2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, took a distinct styling path with its sloping roofline, giving it a "crossover coupe" appearance reminiscent of high-end models like the BMW X4 and X6. This design choice, while potentially compromising rear visibility, was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with daytime running lights positioned above the actual headlights, which were integrated into vertical elements flanking the grille. This sleek design was a first for Buick, setting the Envista apart from its siblings, the Envision and Encore GX, which received similar styling as part of their mid-cycle refreshes. The interior of the Envista mirrored the Trax but with smoother lines and softer materials, although some textures felt cheap. Despite this, the cabin offered a slight upgrade from the Trax, maintaining its entry-level vehicle status.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation of Crosstreks, continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous models. The 2026 version carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar connecting to the headlights, creating a Cheshire cat-like smile. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in two trims, Sport and Limited, and offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort inside. The cabin maintained Subaru's straightforward design philosophy, with consistent material quality and distinctive orange contrast stitching on the gray StarTex seats. The Limited Hybrid trim added upscale touches like a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, shared with the Trax, delivered power smoothly, akin to a larger engine with more gears. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, differentiating it from the Encore GX. The Envista featured a torsion-beam rear suspension on base models, while models with 19-inch wheels received a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension, enhancing ride quality. The front suspension was a MacPherson strut setup, with Buick-specific bushings and damper tuning. The Envista handled bumps well, though it felt nervous on less-than-perfect pavement. Overall, it provided a more premium feel compared to the Trax, with quieter acceleration and a more comfortable ride.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. The Crosstrek's mechanical AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system, standard on all Crosstreks, offered specific settings for different terrains and included hill-descent control. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the current model exhibited less body lean than older versions.

The 2024 Buick Envista was 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch, resulting in increased interior space. Rear-seat legroom grew by three inches, and shoulder room increased by two inches in both rows. However, the coupe-like design reduced headroom slightly, especially for second-row passengers. The seats were comfortable for the price point, and the car-like design provided good outward visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 20.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 42 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the old Encore and the Trax.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained the same size as the all-gas models, allowing for a potential range of 597 miles. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered ample rear-seat space with 36.7 inches of legroom, more than the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for climate control and audio volume, although some controls were a reach for the front-seat passenger. Optional tech features were limited, with wireless phone charging available on all but the top Avenir trim.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and lagged when swiping between screens. It was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which was less convenient than physical controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. However, the navigation map on the cluster did not display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard driver assist tech included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable score in the side-impact test. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek five stars in its overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.