2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid presented a unique design that stood out within Kia's lineup, blending elements from other models into a distinct crossover form. It featured LED headlights, body-color mirrors, and a gloss black grille on the EX trim, contributing to its appealing exterior. Inside, the Sorento Hybrid offered a mix of hard and soft-touch surfaces, with leatherette seat trim and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The cabin was functional, with dual-zone climate controls and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, though the dark silver plastic trim could be distracting in sunlight.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained Subaru's straightforward design philosophy, focusing on function over flash. Its exterior updates included a frameless grille and aerodynamic wheel arch cladding, enhancing both aesthetics and efficiency. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable StarTex seats with orange stitching. The cabin offered practical storage solutions, though it lacked the breathability of some materials. The Limited Hybrid trim added a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, contributing to a more refined interior experience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It was available only in front-wheel drive and offered drive modes like Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Sorento Hybrid excelled in Eco mode, achieving 39 mpg in the city and 37 mpg combined, outperforming some competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in efficiency.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, equipped with a 2.5-liter engine and a 118-hp traction motor, delivered a total system output of 194 horsepower. It featured all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, providing a smoother acceleration experience. The Crosstrek Hybrid's fuel economy was estimated at 36 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed slightly lower results. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management enhanced its capability on varied terrains, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a well-thought-out interior with functional controls and comfortable seating. The split-level dashboard vents allowed precise airflow control, while the drive mode dial was easy to use. However, the rotary shifter required deliberate effort to engage gears. The Sorento's third-row seating was less spacious, with limited legroom compared to competitors like the Subaru Ascent. Cargo space was adequate for everyday needs, with a power liftgate available on the EX trim.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations with increased horsepower and cargo space. It offered 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained large, allowing for extended driving ranges. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing rivals like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but practical features like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets were included.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with a user-friendly operating system. Standard technology included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The system was straightforward and functional, with physical buttons for essential controls. Additional features like a wireless phone charger were available as upgrades.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software was slow and prone to fingerprints. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though navigation map integration was limited.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as blind-spot collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The EX trim added advanced collision avoidance systems. While not crash-tested by the IIHS, the Sorento's similar body structure earned a Top Safety Pick designation for the non-hybrid model.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS noting areas for improvement. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars overall. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking, though it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.