Subaru Australia is significantly expanding its hybrid vehicle offerings, signaling a major shift towards electrification. The company’s general manager, Scott Lawrence, has confirmed that more hybrid models are coming across the entire product range, though specific details remain undisclosed. This move is directly linked to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) regulations, which are driving manufacturers to increase fuel efficiency across their portfolios.
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Hybrid Expansion: A Portfolio-Wide Strategy
Subaru’s approach isn’t limited to adding a few hybrid options; it’s a comprehensive overhaul. The recent introduction of the Forester Hybrid, updates to the Solterra electric vehicle, and the Trailseeker model are just the beginning. The company is actively exploring how to broaden hybrid availability throughout its lineup. While no concrete plans have been revealed for the Crosstrek S:HEV (strong hybrid) or Impreza e-Boxer (mild-hybrid), these models are likely candidates for electrification upgrades.
The Crosstrek Hybrid: A Strong Contender for Improvement
The Subaru Crosstrek, while still a popular choice in Australia, has seen sales decline against competitors like the Hyundai Kona and MG ZS. Last year, only 8.9% of Crosstrek sales were the hybrid variant (969 units out of 10,842). However, the Japanese domestic market now features a more powerful S:HEV 2.5-liter hybrid system in the Crosstrek, delivering improved performance and fuel efficiency:
- Increased Power: The hybrid system combines an 116kW engine with an 88kW electric motor.
- Extended Range: A larger 64L fuel tank (up from 49L) boosts the combined range to over 1000km.
- Faster Acceleration: Subaru claims a 2.1-second reduction in 0-100km/h time.
Notably, the hybrid Crosstrek is now the standard drivetrain in Japan, with the base petrol engine discontinued. This suggests that Australia may follow suit with similar changes.
Impreza Hybrid: A Missed Opportunity?
Despite the success of hybrids like the Toyota Corolla, Subaru does not currently offer the e-Boxer hybrid option for the Impreza hatchback in Australia, even though it is available overseas. This absence stands in contrast to the growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, particularly as passenger vehicle sales decline in favor of SUVs.
Hybrid Sales Growth in Australia
The Australian hybrid market is booming. In 2025, hybrid sales increased by 15.3% to 199,133 units. Toyota dominates this segment with 115,953 registrations. Subaru recorded 5150 hybrid sales in the same period, up 84.2%, placing them eighth in the market. The company’s growth demonstrates that consumer demand for more fuel-efficient options is steadily increasing.
Subaru’s commitment to expanding its hybrid range aligns with broader industry trends and regulatory pressures. The company is clearly positioning itself to remain competitive in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape.
