Subaru Splits The Crosstrek And Impreza In Two Very Different Directions
by AutoExpert | 22 September, 2026
Subaru has decided its Crosstrek and Impreza no longer need to follow the same path. For 2027, the Crosstrek goes all-in on hybrid power in Japan, while the Impreza does something almost the opposite and sticks with a good old gasoline engine.
The Crosstrek drops its 2.0-liter mild-hybrid e-Boxer and is now available exclusively with Subaru’s e-Boxer S:HEV system.
It combines a 2.5-liter boxer engine with two electric motors, an eCVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, producing a combined 194 hp. There isn’t much to spot from the outside, either. The roof rails are now black instead of dark gray, the e-Boxer badge gets a small update, and Ignition Red joins the paint options. The standard 18-inch alloys remain.
Subaru has also cut the Crosstrek range down to two trims: Premium S:HEV and Premium S:HEV EX. The Premium comes with heated power seats and a heated steering wheel, while navigation is available as an option. Step up to the EX, and you get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, standard navigation, and EyeSight X driver assistance. A Harman Kardon sound system is also available.
The Subaru Impreza takes a much simpler route. Its mild-hybrid option disappears, leaving a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 152 hp. The engine works with a Lineartronic CVT and can send power to either the front wheels or all four. The range now consists of one Smart Edition trim in FWD and AWD forms. There are no major styling changes, but Ignition Red is now available, and buyers can add the STI Aero package with a splitter, side skirts, rear bumper extensions, and a rear spoiler in Black or Cherry Red.
Both models are already on sale in Japan. The Impreza starts at ¥2,865,500 ($18,400) for FWD and ¥3,135,000 ($20,150) for AWD, while the STI Aero package adds ¥194,260 ($1,200). The Crosstrek starts at ¥3,833,500 ($24,600) for the Premium S:HEV and reaches ¥4,053,500 ($26,100) for the Premium S:HEV EX. Buyers looking for a tougher look can also add the Adventure Style Package II for ¥146,960 ($940).
