Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza split powertrains in Japan

Key highlights:

• Crosstrek drops its pure petrol and mild hybrid engines to become hybrid-only
• Impreza keeps a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine
• Both updated models are already available to order in Japan

Subaru has updated the Crosstrek and Impreza in Japan for the 2027 Model Year, but the biggest change sits under the bonnet. The mild-hybrid 2.0-litre e-Boxer is gone from both models, sending the two siblings in completely different directions: the Crosstrek becomes hybrid-only, while the Impreza sticks with a conventional petrol engine.

The advanced Toyota-backed 2.5L strong hybrid system that recently debuted in the 2027 Crosstrek in Japan has not yet been confirmed for Australia, but it is heavily under consideration to replace the existing mild-hybrid engine. This is likely because Subaru has closed order books for its 2L e-Boxer mild-hybrid system in Japan.

Crosstrek becomes hybrid-only

The 2027 Crosstrek facelift now uses Subaru’s e-Boxer S:HEV system exclusively, dropping the older, entry-level pure petrol and mild-hybrid variants. It now combines Toyota-derived hybrid technology with a 2.5-litre boxer engine, two electric motors, an eCVT gearbox and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system.

The Japanese Crosstrek range has also been cut to just two grades: Premium S:HEV and Premium S:HEV EX.

The Premium gets heated power seats and a heated steering wheel as standard, while navigation is available as an option.

The Premium EX adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, standard navigation and EyeSight X ADAS. Buyers can also specify a Harman Kardon audio system.

Subaru has kept the Crosstrek’s exterior largely unchanged. The roof rails now use a black finish instead of dark grey, while the e-Boxer badge on the tailgate gets a slight redesign.

The standard wheels remain 18-inch alloys with all-season tyres, and Subaru has also added Ignition Red to the colour palette. The Adventure Style Package II provides an option for buyers who want the Crosstrek to take on a more rugged appearance.

Also read: Nissan Kicks Australia launch still under consideration

Impreza goes the other way

The 2027 Impreza facelift also loses its mild-hybrid option, going backward to using a non-electrified, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The range now consists of a single Smart Edition grade.

The engine works exclusively with a Lineartronic CVT, and buyers can choose either front- or all-wheel drive.

Dealers still have some stock of the previous model year, which included the mild-hybrid powertrain.

There are no exterior styling changes, but Subaru has added Ignition Red as a body colour.

The optional STI Aero package remains available, which adds a front splitter, side skirts, rear bumper extensions, and a rear spoiler. The spoiler can be finished in Black or Cherry Red.

The Smart Edition gets navigation and aluminium pedals as standard. The AWD version also receives a heated steering wheel and heated seats. The 2027 Impreza’s optional equipment includes:

• Full LED high- and low-beam headlights
• Cornering lights
• 10-way power driver’s seat with memory
• 8-way power passenger seat
• Reverse-linked mirrors with memory
• Auto-folding mirrors

Japanese pricing

Both updated models are already available to order in Japan. The 2027 Impreza starts at ¥2,865,500 (A$18,400) and the 2027 Crosstrek starts at ¥3,833,500 (A$24,600).

What does this mean for Australia?

Subaru separates the powertrain of these fraternal twins, but Australia retains the traditional mix as the Japanese launches are minor model-year revisions.

Australia continues to sell the same generation, and the local Crosstrek and Impreza have not yet shifted to this strong hybrid vs. pure petrol separation seen in Japan.

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