2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the CX-50 a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard and high-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces and sturdy plastics. The interior was further accentuated by distinct stitching and exclusive red leather upholstery in the hybrid model. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention, as some found its placement awkward.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations, with subtle exterior updates like a frameless grille and aerodynamic wheel arch cladding. The interior 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 touch of style, while chrome-trimmed power window switches provided an upscale accent. The Limited Hybrid trim offered additional features like a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive but wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing a reliable and efficient performance. Acceleration was expected to reach 60 mph in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter 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 quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for improved efficiency and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management provided enhanced off-road capability, while the steering feel was light but precise.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered ample front seat space, but rear seat headroom and legroom were less generous compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets. Cargo capacity was limited to 29.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, falling short of the class average. However, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate and convenient features like remote rear seatback releases and shopping bag hooks.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations with more horsepower and cargo space. It offered 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 at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but a wireless charging pad and cupholders were available.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment system controlled by a dial on the center console. While it lacked some modern touchscreen functionality, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Base trims came with an eight-speaker audio system, while the Premium trim included a 12-speaker Bose system.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which some found frustrating. However, 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.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. It came with driver assistance features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS but earned five stars from NHTSA. It included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking.