The Subaru will present the 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by the end of the following year. This model is based on the second generation Crosstrek, the generation which debut we recently saw. However, the upcoming 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is a series-parallel PHEV, and it will use two motor generators.
First one works as an engine starter and generator, while the second transmit the power to all four wheels, capturing the energy for the battery throughout regenerative braking. The 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder gasoline drivetrain will help these two motors in daily operations. The exterior will get a couple of new features, as well as the already elegant interior. With this model, the company created another well-crafted all-wheel vehicle that will be reliable to the faithful customer, and grow curiosity for the future ones.
Exterior
Subaru, the famous Japanese company claims that new 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid fit right on the very top of the Crosstrek trim hierarchy. The new model will add the hybrid engine to the Limited version, as well as some distinctive interior and exterior features. The color palette is now richer with four brand-new vibrant exterior colors, including remarkably elegant hue, Lagoon Blue Pearl. Moreover, a silver-finish grille will give the vehicle a more distinctive appearance as well. Also, the set list of new features includes blue headlight projector rings and the freshly redesigned lower front bumper.
Side body cladding and LED fog lights accents will definitely help the Crosstrek Hybrid model to pop and get recognition on the streets. If the well-designed fascia isn’t enough to impress, the new black 18-inch wheels with machine finish should do the work. The new Crosstrek Hybrid will come with excellent ground clearance, 8.7 inches of the ground. That amount of ground clearance other vehicles in the class, hybrid or not, can only imagine. Also, the new Hybrid weighs almost 500 pounds more than the non-hybrid model.
2020 Subary Crosstrek Hybrid Interior
One of the highlights of the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Cabin will be the high-class Gray and Navy-Blue leather seats, armrest with blue contrast stitching, door panels, and accent panels. Sure, we can write about the standard features for the next two hours, but let’s stick only with the most interesting ones. So, you can expect leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a power driver’s seat, and almost every safety feature and warning you can think of. On top of that, Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is available as well.
This package includes lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. There’s also one option package: if you pay extra $2.500 you’ll get a power moonroof, navigation, heated steering wheel, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. However, the Crosstrek Hybrid keeps the battery pack under the rear load floor, so the storage room isn’t generous as on non-hybrid models. The battery cuts-off almost 25% of the rear-set-up storage capacity, now its 15.9 cubic feet. The battery also raises the rear floor level by about 3.5 inches.
The 2.0-Liter Engine
Under the hood of 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid will be a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder gasoline drivetrain as well. This unit is naturally aspirated, non-turbo engine and uses direct gasoline injection. The 2.0-liter engine produces 137 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque.
Total system power is around 148 horsepower. All Crosstrek Hybrid model will use a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and the standard option will be the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. The towing capacity for the Hybrids will drop to 1,000 pounds, from the 1,500 pounds mark of non-hybrid models.
2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and PHEV
Almost four years ago, we had a chance to see the hybrid powertrain in Crosstrek SUV. Yet, the company decided to abandon the production of this version, and cut-off the hybrid from the lineup. The sales didn’t go exactly as planned, and the high starting price, plus bad fuel economy were the main reasons for shutting down the project. Still, the Subaru will try one more time with the hybrid, and the result will soon be before us. The upcoming 2020 Subaru Crosstek Hybrid will have an 8.8 kWh/25.0 Ah lithium-ion battery that stores electricity and transmit it to the motors. The battery can be fully charged from a totally empty state in approximately five hours. This is possible using the onboard charger, and connecting to a regular 120-volt household outlet. However, if you use a 240-volt system, the process will take only two hours.
Also, due to a relatively short electric-only range of 17 miles, and the swift charge time using the regular plug-in systems, new Crosstrek Hybrid doesn’t have a room for DC Fast Charging capability. Moreover, according to the news from the company, the new model will be very similar to the Toyota Prius. Both vehicles will have similar concepts. We can expect that Crosstrek PHEV will return 133 MPGe or 54 of conventional miles per gallon. The new Crosstrek Hybrid will be capable to travel closely to 17 miles in EV mode. Thanks to the 13.2-gallon fuel capacity, the total range is 480 miles. The crossover qualify for the High Occupancy Vehicle permits in a couple of states: Maryland, California, New York, etc.
Release Date and Price
The plug-in hybrid model will be the first 2020 Crosstrek to arrive in the dealerships. The crossover for 2019 is already out. So, we can expect that the PHEV will make its debut by the end of the year. However, the company did not announce the exact launching date of 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, nor the price.
The debut will probably take place on some international car show since Subaru is one of the most popular crossover brands. Also, the new generation of Subaru Outback will also make a debut and gain deserved popularity. The MSRP Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $35,000, and the destination charge is not included. Only one option package will be available, and with it, the top price will be just under $38,500.