Motor Image Pilipinas, the official distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines, could be expanding its hybrid model lineup soon with the introduction of the Crosstrek Hybrid. This means that Subaru Philippines could be eyeing to offer the Crosstrek Hybrid alongside the Forester Hybrid, which debuted in the local market last year, and has also been named as the 2025 Japan Car of the Year.
The possibility of launching the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid in the Philippines could be a reality based on sources within Subaru’s distributor network, as reported by CarGuide PH. Subaru PH reportedly intends to introduce the Crosstrek Hybrid due to the growing popularity of new energy vehicles in the local market.
This is supported by the sales report released by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), which stated that electric vehicle (EV) sales surged to 6,148 units in March 2026. The sales report also stated that the demand for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles is on an upward trend.
As such, Subaru PH reportedly wants to capitalize on the demand by offering the Crosstrek Hybrid as an additional option aside from the Forester Hybrid. Last year, the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was already included in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) list of recognized EVs. However, it has not debuted in the country since then.
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid listed on the DOE website is equipped with a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 150 horsepower and 199 Nm of torque. It also comes with a single electric motor that’s said to produce 17 horsepower and 66 Nm of torque. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid also has a 0.57 kWh battery and an all-wheel drive configuration.
Subaru PH has yet to confirm if it will be introducing the Crosstrek Hybrid. Should the Japanese car brand decide to launch it, it could use the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in June as the launch platform for the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Autocar’s Take
Subaru Philippines is reportedly eyeing to expand its hybrid model lineup with the introduction of the Crosstrek Hybrid. This could be a good move for Subaru as it will offer its clients wider options when shopping for a Subaru Hybrid. Aside from the Forester Hybrid, Subaru PH’s clients may also consider driving home the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Now, Subaru PH has yet to announce if it will indeed be bringing the Crosstrek Hybrid. As a reminder, the said Subaru hybrid vehicle has been on the DOE’s list of recognized EVs since last year, but it has yet to debut in the local market.
