Subaru Australia has announced mid-cycle updates for the 2026 Crosstrek, now available in showrooms, with prices increased by $500 to $1,500 across the range. The base model starts at $36,490 before on-road costs.
Key Changes and Pricing
The most significant addition is a new Emergency Driving Stop System (EDSS), now standard across all variants. This feature, similar to Volkswagen’s Emergency Assist, can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive while lane-keeping assist is engaged.
Higher-spec 2.0R, 2.0S, and Hybrid S models also gain a driver’s seat memory function as standard. Subaru has also refreshed the exterior color palette, adding Sand Dune Pearl and Citron Yellow Pearl while discontinuing Offshore Blue, Sun Blaze Pearl, Oasis Blue, and Horizon Blue.
Safety and Technology Updates
The EDSS is designed to prevent accidents in situations where the driver may be incapacitated. According to Subaru, the system will safely halt the vehicle while alerting other road users. The feature’s effectiveness relies on the lane-keeping assist being active, which could be a point of debate for some drivers.
Powertrain and Efficiency
The Crosstrek retains its current engine options:
- 2.0L Boxer Engine: 115kW/196Nm, paired with Lineartronic CVT, consuming 7.2L/100km.
- Hybrid System: 100kW/182Nm (combined), utilizing a 2.0L Boxer engine and a 12.3kW electric motor, achieving 6.5L/100km.
Market Trends and Hybrid Tech
Notably, Subaru Japan has shifted towards a more efficient hybrid system (S:HEV) borrowed from Toyota, but this upgrade has not yet been confirmed for the Australian market. This discrepancy highlights how product rollouts vary globally. The Forester recently received the S:HEV system, but whether the Crosstrek will follow remains uncertain.
The lack of advanced hybrid options in Australia means buyers will continue to rely on the older ‘e-Boxer’ powertrain, which is standard in Japan but less efficient.
The 2026 Crosstrek’s updates offer incremental improvements, but the price increases and delayed access to newer hybrid technology may frustrate some potential buyers.
While the added safety features are welcome, the price hike and continued absence of cutting-edge hybrid options keep the Crosstrek behind its rivals in terms of efficiency and value.
