Crosstrek

Make
Subaru
Segment
SUV

Subaru has just announced that its so far only hybrid model, the Crosstrek Hybrid, is being discontinued for 2017 after only a few years on the market. Unveiled in 2013 at the New York Auto Show, the Crosstrek Hybrid was sort of a better late than never model for Subaru; it had to launch a hybrid at some point. Problem was, the Crosstrek Hybrid wasn't much more fuel efficient than the standard version and was priced quite a bit higher, too. Not surprising it didn't become a strong seller (although its sales, compared to last year at this time, have gone up).

Power comes courtesy of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for a combined output of 160 hp. The regular Crosstrek, by comparison, has 148 hp. "It is important to note that we are not leaving the hybrid market permanently," stated Jeff Walters, executive vice president of sales for Subaru America. "We are currently working on a new hybrid vehicle, although it is too early to discuss specifics." Over the next few years, Subaru will continue to roll out new models based on its Global Platform, which has been designed to incorporate PHEV and fully electric vehicles, as well as Subaru's famed Boxer engine.