2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid – Official Specs & Pricing Finally Unveiled

After seeing the official production model of the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid at the 2013 New York Auto Show earlier this year, we’ve been awaiting a full rundown on the Japanese brand’s first-ever hybrid vehicle. With the AWD compact crossover slated to go on sale later this year, we knew full specs would be coming soon. Well, soon is finally here… We now know almost everything that can be known about the XV Crosstrek Hybrid without actually getting behind the wheel and driving it.

The most crucial previously unknown information about the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid is the pricing. According to Subaru’s official press release, there will be two separate trim levels available. The regular XV Crosstrek Hybrid will start at $25,995 in the US plus up to $825 as a destination charge (varies by state, $945 in Alaska). The more upscale Hybrid Touring trim level will start at $29,295, surpassing $30,000 when you include the full destination charge.

The extra $4,000 or so between the regular XV Crosstrek and the XV Crosstrek Hybrid buys you a 148hp 2.0L four-cylinder boxer engine (in typical Subaru style) with a 13.4hp electric motor, both paired to a Lineatronic CVT. The hybrid powertrain adds approximately 5mpg city and 4mpg highway to the Crosstrek’s EPA rating, coming out to an improved 28mpg/34mpg respectively. Although, note that the US EPA hasn’t actually rated the Crosstrek Hybrid’s fuel economy; these numbers are put forth by Subaru only.

As you may have noticed, the electric motor that accompanies the boxer engine is quite small.  This means there likely won’t be any electric-only mode available, since a larger vehicle like the XV Crosstrek simply requires too much power to move any real distance.  Instead, the press release tells us that, “the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid builds upon the utility and versatility of the gas model, while offering enhanced handling.” The electric motor is there to conserve fuel and energy during both acceleration and deceleration, and to help the XV Crosstrek make the most of its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.

As far as features, both of the Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid trim levels get some pretty significant upgrades.  There is a new 4.3” full-color multi-function display built into the front dashboard. This LCD screen can show anything from power flow to driving conditions, to rear vision from the backup camera, to entertainment info. The Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid Touring trim also gets a 6.1” navigation touch-screen and extra goodies like iTunes tagging, text messaging, and satellite radio and navigation, as well as Aha Infotainment smartphone integration.

The 2014 XV Crosstrek Hybrid is intended to retain the utility of the original Crosstrek, which was nothing short of a homerun for Subaru, selling over 45,000 units its first year. Towards that end, both trim levels will get adventurer-friendly features such as a removable waterproof cargo tray in the back, tie-down hooks, and standard roof rails fitted with accessories for kayakers, bikers and skiers.

Subaru has always been most appealing to an environmentally conscious demographic, so it’s hard to imagine a hybrid version of their uber-popular compact crossover be anything less than a blockbuster success.  Either way, we’ll know for sure when the 2014 Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid goes on sale later this year – stay tuned.