2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid underwent a significant design overhaul, adopting a more rugged appearance reminiscent of the 2025 Kia Sorento. The front fascia featured a larger grille, pushing the headlights aside to create a more SUV-like look. Daytime running lights extended from the corners of the front end onto the hood, adding a unique touch. Despite these changes, the Carnival Hybrid retained its van-like appearance, which some found less appealing than its predecessor. The rear end was tidied up by relocating the license plate housing, and the top SX Prestige trim boasted "Star Map" taillights. The Carnival Hybrid skipped the base LX trim, offering LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige grades, with the LXS featuring 17-inch wheels and higher trims offering 19-inch wheels and a Dark Edition with darkened exterior trim. Inside, the interior largely carried over from the 2024 model, with the SX Prestige hybrid showcasing a premium navy and gray interior. High-quality materials and thoughtful details, like the cross-hatch pattern on the Bose audio system's speaker grilles, contributed to a pleasing cabin experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its attractive design, with the most noticeable update being the frameless grille with a curved wing bar connecting to the headlights, creating a Cheshire cat-like smile. 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 Sport and Limited trims, with the Limited Hybrid offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The cabin featured Subaru's straightforward design philosophy, 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 also included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, creating an airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid shared its powertrain with the Kia Sorento Hybrid, featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered a total system output of 242 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. In comparison, the non-hybrid Carnival's V6 engine produced 287 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both hybrid and non-hybrid models were front-wheel drive, with the Carnival Hybrid offering a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 pounds, 1,000 pounds less than the V6 model. The Carnival Hybrid featured three levels of regenerative braking, selectable via steering-wheel paddles, and offered a smooth driving experience with excellent steering and minimal body roll. The suspension provided a comfortable ride, even with larger 20-inch wheels, and the cabin remained impressively quiet.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made the hybrid the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The Crosstrek Hybrid 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. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided excellent capability on variable terrain. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the vehicle exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid offered eight-passenger seating with sliding and removable second-row seats, while fold-flat third-row seats were standard. Optional VIP Lounge Seats replaced the second-row bench with reclining captain's chairs, featuring power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. However, these seats were not removable, making access to the third row challenging. The Carnival Hybrid's interior dimensions remained consistent with the non-hybrid model, offering competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows. Cargo space measured 40.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 145.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The hybrid model featured a rotary shifter and retained a functional center console and dashboard layout, with easy-to-reach controls and a user-friendly touchscreen.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model 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 an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space with 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly 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 offered additional storage options.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was easy to navigate, but the switchgear's changing functions could be confusing. SX and SX Prestige models included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, and over-the-air updates. A voice-recognition system was available but not activated by default. The Carnival Hybrid also offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports in all three rows, and optional tech features like an 11-inch head-up display, digital key functionality, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An in-cabin camera and intercom, quiet mode, and rear-seat entertainment system with dual 14.6-inch HD monitors were available on higher trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was less competitive compared to rivals. The software was slow, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. Many controls were accessed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps, although not Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid's safety ratings were not updated at the time of publication. The 2024 model received mixed ratings from the IIHS and was not rated by the NHTSA. The Carnival Hybrid retained its comprehensive array of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. SX and SX Prestige models added junction crossing and lane-change assist functions, Highway Driving Assist 2, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to Marginal and Acceptable scores in crash tests. However, the NHTSA awarded the 2025 Crosstrek five stars in its overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. A rearview camera was also standard, but Subaru lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.