The Subaru Wilderness family of SUVs finally gets what everyone’s been clamoring for: a hybrid powertrain option. Subaru just announced that, in addition to its new battery-electric vehicle, it’s debuting this new rugged SUV at the 2026 New York Auto Show. However, we don’t quite know which model this is, though. Subaru’s sole teaser is just the new Wilderness badge, which now says “hybrid” at the bottom.
If we were to take a guess, the first Subaru Wilderness model may be the Forester or the Crosstrek. Why? They’re the only two models that offer a hybrid variant in their lineup. To recap, that setup features a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four coupled to two electric motors and a planetary gear set. The total system output on both the Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid is 194 hp. This system uses several components derived from the Toyota Hybrid System, but modified for use with Subaru’s boxer engine.
Unlike some of their competitors, the Forester Hybrid and Crosstrek Hybrid retain a mechanical AWD system. This features a driveshaft connecting the front and rear axles. Additionally, this version of Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD setup has an FWD bias by default and shuffles power to the rear depending on multiple factors. The only other competitor that uses a mechanical setup is the Honda CR-V Hybrid. Still, it lacks a true rugged variant since the TrailSport only adds all-terrain tires, and no suspension changes.
You may be asking, why wouldn’t it be the Outback? First, it does not have a hybrid powertrain option. At least not yet. It’s only a matter of time before it receives one. For now, all we can do is wait until the car’s official debut to see which Subaru Wilderness model receives the hybrid treatment. We can’t wait to see it!
Source: Subaru
