Subaru Crosstrek PHEV Coming at Year’s End

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2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru will offer a 2019 Crosstrek PHEV model – the standard 2019 Crosstrek is pictured.

(UPDATE: Parts shortages in Japan have slowed 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid production. Deliveries to U.S. dealerships, originally slated for late December or early January, won’t start until late February or March, the company says.)

I confess to being a Subaru fan – I’ve owned two.  But I’ve always been disappointed in the company’s  fuel efficiency performance.

That could change at year’s end, though, when Subie is slated to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Crosstrek crossover.

The company hasn’t released much info yet, but we do know that thanks to Toyota’s minority ownership stake in Subaru, the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV will use plug-in hybrid technology borrowed from the Toyota Prius Prime and the Camry Hybrid.

It will be able to deliver up to 17 miles of all-electric range at speeds of up to 65 mph., and has been EPA-rated at 35 mpg when operating as a standard hybrid after the plug-charge is gone.

The Toyota electric drive components will be linked to Subaru’s 4-cylinder Boxer engine. The 2019 Crosstrek PHEV will retain Subaru’s  all-wheel drive system, but will get a new CVT transmission.

Subie initially plans to sell the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV only in California and the nine states that have adopted California’s zero emission vehicles (ZEV) policy.

Those nine are Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Next Read: Our 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid First Drive review.

12 thoughts on “Subaru Crosstrek PHEV Coming at Year’s End”

  1. If I live outside of the states that will receive the PHEV, buy it then bring it to my state, will they be able to service the car?

    • Probably not. Dealerships will need specially trained mechanics and special equipment to work on the Crosstrek PHEV without voiding warranty. In states where they aren’t actively selling it, most dealers aren’t going to invest what it takes to have a qualified service department for it.

  2. Most of the dealers I’ve spoken to have said this won’t be available in 2019 in the US. Do you have didn’t information?

    • If you are outside of the ZEV states, it won’t be available (article says that):
      Subaru plans to sell the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV only in California and the nine states that have adopted California’s zero emission vehicles (ZEV) policy.
      Those nine are Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
      If you live in one of the above named states it will be available..I should have details on rollout schedule a little later this month.

    • I don’t want to start an argument, but a transmission is simply the device the transmits engine power to the driveshaft. It can be an electric motor in a hybrid or EV, or it can be a set of mechanical gears or a CVT’s belt or chain. Some hybrids do actually have “conventional” geared or CVT transmissions. I don’t know yet what type the Subie PHEV will have.

    • Should have that release date info for you, along with some other Crosstrek PHEV details, on Monday, 11-19.

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