- The Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek benefit from subtle updates in Japan.
- The Crosstrek gets a hybrid-only lineup while the Impreza turns to gasoline.
- The previous mild-hybrid 2.0-liter e-Boxer engine has been phased out.
Subaru has rolled out model year updates for the Crosstrek and the Impreza in Japan, and the highlight here is the discontinuation of the mild-hybrid 2.0-liter e-Boxer. This change introduces a stark powertrain divergence between the two siblings, with the crossover transitioning into a hybrid-only lineup, and the hatchback moving in the opposite direction by sticking to a pure combustion engine.
The Crosstrek is now exclusively available with the e-Boxer S:HEV system producing a combined 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS). The hybrid setup with Toyota-derived tech combines a 2.5-liter boxer engine, dual electric motors, an eCVT gearbox, and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system.
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Visually, changes are limited to the black finish of the roof rails (instead of dark gray), and the slightly different e-Boxer emblem on the tailgate. Subaru has also added the Ignition Red option in the color palette, retaining the standard 18-inch alloy wheels shod in all-season tires.
The 2027 Crosstrek lineup has been reduced to two grades – the Premium S:HEV and the Premium S:HEV EX. The Premium comes standard with heated power seats and a heated steering wheel, while Subaru has added the option of a navigation system. The Premium EX gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, standard navigation and the EyeSight X ADAS suite, and can be optionally fitted with a Harman Kardon audio system.
Subaru Crosstrek S:HEV
The Impreza also lost the mild-hybrid powertrain option, but dealers still have available stock from the previous model year. The 2027 model is powered by the non-electrified, naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, which offers 152 hp (113 kW / 154 PS). The mill is exclusively paired to a Lineartronic CVT gearbox, sending power to either the front or to all four wheels.
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The hatchback’s lineup comprises a single Smart Edition trim, which is available in FWD and AWD. Predictably, there are no changes to the exterior styling, but the bodywork can now be finished in the Ignition Red shade. Buyers can still choose from an array of optional accessories, including the STI Aero package, which adds a splitter, side skirts, rear bumper extensions, and a rear spoiler finished in Black or Cherry Red.
Subaru Impreza Smart Edition
In terms of equipment, the Impreza Smart Edition comes standard with navigation and aluminum pedals, while the AWD model also gets a heated steering wheel and heated seats. Options include full LED high and low beams, cornering lights, a 10-way power driver’s seat with memory, an 8-way power passenger seat, and reverse-linked mirrors with memory and auto-folding functions.
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The updated Subaru Impreza and Crosstrek are already available to order in Japan. The Impreza Smart Edition is priced from ¥2,865,500 ($18,400) for FWD and from ¥3,135,000 ($20,150) for AWD. For those wondering, the optional STI Aero package adds another ¥194,260 ($1,200) to the price.
On the other hand, the Crosstrek S:HEV starts at ¥3,833,500 ($24,600) for the Premium S:HEV and climbs to ¥4,053,500 ($26,100) for the flagship Premium S:HEV EX. If you want a more rugged appearance, the Crosstrek also has an array of accessories including the Adventure Style Package II which costs ¥146,960 ($940).
