Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - 2013 Subaru Crosstrek HYBRID

mannydantyla · 12-02-2019, 01:29 PM

I did a search and I don't think there's a thread about the first-generation Subaru Crosstrek Hybrids on this forum so I thought I'd start one, and so there's a space for us to share and ask questions about this model.

A few weeks ago my wife and I bought a '13 Subaru Crosstrek XV Hybrid to replace my gas guzzling SUV, a '08 Toyota 4Runner v8 getting a horrid 14mpg in the city. I really wanted an all electric but hopefully we'll be able to trade this in for one in a year or two.

The Subaru Hybrid has a very small battery and electric motor. Truth is it's barely a hybrid at all. I think the electric motor is connected to the CVT transmission and I think it either takes the place of (or is) the starter motor, or there's two motors - one for starting and one for propulsion. So very different than the hybrid system found in a Prius for example.

EPA testing shows it gets a combined 30mpg, only 2mpg more than then non-hybrid.

However, I'm getting a little better than that. Driving around the city, I rarely get less than 30mpg but on shorter trips it does happen of course. And on the highway it gets 35 to 40mpg depending on how fast I'm going. 50 to 55mph seems to be the sweet spot. (this is all assuming the car's MPG display is accurate).

I've found that if I'm very clever with the throttle pedal, I can get better fuel economy, especially in the city and especially around hills. When going down hill, I'm able to get the car to move forward without the ICE engine running at all. But on flat ground, even the tiniest tap on the throttle peddle will set the ICE engine running again. There's a learning curve to it. And going up hill, forget about it.

And I have to have both heater and AC turned off or else the ICE engine will almost never turn off.

Of course, the battery is so small that it can run out, especially in heavy and slow traffic.

Does anybody have any advice on how to maximize fuel economy with this car? Or mild hybrid cars in general?

Does anybody have an experience with an aero or engine mods with this car?

Thanks!

12-02-2019, 01:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
mannydantyla EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 102 Aerokee - '97 Jeep Cherokee XJ sport 90 day: 18.22 mpg (US) Scrambler - '74 Honda CL200 Motorcycle 90 day: 55 mpg (US) Thanks: 70 Thanked 40 Times in 25 Posts	2013 Subaru Crosstrek HYBRID - I just bought one I did a search and I don't think there's a thread about the first-generation Subaru Crosstrek Hybrids on this forum so I thought I'd start one, and so there's a space for us to share and ask questions about this model. A few weeks ago my wife and I bought a '13 Subaru Crosstrek XV Hybrid to replace my gas guzzling SUV, a '08 Toyota 4Runner v8 getting a horrid 14mpg in the city. I really wanted an all electric but hopefully we'll be able to trade this in for one in a year or two. The Subaru Hybrid has a very small battery and electric motor. Truth is it's barely a hybrid at all. I think the electric motor is connected to the CVT transmission and I think it either takes the place of (or is) the starter motor, or there's two motors - one for starting and one for propulsion. So very different than the hybrid system found in a Prius for example. EPA testing shows it gets a combined 30mpg, only 2mpg more than then non-hybrid. However, I'm getting a little better than that. Driving around the city, I rarely get less than 30mpg but on shorter trips it does happen of course. And on the highway it gets 35 to 40mpg depending on how fast I'm going. 50 to 55mph seems to be the sweet spot. (this is all assuming the car's MPG display is accurate). I've found that if I'm very clever with the throttle pedal, I can get better fuel economy, especially in the city and especially around hills. When going down hill, I'm able to get the car to move forward without the ICE engine running at all. But on flat ground, even the tiniest tap on the throttle peddle will set the ICE engine running again. There's a learning curve to it. And going up hill, forget about it. And I have to have both heater and AC turned off or else the ICE engine will almost never turn off. Of course, the battery is so small that it can run out, especially in heavy and slow traffic. Does anybody have any advice on how to maximize fuel economy with this car? Or mild hybrid cars in general? Does anybody have an experience with an aero or engine mods with this car? Thanks! Last edited by mannydantyla; 12-02-2019 at 01:34 PM..