At first glance, you’d be hard-pressed to tell if it’s the hybrid or standard model. The only real giveaway is an extra badge on the grille that shouts out its eco-friendly status. But when you hit the road, there are subtle changes worth noting.

The Crosstrek Hybrid uses a 2.5-liter boxer-four engine paired with an electric motor to create a total system power of 194 hp. That’s a slight bump over the regular model’s 182 hp, but you won’t feel much difference on your daily commute.

While driving, there are moments when the car feels hesitant at startup due to its hybrid nature. But once it gets going, everything falls into place like any other Subaru. The all-wheel-drive system remains reliable and predictable, making for a smooth ride whether you’re tackling city streets or rural roads.

The real question is if those extra savings on gas are worth the higher sticker price. With an EPA estimate of 36 mpg combined compared to the standard model’s 29 mpg, it’s clear there will be some fuel cost reductions over time. However, for many drivers, especially in urban settings where electric-only driving might not happen often enough, the savings won’t offset the extra $1,500.

In conclusion, while the Crosstrek Hybrid is an interesting addition to Subaru’s lineup and does offer some fuel savings, its higher price tag makes it less appealing than one might hope. For now, sticking with the standard model seems like a safer bet for most drivers.

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