Subaru’s Next-Gen Hybrid Powertrain for Forester and Crosstrek Gets More of Everything

With weak sales of its milquetoast Solterra and strong rivals in the hybrid SUV game like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid, it’s perhaps no surprise that Subaru’s next-gen hybrid powertrain system is shaping up to improve its stats in all areas. We’re talking more power, better range, a bigger e-motor, and a larger gas tank. It should give the recently revamped 2025 Subaru Forester, which we knew would also come in hybrid form but didn’t have many details about, a stronger chance in a hyper-competitive segment in which hybrid offerings are becoming increasingly important as automakers pivot away from all-EV pledges. 

Since it’ll be utilized on the 2025 Forester and the Crosstrek, let’s refresh your memories about these vehicles. The new Forester doesn’t stray far at all from its historically successful formula, although the interior is significantly upgraded and the outside is conservative but handsome, although the non-hybrid 2.5-liter H-4 is, frankly, gutless. The improved power output of the upcoming hybrid model will help—more on that in a few. 

The Crosstrek was revised for 2024 with a new, more rugged Wilderness model. The Crosstrek was available with a PHEV powertrain through the 2023 model year; for 2024, it became a gas-only joint with a 2.0- and 2.5-liter H-4. The upcoming hybrid, like the Forester, is expected next year.

Subaru did reveal some, but not all, of the specifics of the hybrid powertrain. Interestingly, unlike Toyota—with which Subaru shares some technology and builds cars with, and which owns 20 percent of the smaller automaker—the Subaru system will retain its H-4 engine configuration and a physical (i.e., driveshaft) connection to the rear axle instead of an e-AWD system. The engine will be larger than previous hybrid systems, using the 2.5-liter displacement version. The gasoline tank increases in size to 16.6 gallons for more all-up range. The gas engine is rated at 158 hp and 199 lb-ft.

The e-motors are, like Toyota’s, housed in a single unit. There’s a traction motor and a generator, sandwiched together along with an electronically controlled coupling. The motors can generate a total of 88kW (118 hp) and can be the primary propulsion in many situations. They draw from a 1.1-kWh lithium ion battery.

Subaru says the system will be good for a 20 percent improvement in fuel consumption compared to the previous hybrid system, and good for a range of up to 621 miles. Those are bold claims, and we’ll be eager to try this new powertrain out when it’s released in the U.S. for the Crosstrek and Forester in 2025.