View Photos of the New Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid Plug-In

Subaru's 2019 Crosstrek hybrid is the WRX STI turned inside out. These bookend variants of the Impreza line are Subaru's twin pillars of car nerdery, but they cater to opposing fanaticisms. The Crosstrek hybrid is the one that's neither quick nor fun.

This second-generation Crosstrek hybrid is the first Subaru plug-in. It's also one of the few hybrids equipped with all-wheel drive and enough ground clearance to handle light off-roading while retaining some dignity.

Since it's a hybridized version of the popular Crosstrek, some of the compromises made during the transmogrification are apparent, but they're modest compromises to what is a modest vehicle.

Subaru has built a custom two-motor, power-split transmission to create the Crosstrek's hybrid drivetrain.

While Subaru modifies the floorpan slightly to accommodate the new module and the rear-mounted 8.8-kWh battery pack that feeds it, the rest of the drivetrain is standard Subie.

So there's the familiar Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system in all its near glory.

The onboard charger will refill the battery in five hours drawing from a 120-volt outlet or in as little as two hours from a 240-volt source. A fully charged battery, Subaru says, can provide 17 miles of EV range at speeds up to 65 mph. The result is a 90-MPGe estimate from the EPA.

With 13.2 gallons of gasoline stored aboard, Subaru claims a total range of up to 480 miles, a claim we would say is heavy by 90 miles if you're going 75 mph.

Subaru positions the new $35,970 Crosstrek hybrid at the top of the lineup and has decked out the wee beast in flashy duds ranging from 18-inch alloy wheels and "low profile" roof rails to headlights with blue rings around them that signal virtue like a halo.

There's only one option, a $2500 package that includes a power sunroof, a heated steering wheel, voice-activated navigation, and a Harman/Kardon eight-speaker stereo.

With the interior finished in gray and blue leather, the cabin feels significantly more refined than that in other Crosstreks.

Passenger space is adequate, but luggage volume is compromised by the battery pack by a noticeable amount.

The intrusion raises the height of the cargo area enough to drop cargo volume from 21 cubic feet in the conventional Crosstrek to 16 cubic feet in the hybrid.

With the rear seats folded, the hybrid's 43 cubic feet is 12 cubes less than in the conventional model.

The combination of ground clearance and all-wheel-drive launch traction will also serve it well in wintry weather, as well as the quick warm cabin air the hybrid's resistive electric heating provides.

On dirt roads above Santa Barbara, California, it was nimble, never bottomed out, and was always sure-footed.

Subaru already has entrenched itself as the brand of choice in foul-weather states such as Montana and Vermont.

This plug-in will only expand that appeal.

The showiest element of all is the door in the left-rear flank boldly marked "Plug-In," which is a victory of sorts for hyphen use-or hyphen-use.

The actual retail price paid for the Crosstrek hybrid will vary greatly depending on state and federal tax incentives.

While the Crosstrek hybrid will be available to order through all Subaru dealers, it will only be carried in inventory in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia. Dealers outside those states may not be trained to service the vehicle.

Subaru, though, is no longer a niche player in the U.S. market. It's mainstream and playing like a grown-up now.

In a lineup of big sellers such as the Forester and Outback, the Crosstrek hybrid may be the equivalent of a Subie snack, but it brings the brand's full-range competence to the plug-in-hybrid market. Even those of us who aren't nerds can appreciate that.