Subaru Hybrid Technology

Subaru hybrid cars provide you with the best of both worlds--world-class Subaru performance in an environmentally friendly, fuel-efficient vehicle. Subaru's hybrid technology, known as the Subaru Hybrid System, combines a SUBARU BOXER gasoline engine with an electric battery, so you never have to worry about running out of electric power on long-range trips.

Subaru vehicles are known for their "get up and go," and that fun is not lacking in their hybrid cars. The superb handling is the result of a low centre of gravity and a fine-tuned suspension system, which includes the addition of an electric motor and a stack of batteries on hybrid versions. This inclusion does not change the vehicle's characteristics; instead, this seamless addition allows the hybrid to drive just like any other Subaru.

Here are the key components of the Subaru Hybrid System:

2.0L 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine

With a few revisions, this engine continues its stellar performance history--just with a hybrid drivetrain. In order to reduce engine noise and fuel consumption, the engine features a modified compression ratio and reduced friction levels.

Electric Motor

You can use the high-performance electric motor to accommodate all-electric driving in EV mode or to work in conjunction with the gas engine in motor assist mode. The motor also reduces emissions and features regenerative braking that quickly and efficiently recharges the high voltage battery.

Hybrid Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Featuring a progressive design, the Hybrid Lineartronic CVT provides improved responsiveness (an added bonus with the 6-speed manual mode with paddle shifters), reduced emissions, and the fuel efficiency you expect from a hybrid car.

Subaru Symmetrical Full-Time AWD

Choosing the Subaru Hybrid System does not take away the AWD benefits of non-hybrid Subarus. Under normal driving conditions, the AWD system maintains a 60/40 front/rear torque split. This split is automatically adjusted as conditions change, providing you with predictable handling. The full-time AWD is ideal for locations where the weather can change from dry to wet to snow-covered in the course of a workday.

Battery Pack

Mounted under the luggage compartment floor, the hybrid battery pack's compactness doesn't impact interior space. It features a nickel-metal hydride battery, inverter/converter, and other high-voltage components.

Symmetrical Hybrid Drivetrain

With all components aligned along the centreline of the vehicle and placed low in the chassis, vehicles with the Subaru Hybrid System still feature a low centre of gravity for sporty handling, superb balance, and efficient power delivery.

The Subaru Hybrid System has enabled the Crosstrek Hybrid to be certified as a 100% Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT PZEV) and labeled as one of the cleanest-burning AWD hybrid crossovers in North America. The environmentally friendly nature of the Subaru Hybrid System extends beyond the vehicle and its emissions--Crosstrek Hybrids are also built in a zero-landfill plant.

There is no downside to buying a car that uses the Subaru Hybrid System. Providing eco-friendly and fuel efficiency benefits, the vehicle's electric motor, and SUBARU BOXER engine work together to offer a no-compromise Subaru vehicle. There are usually trade-offs when choosing a hybrid version over a traditional vehicle - less responsiveness, sluggish handling, and more. However, that is not the case with Subaru vehicles, with hybrids delivering the same performance as the non-hybrid versions.