, with correct, predictable controls and impartial dealing with that’s snug round city and steady on the freeway.
The Crosstrek is impressively snug as each a commuter and as a tourer, with a pliant trip and supportive seats that gained’t depart you with a sore bum.
I like the dimensions, because it’s tremendous straightforward to string via metropolis streets and slot into tight parking spots – the latter helped by the encompass digicam system. On a few events I efficiently tried very tight parallel parks that you just wouldn’t dream of slotting a Forester into, not to mention an Outback.
At a cruise the little petrol engine and CVT settle right into a quiet hum round 2000rpm, and you’ll let the intuitive adaptive cruise management and lane centring techniques do many of the work on longer stints.
With reference to driver help tech, Subaru’s EyeSight suite is commonplace throughout the vary, and does a largely good job at holding you on the straight and slim, if with a number of quirks.
The fixed robotic beeps and bongs aren’t my favorite, with the driving force monitor always flashing and chiming at you if it thinks you aren’t wanting on the street forward, whereas there’s a really loud bong from the navigation system each time you method a street security digicam – “this automobile is basically annoying”, a buddy stated after successive alerts.
It’s in any other case stable. The adaptive cruise management and lane centring capabilities will take the load of freeway driving in addition to visitors jams, whereas blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert assist compensate for the thick C-pillar and slim rear windscreen.
One other useful function is the Aspect View Monitor which is a kerb digicam perform meaning there’s no excuse for scraping these machined 18-inch alloys.
Whereas we didn’t take the Crosstrek Hybrid off-road, we did pattern the petrol model off-road throughout the current Australian media launch. We scaled some trails that might make most small SUVs sweat; however the Crosstrek’s wholesome 220mm of floor clearance, X-Mode off-road settings and all-paw traction meant we may go additional than you may suppose.
The bottom clearance and brief overhangs got here in actual useful on the more difficult path as much as the lunch spot within the Hunter Valley, which included loads of uneven surfaces, sharper dips and large rocks.
Commonplace hill descent management is activated everytime you have interaction X-Mode and are heading downhill, and it neatly adjusts the set pace to no matter you final brake or speed up to. It does a superb job at holding stated set pace, too.
Positive this isn’t a correct 4×4, however then once more aside from a Suzuki Jimny what’s for this sort of cash? The Crosstrek will arguably go additional than simply about any rival will dare to journey – and we don’t even get the Wilderness model that was not too long ago revealed for the US, although Subaru Australia is working arduous for it.
What do you get?
Crosstrek AWD 2.0L + Hybrid L highlights:
Efficiency
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
- Auto Cease Begin
- Subaru Clever Drive (SI-Drive)
- X-Mode with hill first rate management
Exterior
- 17-inch alloy wheels (new design)
- LED headlights
- Nightfall-sensing headlights
- Rear mixture lights with LED brake lights
- SUBARU letter badge
- Door mirrors – power-folding with indicators
- Roof rails – black
Inside
- Tricot (Tetra Embossing) material seat trim
- Twin-zone climate-control
Leisure, Expertise and Security
- Central data show with 11.6-inch touchscreen
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- USB ports – USB-A and USB-C
- Wi-fi Qi charger
- 6-speaker audio
Crosstrek AWD 2.0R provides:
Efficiency
Exterior
- 18-inch alloy wheels (new design)
- Entrance and rear wipers with entrance de-icer
- Self-levelling LED headlights with auto off
- Entrance cornering lamps
- Door mirrors – heated
- Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH)
- Entrance LED fog lights
- Roof rails – darkish gray
Inside
- Premium material seat trim
- Leather-based steering wheel/gear shift
- Sports activities pedals
- Auto-dimming rear view mirror
- Heated seats – driver and entrance passenger
- 10-way energy driver seat with lumbar assist
- Shift boot
Leisure, Expertise and Security
- Rear passenger USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- Subaru Imaginative and prescient Help:
Crosstrek AWD 2.0S + Hybrid S provides:
Exterior
Inside
- Leather-based-accented seat trim
Leisure, Expertise and Security
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Colors
Exterior Paint:
- Crystal White Pearl
- Ice Silver Metallic
- Magnetite Gray Metallic
- Crystal Black Silica
- Pure Crimson
- Offshore Blue Metallic
- Solar Blaze Pearl
- Oasis Blue
- Sapphire Blue Pearl
- Horizon Blue Pearl
All exterior finishes are no-cost choices
Upholsteries:
- Tricot cloth – charcoal (2.0L, Hybrid L)
- Premium material – charcoal OR gray (2.0R)
- Leather-based accented – black OR gray (2.0S, Hybrid S)
Is the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S secure?
The 2023 Subaru Crosstrek is but to be examined by ANCAP, and due to this fact is unrated.
Commonplace security options embrace:
- 9 airbags
- Twin entrance, twin entrance aspect, twin curtain
- Driver’s knee
- Far aspect
- Entrance passenger seat cushion
- EyeSight Driver Help:
- Entrance Pre-Collision Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane hold help
- Lane centring help
- Lane departure prevention
- Lane departure warning
- Lane Sway Warning
- Lead Car Begin Alert
- Pre-Collision Braking System (AEB)
- Pre-Collision Throttle Administration
- Autonomous emergency steering
- Brake mild recognition
- Clever pace limiter
- Pace limiter
- Pace signal recognition
- Large-angle monocular digicam
- New stereo digicam with improved picture recognition
- Subaru Imaginative and prescient Help:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- EyeSight Help Monitor
- Lane change help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Reverse Computerized Braking (AEB)
- Entrance aspect radar
- Driver Monitoring System – Driver Focus:
Crosstrek 2.0R adds:
- Subaru Vision Assist:
- High-beam assist
- 360-degree cameras
- Side View Monitor
Considering the entire Subaru range wears five-star ANCAP and Euro NCAP safety ratings, we’d be surprised if the new Crosstrek didn’t achieve similar, given the common vehicle architecture and suite of standard safety systems.
How a lot does the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S price to run?
The Crosstrek is roofed by Subaru Australia’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre new automobile guarantee.
Consumers may even obtain 12 months of Subaru Roadside Help with buy.
Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first. Subaru presents 5 years of capped value servicing, which covers as much as 75,000 kilometres.
The primary 5 visits will set you again $346.25, $473,47, $420,60, $771.74 and $361.13 – for a complete of $2372.19.
It’s on the pricier aspect, however isn’t the dearest to take care of within the section.
As for gasoline consumption, we noticed an indicated real-world return of seven.5L per 100km over 520km of blended driving, together with every week’s value of peak-hour commuting and concrete errands. That’s just a little up on Subaru’s 6.5L/100km mixed declare, however virtually bang on the Crosstrek Hybrid’s city cycle declare of seven.4L/100km – which is 2.0L/100km lower than the city declare of the non-hybrid fashions.
Whereas removed from stellar effectivity for what’s branded a ‘Hybrid’, considered for what it’s (a mild-hybrid) the Crosstrek e-Boxer saves you an honest quantity of juice if quite a lot of your driving is in and round city. It’s best to be capable to get related vary out of a tank to the petrol in real-world situations with extra city use, regardless of the petrol having a 15L bigger tank.
We had this automobile shortly after the two.0S, which was exhibiting 9.6L/100km after related day by day peak-hour driving, and meaning for each 500km or so that you’ve saved round 10L of gasoline and diminished your carbon footprint. Nonetheless, it’ll take some time to recoup that $3500 premium for the e-Boxer, even when it additionally will run on cheaper 91 RON unleaded.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Subaru Crosstrek AWD Hybrid S
Don’t let the title idiot you – this isn’t a correct ‘hybrid’ to rival an equal Toyota.
However, the Crosstrek Hybrid does supply tangible gasoline financial savings in real-world use (albeit on the smaller aspect) significantly if the majority of your driving is within the metropolis, whereas providing successfully the identical expertise and functionality of its petrol sibling.
There’s the added refinement of silent coasting and deceleration when the e-Boxer system turns off the petrol engine, and judging by the classifieds for the previous XV Hybrid, you may make a part of the value premium again on depreciation – you are inclined to see a $5000-$10,000 distinction between equal petrol and hybrid XVs.
It’s removed from good although. The value premium over the equal petrol is just too nice given the extent of the gasoline financial savings (or lack of, to some), and the positioning of this Hybrid S mannequin is knocking on the door of extra premium competitors. Plus, the dearth of a spare wheel in comparison with the petrol additionally limits its attraction in case you head out of city commonly.
Efficiency is nothing greater than satisfactory regardless of the e-Boxer’s Subaru Motor Help perform, and there are some premium options nonetheless lacking like a powered tailgate, digital instrument cluster and entrance parking sensors.
For me one of the best picks of the brand new Crosstrek vary are the two.0R and Hybrid L. You’ll be able to both get the strongest worth for cash with the petrol-fired former, or get the nonetheless well-rounded base specification of the latter with the extra environment friendly e-Boxer mild-hybrid – there’s about $100 between them, so take your choose.
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MORE: Every part Subaru Crosstrek
