2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek retained much of its predecessor's design, yet introduced new elements like fresh sheet metal, a new chassis, and additional color options such as Sun Blaze and Sapphire Blue. The Wilderness trim offered an exclusive Geyser Blue paint job. While the wheelbase and overall length remained similar, the Crosstrek featured a steeper departure angle and slightly reduced cargo space. The base trim came with 17-inch alloy wheels and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road adventures. The new design included a frameless grille with a wing bar, giving the front fascia a distinctive look. Black plastic cladding protected the wheel arches, and air inlets and outlets improved aerodynamics. The split taillight design from the previous generation continued, enhancing trunk access. The Wilderness trim added unique exterior elements, increased ground clearance, and a ladder-style roof rack. Inside, the Crosstrek Wilderness featured StarTex synthetic leather upholstery and copper accents, with all-weather floor mats and an LED light in the cargo area. Interior dimensions remained largely unchanged, with a slightly smaller cargo volume. A new 11.6-inch touchscreen display was a notable addition, aligning the Crosstrek with larger Subaru models.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid offered three distinct designs—Core, Rugged, and Sport—across seven trim levels, with the PHEV available in the Rugged Woodland and three Sport grades, including the exclusive GR Sport. The sixth-generation RAV4 maintained the same footprint, with certain trims featuring buffer bumpers for added length. The RAV4 adopted a boxy, truck-like presence, consistent with Toyota's SUV lineup. The Woodland trim emphasized the boxiness with a wide front fascia and solid panels replacing fog lights. It featured all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels and a black roof rack with cross bars. Sport trims showcased gloss black accents and the GR Sport, inspired by Toyota's Gazoo Racing division, boasted red brake calipers, 20-inch black alloy wheels, and a wide mesh grille. The charge port location varied by trim, and interior accents differed, with the GR Sport featuring red stitching. All grades included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen, with the GR Sport offering a 12.9-inch option. The center console housed a mechanical gear shifter and drive mode knobs for easy switching between modes.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, standard on the Wilderness trim. The smaller 2.0-liter engine offered 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque, managed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the Crosstrek wasn't particularly quick, the CVT provided a pleasant driving experience with simulated shift points. The Wilderness trim had a shorter final-drive ratio, enhancing uphill performance and towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Crosstrek's AWD system included Subaru's X-Mode traction management, with different levels of capability depending on the trim. Fuel economy was decent for a subcompact crossover, with the 2.0-liter engine achieving 27 mpg city, 34 highway, and 29 combined, while the 2.5-liter engine offered slightly lower figures.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured an updated 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 186 horsepower, paired with a larger 22.7-kwh battery pack. The PHEV delivered 324 horsepower, making it the most powerful RAV4 to date. All-wheel drive was standard, with a front motor rated at 203 hp and 201 lb-ft of torque. The RAV4 PHEV offered an estimated range of 52 miles in EV mode. The vehicle excelled in Auto mode, achieving a 0-60 mph time in the low five seconds. The RAV4 PHEV featured multiple driving modes, including Hybrid and Charge, optimizing performance and efficiency. The GR Sport trim offered enhanced handling with a lower ride height and performance tires. The RAV4 PHEV's weight was noticeable in corners, but the GR Sport trim provided improved handling over rough terrain.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, built on the Subaru Impreza platform, offered competitive cargo space and utility for a subcompact SUV. Rear-seat legroom and headroom were adequate, though taller passengers might prefer the front seats. The trunk provided 19.9 cubic feet of space, expanding to 54.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior featured durable materials, with a protective cargo tray standard on higher trims. The Wilderness trim added adventure-oriented features like Nalgene cupholders and all-weather floor mats.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid maintained similar dimensions to its predecessor, with optimized interior storage. The base SE trim included conveniences like a power driver's seat and heated front seats. The interior featured clever storage solutions, including multiple shelves and deep door pockets. The RAV4 PHEV offered 37.8 inches of rear legroom, accommodating four passengers comfortably. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the standard RAV4, with 33.6 cubic feet available, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The cargo area featured a flat floor and a temporary spare tire.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek featured an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen, standard on all but the Base trim. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a wireless charging pad available. While the infotainment system offered crisp graphics, it suffered from glare in bright sunlight and required navigating through menus for certain features. In states with Right to Repair laws, some features were removed, such as remote start via the Subaru Starlink app.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.5-inch touchscreen, with a larger 12.9-inch option on top trims. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customizable tiles and a quick menu for easy access. Toyota's new operating system, Arene, improved responsiveness and voice assistant capabilities. The RAV4 PHEV featured a built-in dash cam, recording clips from exterior cameras, with adjustable sensitivity settings.

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek was expected to maintain its strong safety record, with the IIHS awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation since 2013. The NHTSA had not yet tested the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received five stars overall. Subaru's EyeSight safety system, standard on all trims, included features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, with enhancements for 2024.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. The system included automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. The RAV4 PHEV's safety enhancements aimed to improve detection and responsiveness, with a surround-view camera system available on higher trims. The RAV4's safety record was historically strong, with the 2025 model receiving five stars from the NHTSA.