2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and upscale appearance, reminiscent of a sportier version of the CX-90. It featured redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, creating an illusion of a smaller size compared to its sibling. Inside, the CX-70 offered a nearly identical interior to the CX-90, with the exception of exclusive red leather upholstery and the absence of a third-row seat. The SUV boasted quality materials and textures, though it could have benefited from softer dashboard panels in higher trims. Overall, the CX-70 exuded a sense of affordable luxury, though it didn't quite reach the refinement of true luxury models.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its attractive design with evolutionary improvements over previous generations. The third-generation model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring straightforward design and consistent material quality. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish, while chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale touch. The cabin offered a thoughtful blend of function and comfort, making it a compelling choice for those seeking practicality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine in the Turbo and Turbo S models. The Turbo produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo S delivered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. Both models featured a standard 48-volt mild-hybrid system, achieving an estimated 25 mpg in combined driving. The CX-70 PHEV combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. It offered 26 miles of electric-only range and returned 25 mpg in hybrid mode. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with various drive modes for different conditions. The CX-70's handling was athletic, though the ride could be harsh on imperfect surfaces. The Turbo S averaged 23.5 mpg, while the PHEV achieved 30.8 mpg, including a full battery charge.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter engine and a 118-hp traction motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It offered quicker and smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only Crosstrek, though highway performance remained modest. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 mpg, falling short of the EPA's 36 mpg estimate. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided capable performance on variable terrain. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and it exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. Premium Plus trims added heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats provided firm support, though adjustable side bolsters would have been beneficial for spirited driving. Small-item storage was limited, but a wireless smartphone charging shelf was available. Cargo space was generous, with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations 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 seats folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for extended driving range. Rear-seat space was ample, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage options were limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system offered touch-sensing capability only for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a control knob and buttons for other functions. The system was graphically pleasing and logically laid out, though voice recognition was historically problematic. However, Alexa Built-in improved voice command functionality. The CX-70 featured a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. An Active Driving Display and a camera-based digital rearview mirror were available, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though the infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays. While the cluster displayed navigation maps, it couldn't show Google Maps from phone projections, requiring drivers to rely on the touchscreen for directions.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking. Premium trims added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features, such as active blind-spot assist and road-keeping assist. The CX-70's Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support provided hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. The NHTSA awarded the CX-70 five stars overall, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The IIHS did not award the 2025 Crosstrek a Top Safety Pick designation due to marginal and acceptable crash test scores. However, the NHTSA gave it five stars overall. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.