2025 / 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is a nine-time winner of the J.D. Power Canada ALG Residual Value Award. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
Cloth seats are standard, but premium cloth and leather are available options. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
All other trims (except the base model) come with an impressive 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen. (Credit : Jack Kazmierski)
This award-winning small SUV is better than ever for the new model year.
With an extensive list of standard safety features, decent fuel economy, and full-time all-wheel drive (for added peace-of-mind), the Subaru Crosstrek is a good fit for many fleet applications.
Moreover, the Crosstrek is a nine-time winner (including 2025) of the J.D. Power Canada ALG Residual Value Award in the “Small SUV” segment, and that’s certainly welcome news for fleet managers who are thinking ahead to remarketing time.
New powertrain options
We had the opportunity to test drive the 2025 Crosstrek earlier this fall, and are even more impressed with what Subaru has in store for the 2026 model year. For starters, while the 2025 Crosstrek was available with either a 2.0L 152-hp or a 2.5L 182-hp four-cylinder boxer engine, the powertrain options are much more exciting for the new model year.
For 2026, Subaru has dropped the 2.0L engine altogether, and now offers the Crosstrek with either a 2.5L 180-hp boxer engine or a hybrid version of the same powerplant. The latter makes 194 hp. The hybrid powertrain is only available on the e-Boxer Hybrid Limited model, which is the top trim in the Crosstrek lineup for the new model year.
Not only does the hybrid powertrain offer more power, as well as better acceleration and performance, but it also has better fuel economy figures. While the standard 2.5L powertrain promises a fuel economy of 9.0/7.1 L/100 km (city/hwy), the hybrid is rated at 6.5 L/100 km for both city and highway driving.
If you tried the Crosstrek in the past and felt that 152 hp simply wasn’t enough to make the most of this small SUV, you’re not alone. Depending on your driving style, you may have found that the 152-hp powertrain was lacking, especially when trying to execute more demanding maneuvers at highway speeds.
The 2025 model we had the opportunity to drive, on the other hand, was equipped with the more potent 182-hp engine, and it was a pleasure to pilot. Whether merging with traffic when getting on the highway, passing vehicles at highway speeds, or simply getting up to speed from a dead stop at a red light, this more capable engine delivered ample power and torque for day-to-day driving.
Looking ahead to the 2026 model year, we are sure that the new 194-hp electrified powertrain that’s under the hood of the e-Boxer Hybrid Limited model is sure to deliver an even more satisfying driving experience.
Safety first
One of the top priorities for most fleet professionals is safety. Getting fleet drivers home safe and sound at the end of every business day is a must and a daily concern. With that in mind, the 2026 Crosstrek offers an extra layer of peace-of-mind, thanks in part to the comprehensive list of standard safety features Subaru includes on all trims.
Besides a long list of passive and active safety systems, all Crosstrek trims come with Subaru’s EyeSight technology, which employs cameras behind the windshield that act like a second set of eyes for the driver, keeping an “eye” on the road ahead.
Updated in recent years, Subaru’s new EyeSight system includes an advanced wide-angle mono camera, which was recognized by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) with the “Best Safety Innovation” award when it was first introduced.
Initially available only on Subaru’s top trims, including the Outback, Legacy and Ascent it made its debut in the Crosstrek for the 2024 model year, and has been standard equipment ever since.
How does adding a wide-angle mono camera to the EyeSight system boost safety? Basically, the new three-camera system is more effective at identifying and preventing collisions with pedestrians and cyclists in low-speed situations, including intersections and crosswalks.
Another key safety concern is traction and grip. That’s why all Crosstrek models come with Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system, which makes this small SUV more than capable of taking on almost any weather and road conditions, regardless of the season.
While we may think of AWD as a definite plus in winter conditions, it’s also beneficial on wet roads, providing added traction in the kind of slippery conditions we often experience right after a rainfall.
In addition to all-wheel traction, the Crosstrek boasts almost nine inches of ground clearance, which makes it especially capable of trekking through deeper snow or over rougher off-road terrain, if needed.
Impressive tech
While a seven-inch touch screen is standard equipment on the base Convenience trim for 2026, all other trims come with an impressive 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen, which controls a multitude of tasks and features.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment, and all trims above the base Convenience model get wireless functionality with both. The massive 11.6-inch screen is a delight to use, especially when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto display maps and navigation information.
All trims (above the base Convenience trim) also get access to the MySubaru suite of services, which includes automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, a service appointment scheduler, over-the-air firmware updates, and much more. With the MySubaru app, drivers can use their phones to remotely lock and unlock the Crosstrek’s doors, start and stop the engine, control the horn and lights, unlock the tailgate and a lot more.
In case of theft, or attempted theft/vandalism, MySubaru includes a remote vehicle locator, SOS emergency services, speed alert, stolen vehicle immobilizer, stolen vehicle recovery and alarm notification.
Comfort and convenience
The interior of the Crosstrek is both cozy and comfy. Rear legroom is adequate for average-sized adults, and the passenger cabin is nicely insulated from excessive outside noise.
Standard equipment includes automatic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, manually-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats, a four-speaker audio system, and cloth seats.
More creature comforts are standard (or available) on higher trims, including power-adjustable driver’s and front passenger’s seats, premium cloth or leather seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system (10-speaker Harmon Kardon system with subwoofer and amp are standard on the two top trims).
If your fleet needs a capable, fuel-efficient and well-equipped small SUV, then the Subaru Crosstrek should definitely be on your selector short list.
Price and Specifications
Year Make Model Trim
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Onyx
Base Price
$34,495
Notable Options
None
Price as Tested (including freight & PDI)
$36,790
Engine
2.5L 4-cylinder boxer engine
Transmission
CVT
Horsepower
182 hp
Torque
178 lb-ft
