Subaru is updating the Crosstrek and Impreza for the Japanese market, but the changes will not be identical in the United States. The biggest Crosstrek change is the removal of the combustion-only powertrain in Japan, while Subaru of America says it has no plans to discontinue the ICE-only Crosstrek in the U.S.
Subaru Crosstrek Keeps Its U.S. Combustion Model
First launched for the 2013 model year, the Subaru Crosstrek has become one of the brand’s core products in the United States. As of August 2026, it is Subaru’s second-most popular offering in the country, with 122,953 deliveries so far, trailing only the Forester at 140,487 units.
At the same time, Impreza sales have fallen 43% year over year to 11,396 vehicles.
In Japan, Subaru is changing the Crosstrek lineup to offer only the hybrid model, eliminating the pure-combustion powertrain there. That change does not apply to the U.S. market.
“We have no plans to discontinue the ICE-only Crosstrek in the US. We announced the 27MY Crosstrek in July, including ICE-only trims, which are assembled in Indiana,” a Subaru of America spokesperson said.
The production locations help Subaru adjust its vehicle mix between markets. The automaker builds the hybrid Crosstrek in Japan, while the ICE version sold in North America is produced at its factory in Indiana.
Crosstrek Hybrid Specifications and Japanese Updates
The Crosstrek Hybrid uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder engine with assistance from an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower in the U.S.
The Environmental Protection Agency rates the hybrid at 36 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined. The combustion version is rated at 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined.
For the Japanese market, Subaru is also making several smaller changes to the Crosstrek. The roof rails are now black instead of dark gray, while the rear receives a redesigned e-BOXER badge. The SUV will also be offered in Ignition Red.
Some Japanese-market trims will gain optional Harman Kardon audio and navigation. That technology is already available on the Crosstrek in the U.S.
Crosstrek Sales Differ Sharply Between Japan and the U.S.
The Crosstrek remains a relatively niche model in Japan compared with the United States. Subaru projects monthly sales of 500 units there, or 6,000 vehicles annually.
By comparison, Subaru sold 19,541 Crosstreks in the U.S. in August alone. The automaker does not report ICE and hybrid deliveries separately, so it is unclear which version is more popular in the U.S.
For the 2027 model year, the Crosstrek Sport Hybrid starts at $33,995 in the U.S., plus a $1,475 destination fee. The better-equipped Limited Hybrid starts at $35,995.
Subaru Adds New Impreza Options in Japan
Subaru is also revising the Japanese-market Impreza with a new option package. It includes full LED high and low beams, steering-linked headlights, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, an eight-way power passenger seat and auto-folding door mirrors.
Japanese buyers can still choose a front-wheel-drive Impreza, which is also receiving new options including LED rear fog lights, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.
Subaru projects selling 520 Imprezas per month in Japan, equivalent to 6,240 vehicles annually. The company sold 1,556 in August and 11,396 through that point in the year.
2026 Subaru Impreza U.S. Pricing and Powertrains
In the U.S., the 2026 Subaru Impreza starts at $26,595, plus a $1,195 destination fee.
The base Sport trim uses a naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The higher-grade RS starts at $29,495 and uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft.
Subaru’s latest Japanese-market updates bring equipment and powertrain changes to both models, while the automaker has confirmed that the ICE-only Crosstrek will remain part of the U.S. lineup.
