2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Sequoia

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition was a nod to the rich history of its assembly plant's location, offering a unique blend of luxury and ruggedness. This full-size SUV stood out with its machined-finish 20-inch wheels, Saddle Tan leather upholstery, and American walnut wood trim, all of which contributed to its distinctive appearance. Despite its hefty price tag, the interior quality was a mixed bag, with premium materials juxtaposed against standard Toyota-grade plastics. The TRD Off-Road Package added a sporty flair, but some elements, like the red TRD accents, felt out of place. The Sequoia's exterior, especially in Lunar Rock paint, turned heads, but its interior left some room for improvement in terms of perceived value.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued to build on its reputation for combining practicality with a touch of style. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its evolutionary design improvements, with a standout feature being the frameless grille that seamlessly connected with the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The interior was thoughtfully designed, with durable materials and subtle design flourishes like orange contrast stitching on the seats. While the StarTex material wasn't the most breathable, it provided the durability expected from Subaru. The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior was a testament to Subaru's commitment to functionality and comfort.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, an electric motor, and a 1.87-kilowatt-hour nickel metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, making it a powerhouse on the road. The Sequoia's part-time four-wheel-drive system and various driving modes allowed for versatility in different conditions. However, its fuel economy fell short, averaging only 16.2 mpg in real-world testing, despite an EPA estimate of 20 mpg. The Sequoia excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 9,010 pounds, but its driving dynamics were compromised by the rear-mounted battery pack and solid rear axle, leading to a jittery ride and limited off-road capability.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a more efficient and capable driving experience. With a 2.5-liter Boxer H4 engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, the hybrid system produced a total of 194 horsepower. This setup made the Crosstrek Hybrid the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smooth acceleration and improved efficiency. The hybrid's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided excellent off-road capability. While the Crosstrek Hybrid's fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, it still offered a notable improvement over the non-hybrid version. The Crosstrek's steering and handling were refined, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, making it a more enjoyable drive on various terrains.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia offered seating for up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for shorter individuals. The 1794 Edition's front seats provided comfort with 10-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage features. However, the Sequoia's high floor and low roof made accessing the third row challenging for adults. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 86.9 cubic feet with all seats folded. This was less than many rival full-size SUVs, and even some midsize options like the Toyota Grand Highlander offered more room.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid addressed previous iterations' shortcomings by offering more cargo space and a larger gas tank. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample storage. The 16.6-gallon gas tank allowed for an impressive range, making it ideal for long journeys. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. While front storage was limited, the Crosstrek Hybrid's overall interior space was well-utilized, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the system offered advanced features through various connected services plans, many required active subscriptions. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided convenience, but the lack of a tuning knob was a notable oversight. The Intelligent Assistant voice recognition system had limitations, and the surround-view camera system proved helpful in tight parking situations.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of usability. The software was slow, and many controls were relegated to the touchscreen, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, offering a workaround for the system's shortcomings. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid boasted a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, enhancing the driving experience despite the infotainment system's drawbacks.

The 2025 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driving assistance features. While the tech was helpful, some lane assist features could be overly intrusive. At the time of publication, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available for the Sequoia.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, while not yet rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2026, had received mixed safety ratings for the 2025 model. Subaru addressed previous shortcomings by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The Crosstrek Hybrid came with Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, providing adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. While lacking a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a solid suite of safety features.