Drive.com
SUBARU is quietly reshaping its Australian line-up, signaling a shift toward hybrid and electric power without losing the brand’s signature all-wheel-drive DNA.
From a more powerful Crosstrek Strong Hybrid to the potential arrival of the Subaru Uncharted EV–and even a hybrid WRX Sportswagon – 2026 and 2027 could mark the start of a new era for the Japanese brand Down Under.
CROSSTREK STRONG HYBRID: MORE POWER, BETTER EFFICIENCY
The small SUV segment is fiercely competitive, and Subaru Australia is looking to give the Crosstrek an edge.
Currently available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 115kW/196Nm, or a mild-hybrid 100kW/182Nm variant, the Crosstrek delivers solid performance – but there’s room for more.
Enter the Strong Hybrid. Borrowed from the Forester Hybrid, the system pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Boxer engine with a 90kW electric motor and a 1.1kWh battery, delivering a combined 145kW.
Fuel economy improves to a claimed 6.2L/100km – down from the Crosstrek Hybrid’s 6.5L/100km – making it an attractive choice for city commuters and weekend adventurers alike.
While the Strong Hybrid will likely sit above the current Hybrid S, which starts at $47,590 before on-road costs, it represents Subaru’s commitment to efficiency without compromising driveability.
UNCHARTED EV: SUBARU’S THIRD ELECTRIC CONTENDER
Subaru’s electrification strategy doesn’t stop with hybrids.
The Trailseeker EV, confirmed for an Australian launch between April and June, will be joined potentially by a third electric model, the Uncharted.
Developed in partnership with Toyota and named after the iconic action-adventure franchise, the Uncharted promises an entry-level front-wheel-drive version and high-spec all-wheel-drive grades producing 252kW, with a US EPA-rated range of 467km.
Little is confirmed for Australia yet, but if it arrives locally, the Uncharted would position Subaru as a serious contender in the small EV SUV market, appealing to buyers seeking AWD capability, modern styling, and long-range electric power.
WRX SPORTSWAGON: TURBO OUT, HYBRID IN?
Meanwhile, Subaru fans might see the iconic WRX Sportswagon – the Australian Levorg – embracing hybrid technology.
Spy photos from Japan show a pre-production model without the familiar bonnet scoop, a telltale sign the next-generation WRX may ditch turbocharged petrol engines.
Production in Japan is expected later this year, with an Australian launch in 2027.
Whether the hybrid WRX will retain the Levorg name, or sit alongside a high-performance turbo variant, remains to be seen – but one thing is clear: Subaru is balancing performance heritage with modern efficiency demands.
