Subaru to Debut Its First Plug-in Next Week

Subaru Corp. will unveil its first plug-in hybrid, a variant of the company’s Crosstrek small crossover vehicle, when the Los Angeles auto show kicks off at the end of next week.

The $36,000 Crosstrek Hybrid will be propelled by a “StarDdrive” plug-in drivetrain developed by Toyota Motor Corp., which owns 17% of Subaru. The system consists of Subaru’s 2.0-liter “boxer” engine, a new continuously variable transmission, a lithium-ion battery and two electric motors (one solely for propulsion and a second that doubles as a starter for the piston engine).

Subaru says the 148-hp, all-wheel-drive system will be able to travel 17 miles in all-electric mode, out-accelerate the conventional version of the Crosstrek and deliver a U.S. fuel economy rating of 90 mpg-e.

The plug-in features custom trim and interior styling, a hybrid-only “Lagoon Blue Pearl” exterior body color, special 18-inch wheels and a custom silver metallic finish on the grille, fog lamps, and lower bumper and body cladding.

The company confirmed plans for a plug-in version of the Crosstrek six months ago. Subaru introduced a conventional hybrid option for the model in 2013 but dropped it in 2016 ahead of the vehicle’s redesign this year.