Subaru’s 2026 lineup spans more powertrain variety than most shoppers realize. The range includes naturally aspirated BOXER engines, turbocharged BOXER engines, hybrid-assisted BOXER models, rear-drive sports cars, performance sedans, and a growing electric SUV lineup. For Long Island buyers comparing Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, WRX, Solterra, Trailseeker, and Uncharted, horsepower only tells part of the story. Torque delivery, drivetrain layout, and how the vehicle will be used matter just as much.
Bottom Line: The 2026 Subaru lineup runs from the 152-hp Impreza Sport to the 375-hp Trailseeker. Gasoline models emphasize predictable BOXER power and standard AWD, WRX adds turbocharged performance, and the newest EVs deliver instant electric torque through eAxle drivetrains.
- Highest-output Subaru EV in this group: Trailseeker at 375 hp
- Highest-output gasoline model here: WRX at 271 hp
- Mainstream SUV baseline: Crosstrek and Forester 2.5L at 180 hp
- Family three-row model: Ascent 2.4L turbo at 260 hp and 277 lb-ft
2026 Subaru Power Output by Model
| Model | Powertrain | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Impreza Sport | 2.0L BOXER | 152 hp / 145 lb-ft |
| Impreza RS | 2.5L BOXER | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Crosstrek Base | 2.0L BOXER | 152 hp / 145 lb-ft |
| Crosstrek 2.5L trims | 2.5L BOXER | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Crosstrek Hybrid | 2.5L hybrid BOXER system | 194 hp combined |
| Forester gas trims | 2.5L BOXER | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Forester Hybrid | 2.5L hybrid BOXER system | 194 hp combined |
| BRZ | 2.4L BOXER | 228 hp / 184 lb-ft |
| Outback 2.5L trims | 2.5L BOXER | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Outback XT and Wilderness | 2.4L turbo BOXER | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft |
| Ascent | 2.4L turbo BOXER | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft |
| WRX | 2.4L turbo BOXER | 271 hp / 258 lb-ft |
| Solterra | Dual-motor EV | 233 hp or 338 hp, depending on trim |
| Trailseeker | Dual-motor EV | 375 hp |
| Uncharted | EV | 221 hp FWD or 338 hp AWD |
What the Numbers Mean in Real Driving
The 2.0L and 2.5L BOXER engines are tuned for smooth, predictable response. They are not trying to feel like turbo performance engines. In Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and standard Outback models, the appeal is low-stress daily driving, standard or available Subaru AWD, and ownership simplicity.
The 2.4L turbo BOXER changes the character. In the Ascent, it gives a three-row SUV the torque needed for family hauling and highway passing. In the Outback XT and Wilderness, it gives the wagon-SUV platform a much stronger midrange. In the WRX, the same displacement is tuned for performance sedan response.
The hybrid Crosstrek and Forester use electric assist to make the low-speed response feel stronger than the raw gasoline engine number suggests. The combined 194 hp figure matters, but the more important advantage is how quickly electric torque fills in around town.
Gasoline Subaru Versus Electric Subaru
The EV models deliver power differently. A BOXER engine builds output as revs rise. An electric motor responds immediately, so Solterra, Trailseeker, and Uncharted can feel more responsive in the first few feet from a stop than the horsepower number alone suggests.
That is why the 338-hp Solterra XT and 338-hp Uncharted AWD trims feel so different from a gasoline SUV even when the on-paper number sits near a conventional performance model. The EVs do not wait for a downshift, turbo spool, or engine revs. Torque delivery is immediate.
For shoppers comparing the 2026 Subaru Solterra, 2026 Subaru Trailseeker, and 2026 Subaru Uncharted, that instant response is one of the biggest reasons to test drive them back-to-back.
Which Subaru Has the Right Amount of Power?
For commuting: Impreza, Crosstrek, and Forester make the most sense when value, fuel economy, visibility, and winter confidence matter more than acceleration.
For family hauling: Ascent and Outback XT bring the strongest gasoline torque figures. If you regularly carry passengers, cargo, bikes, beach gear, or a small trailer, the turbo models feel more relaxed.
For driving enjoyment: BRZ and WRX solve different problems. BRZ is the lightweight rear-drive sports car. WRX is the all-weather turbo sedan with AWD.
For instant response: Trailseeker, Solterra XT trims, and Uncharted AWD trims are the strongest choices if you want electric acceleration and Subaru traction tuning.
"Horsepower is useful, but it is not the whole story with Subaru. A Forester buyer wants smooth AWD confidence. A WRX buyer wants turbo response. A Trailseeker buyer is going to notice the instant electric torque. The right Subaru is the one whose power delivery matches how you actually drive."
General Manager, South Shore Subaru
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2026 Subaru has the most horsepower?
In this 2026 lineup comparison, the Subaru Trailseeker has the highest output at 375 hp.
Which gasoline Subaru has the most horsepower?
The WRX is the highest-output gasoline model here at 271 hp from its 2.4L turbocharged BOXER engine.
Do the Crosstrek Hybrid and Forester Hybrid have the same output?
Both use a 2.5L hybrid BOXER system rated at 194 combined horsepower.
Is the BRZ all-wheel drive?
No. The BRZ is Subaru’s rear-wheel-drive sports car. If you want Subaru performance with AWD, compare the WRX.
Compare Subaru Powertrains on Long Island
Browse new Subaru inventory at South Shore Subaru or contact the team to compare powertrains in person at 305 Sunrise Hwy in Lindenhurst.