1. Home
    2. Car News
    3. Subaru
    4. News

    Subaru Forester, Crosstrek’s new hybrid technology detailed

    Subaru's new-generation hybrid powertrain features a larger engine and battery for more grunt and greater economy.

    William Stopford

    William Stopford

    News Editor

    William Stopford

    William Stopford

    News Editor

    Subaru has shared more details of its new Strong Hybrid (S:HEV) system, which promises more power, greater range and improved fuel economy than its existing hybrid system.

    The next-generation Forester, due in Australia in 2025, had already been confirmed to get the S:HEV powertrain.

    Now, Subaru in Japan has confirmed a S:HEV version of the Crosstrek, which will launch there in December 2024.

    The S:HEV powertrain uses technology from hybrid leader Toyota.

    100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.

    “Our focus is initially introducing this next-generation hybrid technology to Australians with the new generation Forester in 2025,” a spokesperson for Subaru Australia told CarExpert.

    “However, we are always looking at enhancing the Subaru product offerings and expanding choices for our Australian customers.”

    Subaru says the Crosstrek S:HEV will use a 2.5-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine – up from a 2.0-litre in the brand’s current hybrids – paired with a series-parallel hybrid system and symmetrical all-wheel drive.

    The Crosstrek S:HEV will offer a claimed 1000km of range per tank.

    Up front there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with hybrid-specific readouts, while in the back there’s a 100V/1500W power outlet allowing you to power external appliances.

    Automotive News shared some more details on the S:HEV powertrain, which is claimed to deliver 50 per cent more driving range and a 20 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

    The larger engine produces 116kW of power. It’s mated to an 88kW electric motor and a 1kWh/260V battery, up from 0.6kWh/188V.

    The current Forester Hybrid’s electric motor produces just 12kW and 66Nm, while its 2.0-litre engine produces 100kW and 196Nm.

    No combined system power or torque figure is available for the new S:HEV powertrain, but Subaru claims it shaves 2.1 seconds off the 0-100km/h time.

    The longer range is also aided through the use of a larger 64L fuel tank, up from 49L.

    For context, the outgoing Forester Hybrid uses a claimed 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle, just 0.7L/100km more than the 2.5-litre petrol-powered model and well adrift of the 4.7L-4.8L/100km claims of the rival Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

    While Subaru’s hybrids can’t match class-leaders for economy, the brand said earlier this year it’s working to increase supply of its electrified models in Australia, noting demand for the Forester Hybrid has been growing.

    MORE: Everything Subaru Forester MORE: Everything Subaru Crosstrek

    Next steps

    Take advantage of Australia's BIGGEST new car website to find a great deal on a Subaru.

    William Stopford

    William Stopford

    News Editor

    William Stopford

    News Editor

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

    Read more

    You might also like