Subaru Crosstrek, all-new Forester get hybrid recognition in PH

Subaru is one of the Japanese automakers in the country that have yet to introduce electrified vehicles, but that narrative could finally change soon.

We came across an updated list of recognized hybrids in the country, and found not one, but two Subaru models that are now included. The models we’re talking about are the Subaru Crosstrek, and the all-new Forester.

The two models have stood out as the volume drivers for Subaru in the Philippine market, but in recent years the models have somewhat fallen behind the competition especially in the electrification front. Motor Image Pilipinas could certainly use the hybrid models to boost the popularity of the Crosstrek and the Forester once more.

The e-Boxer system that was initially solely developed in-house by Subaru did not make it to the Philippine market. But in other countries, the e-Boxer did not quite deliver the expected improvements in fuel efficiency. However, the Crosstrek and the all-new Forester that could arrive in the country are expected to have the new Subaru Strong Hybrid System or S:HEV.

The Subaru Strong Hybrid System was co-developed with Toyota, where the former still gets to utilize their patented boxer engine layout, but comes with the series-parallel hybrid setup, batteries, and electric components developed by the latter.

In the Japanese market Crosstrek, the system utilizes a 2.5-liter boxer engine that puts out 160 PS and 209 Nm of torque, and an MC2 AC synchronous motor powered by a 1.1 kWh lithium ion battery that gives a max output of 119.6 PS and 270 Nm of torque. While the S:HEV system features additional components for the Crosstrek, the basic layout of Subaru’s symmetrical AWD remains the same, retaining its mechanically coupled front and rear axles using a propeller shaft.

On the other hand, the all-new Forester for the US market combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller cycle boxer engine with two electric motors (generator and traction motor) to produce 194 PS.

Subaru claims the 2025 Crosstrek S:HEV is capable of exceeding 1,000 km of range on a single tank of fuel, while the Forester is claimed to deliver up to 935 km of range with 40% better fuel economy in the city and up to 25% in combined city and highway driving.

And since it already has government recognition as a hybrid, then expect these two to be coding exempt once Motor Image Pilipinas pulls the trigger and launches the Crosstrek and Forester Hybrid in the market. Here’s to hoping the launch happens sooner rather than later.