Subaru has announced the introduction of a hybrid powertrain option on the XV in Japan. Offered exclusively as part of a new “Advance” trim level, the hybrid system is the same as the one Subaru launched on another Japan-exclusive model back in May, the Forester e-Boxer.



The setup consists of a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-pot rated at 145 PS (143 hp) and 188 Nm (139 lb-ft) of torque. The internal combustion unit is mated to a Lineartronic CVT and Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD.

It’s also assisted by a 10-kW (13.6 PS) electric motor that produces 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) of torque.

According to Subaru, the electric motor helps make the XV more pleasant to drive, providing smooth acceleration, improved performance, and more comfort during daily driving — especially in the city. Unsurprisingly, it boosts fuel efficiency, with the XV e-Boxer returning 19.2 km/L (45.1 mpg US/5.2 l/100 km) according to Japan’s JC08 cycle.

The new powertrain will only be available as part of a new top-of-the-line “Advance” grade, which brings an exclusive Lagoon Blue Pearl exterior color with matching interior trim. It also adds LED headlights and fog lamps, silver exterior trim, and a bigger TFT color display, among other things.

The United States won’t get the e-Boxer powertrain on the Crosstrek, as Subaru has already announced a plug-in hybrid version that will arrive later this year with technology from the Toyota Prius Prime.

Already available to pre-order in Japan, the XV e-Boxer might arrive in Europe and Australia next year.