2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2025: How the New Model Raises the Bar
January 28 2026,
Every 2026 Subaru Crosstrek now comes with the more powerful 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine as standard equipment. This marks a clear upgrade from the 2025 model year, which offered a 2.0-litre engine on base trims. Entry-level buyers no longer face a power compromise.
The change delivers 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque across the entire lineup. Combined with Subaru's Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive and upgraded safety features, the 2026 Crosstrek offers stronger performance and better value than before.
What Changed for 2026: Engine Standardization
The 2.0-litre engine option is gone. Every 2026 Crosstrek - from the Convenience trim to the Limited - uses the 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine. This four-cylinder horizontally-opposed unit produces 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartronic CVT featuring an 8-speed manual shift mode.
Buyers who previously considered the base Convenience trim now get the same power as higher trims. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 9.3 seconds across all non-hybrid trims - a noticeable improvement over the outgoing 2.0-litre configuration.
The engine's naturally aspirated design maintains smooth, linear power delivery. The CVT's wide ratio range optimizes both performance and fuel economy. A compression ratio of 12.0:1 and direct fuel injection balance responsiveness with efficiency.
Fuel Economy: Balanced Performance and Efficiency
Despite the increase in displacement and power, the 2026 Crosstrek maintains competitive fuel economy. The 2.5-litre engine achieves 9.0 L/100 km in city driving and 7.1 L/100 km on the highway across all standard trims.
For greater efficiency, the 2026 Crosstrek lineup introduces the e-BOXER Hybrid Limited trim. This powertrain pairs the 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine with an electric motor and a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, delivering 194 total system horsepower. The hybrid configuration achieves 6.5 L/100 km in both city and highway driving - fewer fuel stops and lower operating costs over time.
The e-BOXER system switches between gasoline, electric, and combined power modes depending on driving conditions. An EV drive mode allows for brief periods of electric-only operation at low speeds. Regenerative braking with paddle controls helps recharge the battery during deceleration.
Enhanced Safety Features Across the Lineup
The 2026 Crosstrek receives important safety upgrades. A rear seat side airbag has been added as standard equipment, providing additional protection for rear passengers in side impacts. This brings the total airbag count to seven:
- Dual-stage front airbags
- Front seat side-impact airbags
- Front passenger seat cushion airbag
- Driver's knee airbag
- Side curtain airbags
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology remains standard across the lineup:
- Pre-Collision Braking: Detects potential frontal collisions and applies braking automatically
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set following distance with vehicle hold capability
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning: Alerts the driver when unintentional lane drift is detected
- Lane Keep Assist: Provides gentle steering inputs to help maintain lane position
Higher trims add Automatic Emergency Steering and Emergency Lane Keep Assist. The Touring trim and above also include Reverse Automatic Braking.
Trim-by-Trim Breakdown: Finding Your Ideal Crosstrek
Convenience: Enhanced Value
The entry-level Convenience trim now includes the 2.5-litre engine. Key features:
- 180 hp 2.5-litre SUBARU BOXER engine
- Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
- X-MODE for enhanced off-road capability
- 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- Dual 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
- Heated front seats with cloth upholstery
- LED steering-responsive headlights with High Beam Assist
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
Touring: Technology and Comfort
The Touring trim adds technology upgrades:
- 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- MySubaru Connected Services (3-year trial)
- SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L (3-month trial)
- Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
- Premium cloth seating surfaces
- Six-speaker audio system
- DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
- Subaru Rear/Side Vehicle Detection
- LED fog lights
- 17-inch alloy wheels with machined finish
Onyx: Style-Focused Performance
The Onyx trim emphasizes visual distinction:
- Yellow interior and exterior accents
- Black-finish 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels
- Carbon-look accent trims
- Gloss black door mirrors and black headliner
- Gunmetal interior trim pieces
- 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat
- Wireless phone charger
- Dual-function X-MODE
- Power-tilting and sliding sunroof
- Roofline spoiler
Limited: Premium Features
The Limited trim delivers the highest level of comfort in the standard lineup:
- All Onyx features
- Integrated navigation in 11.6-inch infotainment system
- SiriusXM with 360L (3-year trial)
- Subaru Live Traffic (1-year trial)
- Leather seating surfaces (front and rear)
- Orange interior trim accents
e-BOXER Hybrid Limited: Maximum Efficiency
The e-BOXER Hybrid Limited sits at the top of the lineup:
- 194 hp hybrid powertrain
- 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Surround-view monitor (360-degree camera system)
- Exclusive Citrus Yellow Pearl exterior colour
- Unique 18-inch wheel design
- e-BOXER badging (side and rear)
- All Limited trim features
Capability That Defines Subaru
The 2026 Crosstrek maintains the rugged capability expected from Subaru. With 220 millimetres of ground clearance, the Crosstrek navigates deep snow, rutted trails, and uneven terrain with confidence.
Symmetrical Full-Time All-Wheel Drive distributes power to all four wheels continuously. When conditions deteriorate, X-MODE enhances control by optimizing engine output, transmission ratios, and AWD torque distribution. The Onyx trim and above feature dual-function X-MODE with separate settings for snow/dirt and deep snow/mud conditions.
Approach and departure angles of 18 degrees and 30.1 degrees respectively, combined with a 19.7-degree breakover angle, allow the Crosstrek to tackle obstacles that would stop front-wheel-drive competitors. Fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear setup delivers both comfort and control.
Interior Versatility and Cargo Management
The Crosstrek's interior balances passenger comfort and cargo flexibility. Five adults travel in comfort, with up to 1,010 millimetres of front headroom (984 mm on sunroof-equipped trims) and 965 millimetres in the rear. Front shoulder room measures 1,442 millimetres. Rear hip room measures 1,352 millimetres, providing generous space for occupants.
Cargo capacity proves equally practical. With the rear seats in place, the Crosstrek offers up to 564 litres of storage (527 litres in the e-BOXER Hybrid). Fold the 60/40-split rear seatbacks flat, and capacity expands to up to 1,549 litres (1,433 litres in the e-BOXER Hybrid).
Thoughtful storage solutions include:
- Illuminated centre console tray
- Door compartments (front and rear)
- Console-integrated cup holders (4 total)
- Door-integrated cup holders (4 total)
- Rear armrest cup holders (2)
- Passenger seatback pocket
- Tonneau cargo cover
Dual-zone automatic climate control (standard on Touring and above) ensures all passengers remain comfortable. Available heated rear seats (Limited and e-BOXER Hybrid Limited) add a welcome touch during cold Ontario winters.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2026 Crosstrek's infotainment systems provide clear access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle information. The base Convenience trim's dual 7-inch touchscreen setup offers responsive controls for audio and phone functions, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Upgrading to Touring or higher trims brings the 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen. This system includes:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Integrated GPS navigation (Limited and e-BOXER Hybrid Limited)
- SiriusXM satellite radio with 360L
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming
- What3words navigation functionality
- Rearview camera with dynamic guide lines
MySubaru Connected Services (standard on Touring and above with 3-year trial) enables remote vehicle access via smartphone app. Features include remote door lock/unlock, remote engine start, vehicle locator, and stolen vehicle recovery. The system also provides automatic collision notification and enhanced roadside assistance.
The e-BOXER Hybrid Limited's 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster replaces traditional analog instruments with a customizable display.
Comparing 2026 vs. 2025: What's Different
|
Feature |
2025 Crosstrek |
2026 Crosstrek |
|
Base Engine |
2.0 L (select trims) |
2.5 L (all trims) |
|
Horsepower |
152 hp (2.0 L) / 180 hp (2.5 L) |
180 hp (all standard trims) |
|
Hybrid Option |
Not available |
e-BOXER Hybrid Limited |
|
Rear Seat Side Airbag |
Not standard |
Standard all trims |
|
Colour Options |
Previous palette |
Adds Sand Dune Pearl |
The standardization of the 2.5-litre engine eliminates any performance compromise across the lineup. The addition of the e-BOXER Hybrid Limited provides an efficiency-focused option that wasn't available in 2025. The rear seat side airbag enhances occupant protection for all passengers.
Your Next Adventure Starts Here
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek delivers more power, enhanced safety, and greater value across every trim level. Whether you're navigating city streets, tackling winter roads, or exploring trails beyond the pavement, the Crosstrek's capability, efficiency, and versatility make it an ideal companion for Ontario drivers.
Visit our team at Subaru of Maple to experience the 2026 Crosstrek and find the trim that best matches your driving needs.
