2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was a robust and boxy three-row SUV, available in five trims: SE, SEL, XRT, Limited, and Calligraphy. It debuted in 2024, maintaining its distinctive design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, offering vibrant color options like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim featured specific wheels, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the XRT trim added chrome and black accents for an off-road look. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which offered captain’s chairs in the second row. The interior materials varied from cloth to Nappa leather, but some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The HVAC controls included physical dials for temperature, but the fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation, continued Subaru's tradition of evolutionary improvements. It retained changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction, with a notable update to the front grille and headlights. The aerodynamic design around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced 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 interior featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with gray StarTex seats accented by orange stitching. The cabin included chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. The Limited Hybrid added a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, although smaller than the Forester's.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe was equipped with a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb.-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission managed gear shifts, though turbo lag and delayed downshifts were noted. The gear selector, located on a stalk, required some getting used to. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities with improved approach, departure, and breakover angles. However, it was not designed for rugged rock crawling, better suited for graded dirt roads.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with a 118-hp traction motor, producing a total 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 for engine start/stop, battery charging, and wheel assistance. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 mpg, below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg, possibly due to dirt road driving. Subaru's mechanical AWD system provided better terrain capability compared to electric AWD systems. The X-Mode traction management system, standard on all Crosstreks, offered specific settings for various conditions and included hill-descent control. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and body lean was reduced compared to older models.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a range of features across its trims. The base SE trim included a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and a dual-way center console. The XRT trim added heated front seats, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet. The Calligraphy trim featured heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. All trims had a two-level glove box, with upper trims offering a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe boasted the most third-row legroom in its class, with adjustable second-row seats. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows folded. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, accommodating larger items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

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 space 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 estimated range of 597 miles. Rear-seat legroom was ample at 36.7 inches, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and two cupholders. Deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage options.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with the top trims also receiving a digital gauge cluster. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response times. Navigation was not standard on all trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key and fingerprint scanner were available for added security. The Calligraphy trim offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote access and over-the-air updates.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which was less convenient than physical buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Limited Hybrid 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 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more as standard. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The top trim included a blind spot avoidance feature and a Blind-View Monitor. The driver attention warning system was standard, with an expanded version on SEL and above. The NHTSA gave the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most areas, with Acceptable scores for headlights and LATCH.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. The IIHS did not award the 2025 Crosstrek a Top Safety Pick due to Marginal and Acceptable crash test scores, but the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.