--- title: "You Can Buy a Cheaper FWD Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid in Japan" description: "The third-generation Subaru Crosstrek is already on sale in Japan and it comes with an entry-level front-wheel drive version." date: "2022-12-03" modified: "2022-12-03" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/you-can-buy-a-cheaper-fwd-subaru-crosstrek-hybrid-in-japan" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Subaru News" --- # You Can Buy a Cheaper FWD Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid in Japan ![]() All-wheel drive has sort of always been the [Subaru]() Crosstrek's thing. I mean that's the whole point of buying something called the [Crosstrek](), right? And, with a starting price of $24,870, it's affordable enough that customers don't complain about all-wheel drive being standard, even in climates where two-wheel drive will do. However, in Japan, there's now an even cheaper, front-wheel drive version of the new third-generation Crosstrek. This new model is the first front-wheel drive version of the Crosstrek, a car whose reputation was built on being capable off-road. In addition to coming with a front-wheel drive version, the Japanese-market Crosstrek will only be available as a hybrid. The "e-Boxer" powertrain is made up of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with 143 horsepower and 139 pound-feet of torque, paired to an electric motor that makes 13 horsepower and 48 pound-feet. There's no manual transmission option for the hybrid, only a CVT. ![]() When you get rid of the Crosstrek's all-wheel drive, make it hybrid and CVT-only, it sort of just becomes a slightly taller Impreza hatchback. Aside from the black plastic body cladding and slightly lifted ride height, I'm not sure why customers would choose a front-wheel drive Crosstrek over an Impreza. The third-generation Crosstrek hasn't hit U.S. shores just yet and will likely do so sometime in 2024. When it eventually does come to the U.S. market, it will be interesting to see if it brings the front-wheel drive model with it. U.S. customers have come to love the Crosstrek's rugged off-road nature, many of whom order theirs with manual transmissions. So it's hard to imagine a front-wheel drive Crosstrek selling well in the 'States. There will of course be all-wheel drive versions available, as there are in Japan. ![]() In Japan, the front-wheel drive Subaru Crosstrek starts at ¥2,662,000 ($19,819), which is quite a bit cheaper than the all-wheel drive version, at ¥3,234,000 ($23,714). When the 2024 Crosstrek comes to the U.S. market, it will likely carry a starting price that's a bit higher than the current car's. However, if a front-wheel drive model does make it across the Pacific, it will likely need a hefty discount for customers to be interested. *Got tips? Send them to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()