2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: All the details on this sporty new tanker

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid rolls into town with a new front fascia, upgraded suspension and only a modest $200 price increase. As for the petrol version of Subaru's sporty crossover, we appreciate the rich set of standard features and all-wheel drive capabilities. The same goes for the 2021 Crosstrek hybrid. Buyers will have plenty of features and all-wheel drive options, albeit with better fuel economy.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Updates for 2021

Subaru has slightly updated the front bumper and fog lamp trim. Designers also updated the Crosstrek Hybrid's hexagonal grille with a silver metallic fender and blue accents. Chassis engineers worked on the suspension, retuning the coils and dampers for a softer ride and better steering response.

Standard features include power windows with auto-up/auto-down on both the driver's and passenger's sides, power door locks, power side mirrors, LED fog lights, and two USB ports. Other standard niceties include keyless entry, push button start, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Star drive transmission

In terms of powertrain, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is pretty good. Subaru uses what they call StarDrive technology, or rather the fusion of individual components, to create a single hybrid powertrain. For example, Subaru combines a 2.0-liter Boxer engine, a symmetrical all-wheel drive system and a Lineartronic CVT under the StarDrive brand. Overall, the new Crosstrek Hybrid puts out a total system horsepower of 148.

StarDrive Technology also uses two electric motors. One starts the engine and acts as a generator for the battery, the other assists in hybrid and electric driving modes and charges the battery during regenerative braking.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is solid enough given its smaller footprint. The sporty crossover has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (suitable for snowy days) and can tow up to 1,000 pounds. with the right equipment. X-MODE and Hill Descent Control are designed for bad weather or mild terrain. Subaru's SI-Drive feature, a selectable engine management system, allows drivers to tune the Crosstrek Hybrid to suit road conditions.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid under the hood. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Fuel Economy

The EPA estimates that the Crosstrek Hybrid is 35 mpg (gas only) and 90 mpg (gas and electric). Subaru says the Crosstrek Hybrid can go 17 miles all-electric, with a total range of 480 miles. The remote battery charging timer allows drivers to manage the charging schedule and monitor its status. These features are included with the STARLINK Safety and Security Plus 10-year free hybrid subscription.

Connectivity and Security

Subaru's STARLINK system is standard on every Crosstrek hybrid vehicle and features an eight-inch touchscreen multimedia display. STARLINK features include Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, voice commands, SiriusXM All-Access Radio and Travel Link (four months free), and Wi-Fi hotspot.

Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist comes standard on every 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid. The package includes:

• Lane keeping system.
• Lead vehicle start alert.
• Lane departure and sway warning.
• Automatic pre-collision braking and throttle control.

Additional standard safety features include headlight control, automatic reversing braking, a high beam system, blind spot detection with lane change assist, cross traffic alert, and a pedestrian warning system. The latter provides an audible warning to pedestrians in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle when traveling at speeds less than 20 mph.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Photo: Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: prices and warranty

The Crosstrek Hybrid is only available in one trim level with an initial MSRP of $36,395 (including destination). The standalone package ($2,500) includes a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, an eight-inch TomTom-powered STARLINK multimedia navigation system, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon system with a 432-watt-equivalent amplifier.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is eligible for high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) permits in several states, including California, Maryland, and New York. The plug-in Hybrid is also eligible for a $4,502 federal tax credit along with individual state rebates up to $1,500.

All Subaru customers receive a three-year or 36,000-mile limited new vehicle warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. For more information on Subaru's factory warranty and to determine if additional coverage is needed, see this helpful guide. If you're interested in test driving the new Crosstrek, this simple search tool* will help you make sure dealers in your area offer you the best price.

Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of BlogAvto and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and the Society of Automotive Historians. He is on the board of directors of the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, a former president of the Detroit Working Writers, and a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions.

Photo and source: Subaru of America, Inc.

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