2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial exterior. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the new 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window from the first generation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Toyota Tacoma's design, with beveled styling throughout. It was both purposeful and comfortable, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as a Land Rover Defender.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation, continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous models. It 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 black plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish, while chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent. The Limited Hybrid trim included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The entry-level trims came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard on some trims, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The more off-road-oriented models came standard with 4WD. Toyota introduced the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, combining the four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, advantageous for off-roading. The new 4Runner was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It offered nine distinct trims with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most impressive.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-horsepower traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. The hybrid offered quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only Crosstrek. The Crosstrek Hybrid utilized two motor-generators along with the 2.5-liter Boxer H4 engine, with one motor-generator handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the second acted as a drive motor and charged the battery via regenerative braking. During a test drive, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system provided a more capable and predictable power flow, aided by the X-Mode traction management system. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, with reduced body lean compared to older models.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner measured five inches longer than the previous model, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While this typically results in more passenger space, the gains were minimal. The front seats offered ample room for taller passengers, but the middle row was less accommodating. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models, though it was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs and camera views for navigating tough terrain. Towing capacity ranged from 5,800 to 6,000 pounds. Cargo capacity was slightly smaller, with 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in the Hybrid due to the raised floor for batteries. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It didn't have a high trunk floor like the PHEV, resulting in 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 36.7 inches of rear-seat legroom, more than the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was 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 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch touchscreen available. Both were user-friendly, with logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad, were offered. Off-road-focused models included external camera views for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were accessible through a smartphone app, and a digital key function allowed phone-based keyless entry.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with 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 rather than physical. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and defroster settings. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2026, but the 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and a rearview camera. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to those from Ford, GM, or Hyundai.