![]() With 240 volts (which requires additional hardware), it can do it in about two hours.ĭriving the Crosstrek Hybrid is a serene experience - at least while electricity powers the car. Subaru estimates an empty battery can be recharged in about five hours on a 120-volt household outlet using the provided cord. Note that unlike some larger plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars, the Crosstrek PHEV can make do without 240-volt charging. Charging ports need to be at the front of a vehicle, not the rear. (The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is guilty of the same offense.) My home 240-volt charger is near the front of my garage, meaning I had to do some creative parking in order to charge the Crosstrek Hybrid at home. This is a terrible location for a charging port given most chargers are located at the front of a parking space, meaning you’ll have to stretch the charge cord down the driver’s side of the car to reach the port - if it can reach at all. One is for gasoline, the other for the electric charging port. ![]() First, you’ll notice there are “fuel” doors on the rear quarter panels on both sides of the car. It looks almost identical to the standard version, with a few minor tweaks. You won’t pick a plug-in hybrid Crosstrek out of a crowd on first glance. It’s significantly more expensive than a standard Crosstrek, making us wonder if the boost in fuel economy (and performance) is worth the price. The Crosstrek has won our Subcompact SUV Challenge twice, with the most recent generation taking the crown in 2018.įor 2019, Subaru has brought an electrified version back to the lineup, but the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is available only as a plug-in hybrid - meaning it has a bigger battery capable of limited electric-only travel after you plug in and charge it. No, it’s not quick (not even decently so), but it’s reasonably efficient even with its standard flat-four-cylinder engine. It drives like a bigger car, features all-weather capability, has just enough off-road ability to get you most places you’re likely to want to go and is amazingly inexpensive compared with the competition. The standard model was updated for 2018 and is incredibly spacious for its footprint. We’re big fans of the Subaru Crosstrek here at. But none of them offer standard all-wheel drive at this price like the Crosstrek Hybrid, giving it an advantage for those seeking all-weather capability and part-time electric efficiency. ![]() Versus the competition: Plug-in hybrids are increasingly common, and most of them come with some sort of compromise: higher cost to buy, limited cargo space, greater weight. The car feels solid and safe, and my insurance premiums went down from my Prius as Subaru has such a great safety record.įinally, this car qualifies for the orange Access OK sticker, which enables you to use the HOV lane and park for free at meters in certain towns (such as Santa Monica.The verdict: The compromises and expense of the Subaru Crosstrek’s hybrid system versus the excellent standard Crosstrek make it a smart choice for a very limited clientele. There isn't tons of trunk space as the battery takes up a lot of room, but sufficient I'd say unless you need to frequently carry large loads. The car handles very smoothly and has a nice 4 wheel drive capacity for mountains, hikes etc. You have to connect with a wire which is okay, but in this day and age you'd hope for more. My only gripe is there's no wireless charging point, which is offered on Toyota's. If you drive longer distances routinely then this car might not be worth the extra money over the regular Crosstrek. If you do short drives close to home then this car is a great bet. I have not noticed my electric bills go up particularly, despite driving this car almost exclusively on the electric battery. The fact it can charge from a regular plug is amazing. I charge it when I get home and at work also. Granted, we have been driving less during stay at home, but I have had this car 4 months and have only used 1/2 a tank of gas which is incredible. If I go further then the hybrid kicks in. I live in an urban environment where I drive short distances for errands or to work. ![]() The Crosstrek Hybrid is the perfect car for me. This car fits the bill for a robust crossover option that also reduces the carbon footprint. My Prius was involved in a head-on crash, and although it performed amazingly, I wanted something a little more solid. I leased this car in March after 12 years of being a Prius owner. ![]()
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