Berman Subaru of Chicago looking forward to Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid debut at L.A. Auto Show

Jarrett Santini longs for the day when he is able to give Subaru customers more of what they’ve long wanted here in Illinois.

“Our customers have been begging us for another hybrid vehicle going back to the last time we had one back in 2014,” Santini, a sales associate with Berman Subaru of Chicago, recently told Mega Dealer News. “I honestly think this will do well, because Crosstreks in general do well and now you’re talking about one backed by hybrid technology which will really open up doors to another market.”

The all-new Subaru 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is set to debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. The company’s first-ever, plug-in hybrid SUV is set to arrive at retailers by the end of the year and will also feature distinctive exterior and interior design.

Much to his chagrin, Santini said he doesn’t know if Illinois will be among the destination spots for the first slew of Crosstreks to be offered up starting this year.

“I don’t know Illinois will get them because every time I see a list that’s put out they’re only about 10 states included and all of them already have infrastructures that have charging stations for the vehicles,” he said. "Most of those places are like New York and California, or a lot of West and East Coast stores.”

According to PR Newswire, the Crosstrek already rates as Subaru’s third-best selling model in the U.S. The efficiency offered by the hybrid model is only expected to swell its popularity.

“Things like getting 190 MPG and combining electric and gas motors will be huge,” Santini said. “Essentially, you can take this car on the highway and get an almost 500-mile range. No one else can say that about their vehicle.”

The vehicle also features new Subaru StarDrive Technology, which allows for the integration of electric motors, a 2.0-liter direct-injection Subaru boxer engine, and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Despite all the sophistication, Santini said he doesn’t anticipate things changing for sales crews working to move the vehicles.

“No special training is needed or anything,” he said. “Hybrids aren’t simple, but are what they are. It’s just like any other new car. Anytime one is brought out, you have to learn some technology about it.”