2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento presented a somewhat perplexing lineup with its gas-only models, offering core trim levels such as LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The latter three trims upgraded from a basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a more robust turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. The EX and SX trims could be enhanced with an X-Line appearance package, which was standard on the SX Prestige. This package featured blacked-out exterior trim and detailing, while the top-tier X-Pro SX Prestige came with additional features and exclusive enhancements. The 2025 model introduced Panthera Gray as a new color, replacing Gravity Gray, and the X-Line and X-Pro versions sported black badges. The Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige, priced at $49,405 including destination charges, boasted a unique Road Rider Brown color, which effectively concealed dirt. The interior, with its Olive Brown hue, offered a mix of materials, including leather seats and an artificial suede headliner, creating a luxurious feel.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation of Crosstreks, continued to evolve with subtle improvements. The 2026 model retained 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, giving it a distinctive look. The black plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in two trims, Sport and Limited, with the Limited Hybrid offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The interior featured soft-touch surfaces, durable plastics, and gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching. The Limited Hybrid added upscale touches like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered two engine options. The base LX and S trims were equipped with a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to 26 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard in higher trims, produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige averaged 23.4 mpg. The turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which could feel different to those unfamiliar with DCTs. The Sorento X-Pro, with its 17-inch wheels and BF Goodrich Trail Terrain tires, offered excellent ride quality and grip on winding roads. The AWD system with torque vectoring and a locking center differential contributed to its nimble feel on various terrains.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in 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 mpg, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. The Crosstrek's AWD system, with a mechanical connection, 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 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 Kia Sorento was appealing to families, offering spacious first and second rows of seats. The third-row seat could accommodate adults for short trips if the second-row passengers slid forward. The Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige featured heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, providing comfort during drives. The second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats, sunshades, USB ports, and air conditioning vents. The Sorento offered generous storage space, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid model provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained the same size as the all-gas models, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered ample rear-seat space with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, but deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage options.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing seamless connectivity. The infotainment system included a touch-sensing strip for dual-function controls, which could be frustrating to use. Digital Key technology allowed smartphones to function as key fobs, and a digital rearview mirror provided a clear view when the cargo area was full. The Sorento's surround-view camera system made parking in tight spaces easy.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were accessed via touchscreen buttons, which could be inconvenient. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. Unfortunately, the map display did not support Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was equipped with numerous standard safety features, with additional technology available in higher trims. The SX and SX Prestige trims included active collision avoidance features, evasive steering assist, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a surround-view camera system. The Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) system, available on SX and SX Prestige trims, offered semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Sorento received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to lower scores in crash tests. However, the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. While Subaru's system was not as advanced as some competitors, it provided essential safety features.