2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was available in three variants: the 3.3 Turbo, the 3.3 Turbo S, and the PHEV. With trim levels ranging from Select to Premium Plus, the pricing spanned from $39,575 to $59,480. Our test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo with Premium Plus trim, was priced at $51,450. The CX-90's exterior boasted lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels, giving it a luxury SUV appearance. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic design contributed to its sophisticated look. Inside, the CX-90 featured an upscale interior with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, though some materials reflected its competitive pricing. Ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and non-intuitive climate controls, were noted, but overall, the CX-90 exuded sophistication compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation, continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors. 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 the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, with our test vehicle being the Limited Hybrid. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a design flourish. The cabin featured chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. The Limited Hybrid included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, enhancing the interior atmosphere.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an option for 340 hp using premium gas. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The EPA rated the 3.3 Turbo and 3.3 Turbo S at 25 mpg combined, though our testing yielded 21.3 mpg. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same 25 mpg combined. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness were also issues, detracting from the upscale impression.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured 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, 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. The off-road-oriented Wilderness trim introduced additional body roll, but the Crosstrek remained a capable and predictable performer.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite California's cool summer, struggled with climate control, taking time to cool down. The 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating. However, the CX-90's long rear doors posed challenges for loading children in tight spaces. The third row was best suited for children, with limited adult comfort. Storage space was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, shallow bin, and small trays under the load floor. Cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the third iteration, improved on its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model featured 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 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, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage options.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the design was traditional, the technology was present. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring knob and button controls. The voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future updates. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, providing helpful data and blind-spot alerts.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and laggy compared to competitors. The screen was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which was frustrating. 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, though not Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like steering assist and a surround-view camera system. The driver aids generally met expectations, though some features, like speed reduction, were irritating.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to lower crash test scores. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall safety. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. The Crosstrek Hybrid lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.