Subaru got rid of the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2026 Crosstrek lineup and put in a new hybrid motor at the other end of the range. This makes the new hybrid engine better than the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 180-hp engine that was already on the market. It’s no surprise that the loss of the 2.0-liter engine has caused prices to rise, but the effect could have been more significant. The Crosstrek now costs $28,415. The Subaru Crosstrek has never been known for its speed. It took 9.5 seconds longer to go from 0 to 60 mph in the newest model, which was introduced in 2024 and weighed more but had no increase in speed. However, you can disregard those slow acceleration numbers now that Subaru has announced the standard 2.0-liter Crosstrek engine will be discontinued in 2026. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which was previously an option, is replacing the 2.0-liter engine. The previous engine operated with an output of 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The larger engine can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds and produces 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, making it easier to handle. Given the higher floor, it makes sense that the 2026 Crosstrek starts at a higher price than the 2025 model. But the higher level of achievement may have made the change hurt more. Last year’s starting price was $27,980, but it has since increased to $28,415. The current pricing begins at $29,415 for the Premium trim, $32,415 for the Sport trim, $34,415 for the Limited trim, and $35,215 for the Wilderness trim. Production of the 2.0-liter engine will end after 2026, but the Crosstrek will continue to offer alternative engine options. The next model year will be the first time you can buy the new Crosstrek Hybrid. It features the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors that work together to produce 194 horsepower and potentially achieve a higher top speed. Initially, the hybrid car will only be available in the Sport and Limited trim levels. The starting prices for the Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid are $35,415 and $36,415, respectively.
