As of 2024 (Reiwa 6), Subaru is selling three new vehicles equipped with its unique hybrid system, the e-BOXER. We’ll introduce each vehicle’s features in detail. With growing environmental awareness and rising gasoline prices, hybrid vehicles are gaining more and more attention.
What is the Subaru hybrid vehicle “e-BOXER”?
The “e-BOXER” is a mild hybrid system that combines a motor and engine, achieving improved fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration when starting from a standstill. While typical hybrids are known as “split systems” used by Toyota and Honda, which use the engine and motor depending on the situation, Subaru’s “e-BOXER” uses a “parallel system” in which the engine is always running and the motor is used to assist.
Benefits of Subaru’s hybrid “e-BOXER” vehicle
Subaru hybrid vehicles offer the following benefits:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Smoothness of starting acceleration
Disadvantages of Subaru’s hybrid “e-BOXER” car
Subaru hybrid cars have the following drawbacks:
- Less energy regeneration during deceleration
- It is difficult to benefit from fuel economy
Subaru vs Toyota fuel economy comparison
We compared the WLTC mode fuel economy of gasoline and hybrid vehicles in the same class.
| Car model | Gasoline vehicles | Hybrid cars | Price range (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza | 14.0km/L | 16.6km/L | 2,299,000 yen – 3,212,000 yen |
| Crosstrek | – | 16.4km/L | 2,662,000 yen to 3,289,000 yen |
| Forester | 13.6km/L | 14.0km/L | 3,069,000 yen to 3,740,000 yen |
| Car model | Gasoline vehicles | Hybrid cars | Price range (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Sport | 17.2km/L | 27.2km/L | 2,200,000 yen to 2,890,000 yen |
| Corolla Cross | 16.6km/L | 26.4km/L | 2,184,000 yen to 3,459,000 yen |
| RAV4 | 15.2km/L | 20.6km/L | 2,938,000 yen to 5,633,000 yen |
Hybrid system types
Split Method
The engine is used for both power generation and driving. Basically, the motor drives the vehicle when it starts moving, and the engine starts at a certain speed, reducing engine power and improving fuel efficiency. The base price is higher than that of gasoline models.
Manufacturers
Toyota Lexus Honda
Parallel system (mild hybrid)
The engine is always running, and the motor is used to assist. Generally, the motor output is low and a small battery is used. The advantage is that the fuel efficiency is improved without increasing the unit price too much.
Manufacturers
Mazda, Subaru, Nissan
Series system (range extender, different names used by different companies)
The engine is used solely to generate electricity and the vehicle is driven solely by the motor. When electricity is insufficient, the engine generates electricity. In other words, it can be said to be an electric vehicle (BEV) that does not require charging. The driving sensation is that of an electric vehicle itself, with distinctive driving characteristics and the ability to accelerate and decelerate using only the accelerator pedal. It is also possible to derive it from an electric vehicle (BEV).
Manufacturers
Nissan Mazda
[2024] Subaru Hybrid Car List – Model Description
As of 2024 (Reiwa 6), Subaru sells several models equipped with its unique hybrid system, “e-BOXER.”
As of 2024, Subaru sells the following hybrid vehicles:
Impreza
Subaru’s compact car, the Impreza, is available in a model that combines a 2.0L gasoline engine with the e-BOXER. Its fuel economy is 19.4km/L in WLTC mode. The Impreza is the standard model in the SUBARU lineup, combining high safety performance and dynamic quality that exceeds its class. The new 6th generation Impreza inherits these features while incorporating many of SUBARU’s latest technologies, significantly improving safety performance and dynamic quality.
Subaru Impreza
| Specifications | New Impreza |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,475mm |
| Overall width | 1,780mm |
| Overall height | 1,450mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
The exterior expresses sportiness with its sharp, taut shape that exudes a sense of speed and its protruding fenders that convey a powerful sense of speeding across the land, further enhancing the Impreza’s individuality. The new car employs the SUBARU GLOBAL PLATFORM (SGP) , which has been further improved from the previous model , employing a full inner frame structure, expanding the use of structural adhesives, and improving the rigidity of suspension mounting points. It also incorporates a seat design based on a new approach based on the human body structure, and the mature e-BOXER electric technology. The best of SUBARU’s people-centered technology has been brought together to dramatically improve driving performance.
The interior is designed to be user-friendly and casual, allowing drivers to spend their time driving and other activities in a natural manner. It features an 11.6-inch multi-information display, a common interface for the latest SUBARU models, that supports STARLINK and wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
More grades than the previous model are now equipped with the 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” model and the 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER”. The lineup includes two drive systems: FWD and AWD.
| Specifications | e-BOXER |
|---|---|
| engine | 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER” |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 188Nm (19.2kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
10kW (13.6ps) |
| Motor Max Torque |
65Nm (6.6kgm) |
transmission |
Lineartronic |
| Drive system | FWD/AWD |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery (4.8Ah) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
16.6km/L |
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Subaru’s new “Impreza” full model change to be released on April 20, 2023
Crosstrek
The Crosstrek, an SUV based on the Impreza, also has an e-BOXER model, which has a fuel economy of 19.3km/L in WLTC mode.
Subaru Crosstrek
The high hood position, which gives the impression of thickness, expresses strength. Furthermore, the sharp front grille bar and LED headlights create a front mask with a light and bold image. Subaru is the first to adopt “full LED high and low beam lamps + LED cornering lamps.” The higher grade models are equipped with 18-inch aluminum wheels. A total of nine exterior colors are available, including the new colors Offshore Blue Metallic and Oasis Blue.
| Specifications | New Crosstrek |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,480mm |
| Overall width | 1,800mm |
| Overall height | 1,575mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
The multi-layered structure of the multi-materials makes the most of the texture of each material, resulting in a simple yet expressive instrument panel design. The upper surface of the center console has been raised to create a sense of envelopment and a high-quality feel, while also improving operability. In addition, the ingenious storage facilities have been enhanced to create an interior that is easy to use. Fabric (silver stitching) is available for the higher grades. Tricot (silver stitching) is used for the standard grades. Genuine leather seats are also available as a manufacturer-installed option.
More grades than the previous model are now equipped with the 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” model and the 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER”. The lineup includes two drive systems: FWD and AWD.
| Specifications | e-BOXER |
|---|---|
| engine | 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER” |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 188Nm (19.2kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
10kW (13.6ps) |
| Motor Max Torque |
65Nm (6.6kgm) |
transmission |
Lineartronic |
| Drive system | FWD/AWD |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery (4.8Ah) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy |
16.4km/L |
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Subaru’s new Crosstrek will officially announce its price on December 1, 2022
Forester
Subaru’s flagship SUV, the Forester, is also available with an e-BOXER model. It combines a 2.0L gasoline engine with the e-BOXER. Fuel economy is 14.0km/L in WLTC mode.
FORESTER
| Specifications | Forester |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,640mm |
| Overall width | 1,815mm |
| Overall height | 1715-1,730mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670mm |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
The improvements have further enhanced safety performance by changing the settings of the reverse brake assist and accelerating the timing of the warning when an obstacle is detected while reversing. Regarding the interior and exterior, the black-painted shark fin antenna and roof spoiler used on the top-of-the-line “STI Sport” grade are now standard on all grades. This enhances the sense of quality and further emphasizes the toughness of an SUV. The “X-BREAK” and “Advance” grades come standard with a power rear gate. The “X-BREAK” comes standard with 8-way power seats for the driver and passenger, and each grade is tailored to meet the needs of the customer.
| Specifications | e-BOXER |
|---|---|
| engine | 2.0L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder DOHC direct injection engine “FB20 type” + motor assist “e-BOXER” |
| Maximum power | 107kW (145PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 188Nm (19.2kgm) / 4,000rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
10kW (13.6ps) |
| Motor Max Torque |
65Nm (6.6kgm) |
| transmission | CVT (Lineartronic) |
| Drive system | AWD |
| battery | Lithium-ion battery (4.8Ah) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 14.0km/L |
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ Subaru’s new “Forester” special edition “X-EDITION” to be announced on October 25, 2023
→ Subaru new Forester partial improvement F type announced on August 24, 2023
Subaru Recommended Points
When we rank the current models that will be released as of 2024 in order of overall safety performance as determined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA), we see that the Crosstrek Impreza, which received the highest score in the 2020 Automotive Safety Performance ranking, has the highest score and won a five-star award. This is due to the high performance of EyeSight.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
→ [2024] Top 25 Safe Cars Ranking, NASVA Highest Rating, Five-Star Award
New generation EyeSight adopted. Top-class safety equipment is included.
Performance has been improved by adopting a triple camera (stereo camera unit + wide-angle monocular camera) . The new stereo camera unit has a significantly wider angle of view, approximately twice that of the previous model. The image recognition software and control software have been improved to enable recognition over a wider and farther range. A new monocular camera has been adopted that has a wider angle than the new stereo camera and can recognize motorcycles and pedestrians. The range of situations in which pre-crash braking can be applied has been expanded, achieving the best performance of any EyeSight model to date.
Adopts a “Digital Multi-View Monitor” that displays a 360-degree view around the vehicle
While this is common among other manufacturers, the Subaru is the first to adopt a 360° “Digital Multi-View Monitor.” It uses a 3D view/top view that combines images from four cameras to display a 360° view around the vehicle, improving visibility around the vehicle. Additionally, the newly adopted center information display is used for the screen display, and the larger, higher-resolution screen than conventional multi-function displays improves visibility and ease of use.
Connected service “SUBARU STARLINK”
In the unlikely event of a serious accident, in order to save as many lives as possible, this service provides reliable and secure support by connecting you to a call center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the event of a traffic accident or other trouble.
SUBARU Connected Security Package (paid) If you purchase a new car, it is free for five years from the date of initial registration.
Advanced automatic accident reporting (HelpNet®), SUBARU SOS Call, SUBARU iCall (Anshin Hotto Ran)
summary
Subaru’s “e-BOXER” is a mild hybrid system that improves fuel efficiency and provides smooth acceleration when starting from a stop. If you are considering purchasing a Subaru vehicle, we recommend that you consider a vehicle equipped with e-BOXER.
▼For more details, please refer to this article.
Subaru
