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Subaru Crosstrek Named One Of The Top-10 Best Plug-In Hybrid Cars Under $40K

There are lots of choices for plug-in hybrid vehicles. See why the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is a top-10 Best pick.

Subaru discontinued its first Crosstrek hybrid model in 2017 because subcompact SUV shoppers weren’t willing to pay an extra $4800 premium for the 3 mpg increase in fuel mileage over the standard Crosstrek. Subaru solved the problem by bringing out a new Crosstrek plug-in hybrid last year. What sets it apart is you can drive up to 17 miles on electric power. It also offers a combined city/highway 35 mpg while the standard model gets 30 combined mpg.

The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid ($36,155) just scored a new award. Last year the Crosstrek won the 2020 Green Car Product of Excellence award from Green Car Journal. Now the new Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid wins Kelly Blue Book’s 10-Best Plug-In Hybrid under $40,000 award.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid, best subcompact SUVs2020 Subaru Crosstrek plug-in hybrid offers all-terrain capability

There are lots of choices for plug-in hybrid vehicles and if you just need an urban commuter, there are better options if you want more all-electric range and better fuel economy. What sets the Subaru Crosstrek apart from the rest is its all-weather “go-anywhere” capability. The Crosstrek PHEV comes standard with Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode for all-terrain capability.

If you have an active lifestyle, the Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is the best choice. If you will be using the subcompact SUV for weekend excursions out of the city, this is a model that will get you far away from civilization without any modifications. You just throw in your gear and camping equipment and you are ready to go.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek, Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid, best subcompact SUVs2020 Crosstrek Hybrid has limited availability

The problem with the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid? It has limited availability. Subaru of America is only offering “limited quantities” of the new 2020 Crosstrek with electric technology. The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid is sold in every state but customers wanting a new hybrid vehicle will have to wait in most states after it’s ordered. You won’t find any sitting in dealer showrooms unless you live in California or some Northeast coast states. Instead of waiting, most customers are opting for the standard model.

It’s hard to argue with customers who are buying record numbers of the standard 2020 Subaru Crosstrek. You can get a Crosstrek Premium trim for around $12,000 less starting at $24,205 including destination and delivery.

You Might Also Like: 7 Things You Need To Know About Subaru Before You Even Consider Buying One

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. All of his reports are archived on our Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Subaru Report. Check back tomorrow for more Subaru news and updates at Torque News!

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

Comments

Don Winterhalter (not verified)    April 30, 2020 - 8:43AM

So "subcompact SUV shoppers weren’t willing to pay an extra $4800 premium for the 3 mpg increase in fuel mileage over the standard Crosstrek" but they'll pay a $12,000 premium over a Crosstrek Premium to get an extra 5 mpg? I'm skeptical.

Timothy Parker (not verified)    April 30, 2020 - 12:10PM

Hard to see how a lifted Impreza with some restyling and a small battery that eats into the already small cargo space, along with a cramped cabin, is worth $40k. The fact that it could be a top 10 PHEV contender says more about the pathetic options in that product space than it does about the Crosstrek. I do like the styling, just hard to see how it truly works for anyone.

Peter Frey (not verified)    September 10, 2020 - 11:52AM

In reply to by Timothy Parker (not verified)

It is the only real AWD plug in hybrid. I commute over 100 miles a day and weather doesn't effect my job so I need a car that is both Great in bad weather and is Clean Pass certified (I live on Long Island) there is really only one car that does both of these reliably. The Crosstek PHEV

Tim Erney (not verified)    May 2, 2020 - 12:27PM

Ours cost less than $30k after factoring in a state rebate and federal tax credit, which comes to about $2k more than the gas model in the limited trim. We're getting over 52 mpg so far (@6,000 miles) and have adequate cargo space for road trips and grocery shopping for two adults with no kids or pets. We like the versatility of being an excellent vehicle to drive in the city and on outdoor adventures in the mountains. It's pretty much the perfect vehicle for us.