2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Lands In The City Of Angels

一个lthough it's officially called the Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru's latest crossover variant is actually a plug-in hybrid. Making its official debut here at the 2018 LA Auto Show, the new2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybridis already guaranteed to be a marked improvement over the less than impressive previous generation. For starters, it features Toyota's hybrid system found in, most notably, the Prius Prime. It's connected to Subaru's 2.0-liter direct-injection Boxer four engine. This combo is now called Subaru StarDrive, which also takes advantage of a Lineartronic CVT and a pair of electric motors.

One of those motors serves as an engine starter. It's also capable of being powered by the engine to function as a hybrid battery generator.

The second motor purely powers the hybrid and electric driving modes and can also charge the hybrid battery via regenerative braking. Subaru claims this powertrain offers a combined output of 148 hp and 149 lb-ft of torque. The automaker also specifically designed the Crosstrek Hybrid with enough ground clearance – 8.7-inches, to be precise – for off-roading. Hill descent control is standard and maximum towing capacity is 1,000 pounds.

The 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is mounted beneath the floor, can also provide up to 17 miles of all-electric driving, though top speed in EV mode is limited to 65 mph. That battery pack and various other electric components add roughly another 500 pounds to the vehicle's weight. But you can't tell that's the case from inside or out, as the design is identical to that of the non-hybrid Crosstrek.