Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV Bows With New “Strong Hybrid” Heart

The third-gen Subaru Crosstrek (XV) has been properly electrified in its latest S:HEV form.

The third-gen Subaru Crosstrek (previously known as the XV) has gained a new and electrified S:HEV-badged hybrid variant. Unlike Subaru’s past hibridisation efforts, this one marks a new direction altogether as the model adopts a proper series-parallel hybrid setup.

Revealed in Japan late last week, Subaru describes the Crosstrek S:HEV’s powertrain as a “Strong Hybrid” setup. The package pairs a new version of the marque’s signature 2.5-litre ‘boxer’ 4-cyl mill and symmetrical all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup with a pair of new e-motors plus a compact, rear-mounted 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Whilst the combustion mill alone generates 160 PS and 209 NM, the newly added e-motors – sourced from Toyota – are incorporated into the transaxle. Whilst one serves as a motor-generator, the other as a traction motor outputting 88 PS and 270 NM. According to Subaru, the latter can serve as the “main source of power in a wide range of situations” too.

The new S:HEV package pairs a new iteration of Subaru's signature 2.5-litre 4-cyl boxer mill with a series-parallel hybrid setup featuring two Toyota-sourced e-motors plus a compact 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Subaru did not release any official fuel economy figures, but it did boast the setup’s ability to yield a total range of overt 1,000 KM based on WLTP test cycles – likely aided by the Crosstrek S:HEV’s sizeable 63-litre fuel tank capacity. On top of frugality, the setup also sees an optional vehicle-to-load (V2L) function available that outputs 1.5 kW via a power socket in the boot.

Aesthetically, the Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV is set apart by its distinct 18-inch wheels featuring a design inspired by the Shuriken – an ancient Japanese combat weapon. For the range-topping EX guise, the model also sees its cabin gaining a larger and more interactive 12.3-inch digital instrument display panel.

That aside, the range-topping EX guise mentioned also benefits with Subaru’s latest EyeSight X advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite that enables hands-off semi-autonomous driving abilities. Included here is the ability to drive semi-autonomously through traffic jams, lane-change assist plus speed control on curves and toll booths.

Aesthetically, the new and electrified S:HEV variant is set apart by its variant-specific 18-inch wheels.

In range-topping EX guise, the Crosstrek S:HEV also sees its cabin gaining a larger and more interactive 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

Evidently, with this new S:HEV setup marks a huge leap forward from Subaru’s previous ‘e-Boxer’ hybrid tech which, in actuality, was a mild-hybrid system. Additionally, Subaru’s continued use of its symmetrical AWD setup sees this Crosstrek S:HEV differ starkly from Toyota’s AWD-equipped hybrid setup that employs a rear ‘eAxle’.

For now, the newly electrified Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV is marketed in the marque’s home market of Japan, though it is widely expected to export it overseas too. However, no timeline was given for the latter yet.