Subaru Crosstrek News

Two new special editions from Subaru are now available in limited numbers, adding more kit to two of the iconic brand’s popular models.The Subaru Crosstrek Onyx and Impreza S-Edition have both joined the line-up, each based on the respective ‘2.0S’ variants in their model ranges but with extra features to entice customers in.They’re both listed on the Subaru Australia website, though pricing and exact specifications weren’t public at the time of writing. Subaru instead supplied a list of the changes for each.The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx comes in at $43,890 and is available in 250 units across Australia. While it’s (like the Impreza S-Edition) mechanically unchanged in terms of its drivetrain (a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-four Boxer engine), it adds a series of extra styling elements.Black trim elements and a rear spoiler, a dark metallic set of 18-inch wheels, a bonnet decal, mud guards and Onyx badging all come with the limited-edition Crosstrek. For reference, the standard Crosstrek 2.0S is $42,490.For the Impreza S-Edition, which costs $42,490 (over the Impreza 2.0S at $38,990) and is even more limited to 100 units, looking sporty rather than rugged is the aim.To that goal, plenty of STI parts including a front lip spoiler and a rear spoiler, a sports grille, STI trim inside and a set of 18-inch Enkei alloy wheels in black are included as well as ‘S-Edition’ badging.

Subaru has increased the price of its Crosstrek small SUV which has also gained a new crash safety rating.The Crosstrek, and its Impreza hatchback cousin, have been awarded a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating, on the back of a 2025 model year update that has introduced new tech and a cleaner powertrain for hybrid variants.The Crosstrek's price increase is relatively small at $500 per grade. The line-up now kicks off with the entry grade 2.0L at a list price of $35,990 before on-road costs. Subaru Australia confirmed with CarsGuide the reasons for the cost increase.“Continued increase in costs associated with production and logistics has resulted in a price adjustment for the MY25 Crosstrek range,“ the spokesperson said. “However, we are confident that the Crosstrek range continues to be exceptional value for Australian customers.”The price increase follows the addition of new safety tech, such as traffic sign recognition, and this has resulted in a five-star ANCAP rating for vehicles built from April 2025 and on sale from June 2025. The traffic sign recognition system can now identify No Entry, Give Way and Stop signs.“We are proud to confirm that the model-year 2025 Crosstrek has achieved a maximum five-star ANCAP rating,” Subaru's spokesperson told us. “The latest results highlight the strength of Subaru’s outstanding safety engineering, with the vehicle achieving high scores across key assessment categories. For Subaru, safety is not just part of the package, it’s the foundation. We are proud to see that commitment recognised by ANCAP, reaffirming our focus on offering smarter, safer vehicles for Australians.”Other changes to the Crosstrek’s range includes a petrol-particulate filter for hybrid models due to European emissions standards.“To meet the latest Euro 6e emissions standard, a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) has been introduced to Crosstrek Hybrid models,” the spokesperson said. “The GPF is the latest technology in reducing tailpipe emissions by capturing fine particulate matter from the exhaust. As a result of this update, there has been a minor adjustment to the hybrid variant’s power and torque outputs to ensure optimal performance and compliance.”The hybrid Crosstrek's outputs are now 100kW/182Nm down from 110kW/196Nm.The rest of the standard features list of Subaru Crosstrek remains unchanged with the entry-grade 2.0L coming with 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, LED headlights and daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an 11.6-inch media screen.The Crosstrek is the second-biggest seller in Subaru's model range, with  4452 sold so far this year. Rivals to the Crosstrek include Hyundai's Kona, Honda's HR-V and the Toyota Corolla Cross.

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Toyota and Subaru’s technological partnerships continue to grow following the introduction of second-gen GR86/BRZ and first ever electric models the bZ4X and Solterra.Subaru’s sixth-generation Forester, already on sale in North America, will use a Toyota hybrid system from 2025 and there’s suggestion the Crosstrek small SUV will also use the so-called ‘strong hybrid’ as soon as 2024.A report from Japanese newspaper Nikkan Jidosha Shimbun suggests Subaru could implement a Toyota hybrid system in the current Crosstrek this year, as it targets a hybrid sales share of 70 per cent in Japan by 2030 – with the remainder to be EV. This does go against Subaru’s global commitment to roll out strong hybrids from 2025, however the report might be suggesting the technology will be unveiled later this year before '25 production.The new Forester is expected to be the first Subaru sold in Australia with a Toyota-sourced battery along with other high-voltage electric components allied with Subaru’s signature flat-four ‘boxer’ engine layout. Exact details are still to be determined. "We're very excited about that - I've always said with next-gen Forester it's our number-one selling model in Australia, so we need to put our best foot forward - we believe that strong hybrid technology will be a big shot in the arm", Subaru Australia Managing Director Blair Read told CarsGuide in March.The second-gen XV/Crosstrek was sold in Australia with Subaru’s 107kW e-Boxer mild-hybrid system, which is effectively unchanged for the current small SUV. The e-Boxer mild-hybrid technology isn’t able to compete with Toyota’s efficiency. The Crosstrek hybrid’s ADR combined consumption rating is 6.5L/100km compared to 4.4L/100km of an equivalent Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. In road tests, CarsGuide has found Subaru’s system to be less efficient in the real world than Toyota’s, with greater gulfs between rated and returned consumption figures.The rumoured Crosstrek hybrid wouldn’t be the first of its kind with the rare North American market Crosstrek plug-in hybrid offered from 2019 with the PHEV system from Toyota’s Prius Prime. It was sold in certain states with strict emissions regulations, including California, as a compliance car. Other brands plan to, or are already using Toyota hybrid tech, including Mazda with its CX-50 and China’s GAC that will launch in Australia next year.Subaru Australia said there was currently no more information to share on future hybrid models yet. The Crosstrek – previously XV – launched locally in May 2023 with a mild-hybrid option.Other future changes for the small SUV include a ‘big block’ 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder and tougher Wilderness variant, though a more efficient hybrid is most enticing with Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) looming.

The Subaru Crosstrek family has a new memeber - the 2.0X Limited Edition - which adds extra features for a little bit more money.

Not everyone who buys an SUV wants to tackle hardcore off-road adventures. In fact, I reckon most of them don’t. Most people want a well-equipped and comfortable family vehicle that is off-road-capable enough for an occasional foray onto a well-maintained dirt road, which leads to their favourite national park, campsite, or out-of-the-way beach.