2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Lands in Japan
North America will eventually get a Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid model, but the Japanese automaker has already rolled out a regular Crosstrek Hybrid in Japan.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek e-Boxer, as it’s being referred to, features the same naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter boxer engine as the regular version of the crossover, which is paired with a small electric drive motor. Subaru Japan says the hybrid system makes driving the Crosstrek “even more pleasant,” giving it a “smooth and light acceleration feeling,” and more performance. The 2.0-liter engine is rated at 143 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motor makes about 13 hp and 48 lb-ft of torque. That means it’s pretty much the exact same powertrain that was found in the now-defunct Crosstrek Hybrid for North America, which went out of production in 2016.
SEE ALSO: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Priced From $22,870 in the US
The hybrid powertrain is only offered on the range-topping Crosstrek Advance in Japan, so it comes well equipped to begin with. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, chrome exterior trim and silver-painted plastic side cladding. As for the list of options, it includes leather upholstery, roof rails and Subaru’s evolved EyeSight Safety Plus system, which adds a smart rear-view mirror, front and side-view display monitors in the side mirrors, rear vehicle detection and automatic high-beam assist.
While the Crosstrek e-Boxer won’t be arriving in the United States or Canada, it could make its way to Europe eventually. As for the Crosstrek hybrid we’ll receive, it will tap plug-in tech from the Toyota Prius Prime thanks to Subaru’s newly formed partnership with Toyota. Details on that model aren’t yet available, but the Prius Prime has an 8.8 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 91 hp electric powertrain giving it a pure-electric range of around 25 miles, so we’re predicting similar performance for the Crosstrek plug-in.
Discuss this story on our Subaru Crosstrek Forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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