It’s not a mirage — this Subaru Crosstrek Sport Hybrid just blends in perfectly with the desert.
With tons of body cladding, of course, this tan, two-row, five-seat compact SUV (some would say subcompact) looks rugged and ready to tackle sand dunes, provided you can find them. Friendship Heights has relatively few, I think.
The Sport Hybrid trim slots above the Crosstrek Base and Premium versions but below the Limited, Limited Hybrid and Wilderness trim levels. (The gas-only Crosstrek Sport trim level has been discontinued for 2027.)
A big appeal here is that hybrid powertrain. It pairs a four-cylinder engine and electric motors to produce 194 horsepower combined, giving this one reasonable, but not amazing, get-up. It’s more powerful than a gas Crosstrek, albeit heavier. Range is the real standout, with a full tank taking you nearly 600 miles. Fuel economy sits at 36 miles per gallon combined.
Inside, the Crosstrek Sport Hybrid includes an 11.6-inch vertically-oriented center screen, which has absorbed some key functions, like the fan speed selector. Thankfully, nearby physical buttons remain for things like temperature controls. Heated seats are controlled by toggle switches on the center console. Huzzah!
The Sport Hybrid features black and yellow cloth upholstery with yellow stitching. While the front was comfortable, the rear seat and trunk seemed a little cramped. My kids also complained about a lack of rear A/C vents. That’s to be expected, as this is basically an economy car with a lift kit, after all. It is quite a lift though, giving this one nearly nine inches of ground clearance for getting through our winter snow, or that elusive sand.
On account of its small size, this one is easy to park. However, I was surprised by the lack of a front-view camera or even front parking sensors.
Outside, that Sand Dune Pearl paint will set you back an extra $395.
Some good news: Subaru has shot up in the dependability rankings from JD Power. It now sits at sixth overall, after several years in the wilderness (pun intended). Now if only my local dealership would step up and re-replace my own Subaru’s thrice-leaky head gaskets. (And please, don’t tell me that “normal seepage” is a thing.) OK … deep breaths.
This exact Crosstrek costs $35,810, all in.
A base nonhybrid Crosstrek can star at $28,415, after shipping.
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