Americans love power.

Americans love power, and Subaru Corporation knows they have to satisfy their desires, or they won’t buy the new Forester Or Crosstrek Hybrid. Americans want both fuel efficiency and power in their new models. Can they have both? Subaru Corp says yes.

“We selected a powerful engine and a powerful drive motor for this powerful hybrid system,” said Shogo Oki, director of Subaru’s engineering division. “It generates solid driving performance to be competitive in the North American market.”

What Subaru said before.

When Subaru Corporation executives and engineers spoke recently about its new hybrid technology, they declined to discuss plans for the North American market. However, they revealed that the full hybrid technology offers plenty of power to its American customers and is expected to be offered in a US-made Forester first.

What Subaru revealed in its recent announcement.

Now, Subaru has announced that it will launch its powerful hybrid system (SHEV), also called full hybrid technology, in the Forest Compact SUV and Crossing Subcompact SUV in Japan first. They will now use the larger 2.5 liter Boxer engine. Read more in my report here.

Subaru designed its hybrid for North American customers.

Subaru Corp. achieves approximately 70 percent of its global sales in the U.S. market. Understanding the importance of satisfying its American customers, the company is determined to ensure the success of its new models.

Subaru is a smart follower.

Jeff Walters, president and chief operating officer of Subaru of America, said: “With the new transition to electric vehicles, Subaru has taken a pretty smart path, and the strategy adopted for a company of our size, we are striving to be a quick follower, a smart follower. “.

Subaru is monitoring Toyota’s success.

A recent report from Automotive News (subscription) indicates that US customers are adopting hybrid technology. “Toyota dealers, for example, say customers wait three months for hybrids, which has helped boost U.S. sales of Toyota and Lexus 6.2 percent through September. American Honda “Subaru’s sales, on the other hand, grew 5.6 percent.”

In the second quarter of 2024, traditional hybrids accounted for about 9.6% of new vehicle sales in the United States, up from 8.6% in the previous quarter, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The market share of plug-in hybrids increased from 1.7% to 2%.

Subaru customers also want new hybrid models.

“To meet such high customer demand, we must continue to develop not only battery electric vehicles, but also internal combustion models equipped with hybrid systems,” said Chief Executive Officer Hiroshi Watahiki. He said the addition of a plug-in hybrid was also under consideration.

Subaru has tested a plug-in hybrid version of the Crosstrek in the United States from 2019 to 2023, when they stopped the PHEV. AN says: “This model was primarily seen as a compliance car. Subaru said it sells about 200 a month. »

The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid had a limited electric range (17 miles), was overpriced, and had limited availability. If Subaru offers a new Plug-In Hybrid in the future, they won’t make the same mistake.

Subaru’s next-generation full hybrid vehicle delivers improved performance.

The full hybrid, or SHEV, system draws on elements of the parallel hybrid setup pioneered in cars such as the Toyota Prius. Subaru will leverage Toyota’s technology, adopt a system similar to its horizontally opposed 2.5-liter Boxer engine and pair it with a longitudinal driveshaft for a mechanically connected all-wheel-drive setup.

It adopts a series-parallel system which effectively uses the motor or motor as the power source, depending on the situation.

Subaru’s next-generation hybrid will use the 2.5-liter Boxer engine.

The Forester and Crosstrek hybrids, sold in the United States, will be full hybrids using Subaru’s 2.5-liter Boxer engine. The e-Boxer mild hybrid with a 2.0-liter engine sold in Europe and Australia produces 143 horsepower. The new Forester and Crosstrek full hybrids will produce 158 horsepower.

Americans want more powerful hybrid technology.

Engine torque and electric motor torque increase significantly compared to the mild hybrid. Subaru hasn’t provided a total system horsepower or torque figure for the engine and electric motor combined. But the powertrain shaves about 2.1 seconds off the mild hybrid’s 0-62 mph time, he said.

The new Subaru 2.5-litre hybrid system is mated to an 88kW electric motor compared to the mild hybrid model’s 10kW motor. The larger battery also helps improve fuel economy. The powerful full hybrid has a 1 kilowatt-hour power pack, compared to 0.6 kWh in the mild hybrid. It also has a higher voltage, 260 volts, compared to 188.

Subaru says the new next-generation Forester and Crosstrek hybrids offer a 50 percent increase in driving range and a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy, which will result in the best fuel efficiency in the Subaru lineup. In addition, prolonged driving in an electric vehicle also improves silence.

There is more for the specific needs of American customers.

• The new Subaru SHEV will be coupled with Subaru’s excellent symmetrical all-wheel drive technology. It will have the same high ground clearance and off-road capabilities as current gasoline models. You will be able to drive safely on rough terrain or snowy roads.
• The next-generation Subaru SHEV hybrid will be able to power electrical appliances like a small refrigerator and other electrical appliances when you’re camping. A power outlet is located in the rear cargo area to meet the electrical needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

When will US customers be able to buy the new hybrids?

U.S. customers will receive the next-generation Forester Hybrid first. Subaru did not say when the new Crosstrek Hybrid would launch in North America.

As I noted earlier in my report hereSubaru will begin production of the new Forester at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) plant in Lafayette, Indiana. SIA will add production of the new generation Forester petrol model starting next year. The report indicates that U.S. production of the next-generation Forester hybrid system will begin around 2026.

The report did not specify whether the new next-generation Crosstrek Hybrid trim level would be built in Indiana. Stay tuned.

What do you think of the new Subaru hybrid models? Click the red Add a new comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis FlierlSenior Editor of Torque News since 2012. I have invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with all the major automotive brands. I am an experienced member of Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. You will find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my SubaruReport, All Subarus, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, FacebookAnd Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru