Subaru does not currently offer a traditional gas-electric hybrid SUV in the 2026 lineup, and that is a fact worth stating clearly before Long Island buyers start shopping. The brand’s approach to efficient driving runs in two directions: the Solterra, which is Subaru’s full battery-electric crossover, and a lineup of gas-powered SUVs that deliver competitive fuel economy through efficient naturally aspirated engines. Here is the honest breakdown of what is available and what makes sense near Lindenhurst and the South Shore.
Bottom Line: Subaru discontinued the Crosstrek Hybrid after 2023 and has no 2026 plug-in hybrid in production - but the Solterra EV delivers 228 miles of range, while the Forester and Outback return 33 MPG highway without any hybrid system.
- The Solterra is Subaru’s full battery-electric vehicle for 2026, co-developed with Toyota on the bZ4X platform
- All Subaru SUVs include Symmetrical AWD as standard equipment - including the Solterra EV
- The Crosstrek Hybrid was discontinued after the 2023 model year; no 2026 replacement hybrid has been announced
Does Subaru Make a Hybrid SUV in 2026?
The straightforward answer is no. Subaru discontinued the Crosstrek Hybrid after the 2023 model year and has not announced a 2026 plug-in hybrid replacement. The brand’s current electrified strategy is centered on the Solterra battery-electric vehicle for buyers who want to eliminate gas entirely.
This is a meaningful shift from where Subaru was headed in 2021 to 2023, when the Crosstrek PHEV offered a 17-mile all-electric range and impressive combined efficiency. Buyers who specifically want a Subaru hybrid may find certified pre-owned 2022 to 2023 Crosstrek Hybrids through South Shore Subaru’s used inventory.
For buyers open to a full EV, the Solterra is the clear current answer. For those who want gas-only efficiency without any hybrid or EV complexity, the Forester and Outback are genuinely strong options that do not require a charging infrastructure decision.
The Subaru Solterra: Long Island’s Battery-Electric Subaru Option
The Solterra is Subaru’s first full battery-electric vehicle in the US market, co-developed with Toyota on the same platform as the bZ4X. The 2026 Solterra offers up to 228 miles of EPA-estimated range, standard Symmetrical AWD, and a starting MSRP around $44,995.
Standard AWD is a meaningful advantage for South Shore Long Island drivers who deal with winter snow near Babylon, Amityville, Copiague, and Bay Shore. Most competing EVs offer all-wheel drive only as an optional upgrade; Subaru includes it as standard from the base trim.
Charging on standard 240V Level 2 equipment adds roughly 20 to 25 miles of range per hour. A DC fast charger brings the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in approximately 56 minutes. Our full Subaru Solterra review for Long Island covers charging infrastructure, range considerations, and real-world EV life in the area in more detail.
"The most common question I get from South Shore buyers is whether Subaru makes a hybrid - and the honest answer is no, not in 2026. But the Solterra surprises a lot of people when they see what it can do, and our gas lineup holds up well on efficiency for buyers who are not ready for a full EV."
General Manager, South Shore Subaru
Subaru’s Gas-Powered SUVs: Competitive Efficiency Without a Hybrid Battery
For buyers who want efficiency without the charging requirements of an EV, Subaru’s gas lineup is competitive within its class. The 2026 Forester returns up to 29 MPG city and 33 MPG highway with its 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine - all with standard Symmetrical AWD.
The Outback delivers similar numbers at 26 MPG city and 33 MPG highway on the base engine, with AWD standard across every trim. For South Shore commuters driving between Lindenhurst, West Islip, and Bay Shore daily, these figures represent meaningful savings over less efficient AWD alternatives from other brands.
The Crosstrek gas model returns up to 28 MPG city and 35 MPG highway on the standard engine - among the strongest fuel economy figures in the compact crossover segment. Subaru’s AWD system adds very little efficiency penalty compared to front-wheel-drive competitors, which closes the real-world MPG gap substantially. Our Subaru Outback vs. Forester comparison for Long Island families covers the key differences between these two popular models.
Solterra vs. Gas Subaru: Which Makes More Sense Near Lindenhurst?
The decision depends on driving patterns, home charging access, and budget. The Solterra costs roughly $10,000 to $15,000 more than a comparable Forester or Outback at the entry level. Federal EV tax credits of up to $7,500 may reduce this gap depending on buyer income and vehicle assembly status - consult a tax advisor for specific eligibility.
Home charging is the biggest practical factor. Buyers in Lindenhurst, Babylon, and Amityville with a garage and access to a 240V outlet will have a dramatically different EV experience than those who rely on public charging infrastructure. South Shore Long Island has growing Level 2 and DC fast charging coverage along major corridors, but it is not yet as dense as Nassau County suburban centers.
For buyers who drive fewer than 200 miles per week and have home charging access, the Solterra is a realistic choice that eliminates fuel costs on most daily driving. For buyers with longer commutes, without reliable home charging, or who frequently drive beyond the South Shore, the Outback or Forester’s gas efficiency eliminates range anxiety entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Subaru make a hybrid SUV in 2026? No - Subaru discontinued the Crosstrek Hybrid after the 2023 model year and has not announced a 2026 plug-in hybrid replacement. The brand’s electrified option for 2026 is the Solterra full battery EV. Certified pre-owned 2022 to 2023 Crosstrek Hybrids may be available through South Shore Subaru’s used inventory.
How far can the 2026 Subaru Solterra go on a charge? The 2026 Solterra delivers up to 228 miles of EPA-estimated range with standard Symmetrical AWD. Real-world range varies with temperature, speed, and climate system use. Long Island winter driving may reduce range by 15 to 20 percent in cold weather conditions near the South Shore.
Is the Subaru Forester better than the Solterra for Long Island buyers? For buyers without home charging access, or who drive more than 150 to 200 miles per day, the Forester’s gas engine is the more practical choice. The Forester’s 29 to 33 MPG makes it among the most efficient AWD SUVs in its class and requires no charging infrastructure or range planning.
What happened to the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid? The Crosstrek PHEV was discontinued after the 2023 model year as Subaru refocused its electrified strategy around the Solterra full EV. No 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid is available new. Certified pre-owned examples may be available at South Shore Subaru in Lindenhurst if you are specifically looking for a plug-in hybrid Subaru.
What is the most fuel-efficient Subaru SUV for daily driving on Long Island? The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek gas model leads the lineup at up to 35 MPG highway, followed by the Forester at 33 MPG and the Outback at 33 MPG. All include standard Symmetrical AWD, which is particularly valuable for South Shore Long Island winter conditions near Lindenhurst, Babylon, and Copiague.
Are Subaru EVs safe? What do safety ratings show? The Solterra earned strong marks in safety evaluations. According to NHTSA vehicle safety ratings, Subaru models consistently perform well across crash categories. The Solterra includes standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control through EyeSight on all trims.
South Shore Subaru is located in Lindenhurst, serving drivers from Babylon, West Islip, Bay Shore, Copiague, and Amityville across Suffolk County. Our team is happy to walk through the Solterra and the current gas Subaru lineup without any pressure.
Stop in or reach out to learn what is available - we are here when you are ready.