2025 Ford Expedition vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Expedition was a testament to the form-over-function design ethos, reminiscent of a modern school bus but with a more attractive aesthetic. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it clear that this vehicle was designed for transporting people comfortably. Despite its functional focus, the Expedition featured stylish elements like horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille, integrated headlights, and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim. The blacked-out pillars and distinct character line added a touch of sophistication, while the split-gate tailgate design offered practical benefits for luggage management and seating when parked. Available in four trim levels and two lengths, the Expedition catered to various needs, with the King Ranch trim offering luxurious materials and the Active trim impressing with its standard features like tri-zone climate control and a panoramic driver information display.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design with subtle updates. The frameless grille and aerodynamic air inlets around the wheel arches enhanced both aesthetics and efficiency. Limited to two trims, Sport and Limited, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort inside. The cabin featured Subaru's straightforward design philosophy, with consistent material quality and distinctive orange contrast stitching on the StarTex seats. The Limited Hybrid trim added upscale touches like a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided a comfortable and functional interior, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of style and practicality.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in its standard form. The Tremor trim, however, boasted a high-output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Platinum trim. Despite its hefty 5,794-pound curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain with ease. The Tremor trim, replacing the Timberline, featured increased ground clearance, standard 4WD, and off-road enhancements like skid plates and an electronic locking rear axle. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was a downside, with 4WD models rated at 15/22/18 mpg, falling short compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe with its diesel engine option.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid 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 it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, coupled with the X-Mode traction management system, provided excellent off-road capability, making it more versatile than competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The Crosstrek's steering was light yet precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and it exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 9,600 pounds, surpassing the Chevrolet Tahoe. Inside, it offered generous cargo space, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard model, expanding to 36.1 cubic feet in the Expedition Max. With all rear seats folded, the Expedition provided up to 123.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The minimalist interior design featured touch-sensitive trackpads on the steering wheel and touchscreen-based climate controls, which some users found more high-tech than expected.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage without compromising on trunk space. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was also commendable, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage options were limited, but the Crosstrek Hybrid offered practical features like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering ample space for Google Maps projection and customizable widgets. The 13.2-inch touchscreen display, powered by a Google-based operating system, provided built-in Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play store. However, the Ford Connectivity Package was necessary for full functionality, requiring a subscription after the first year. The Expedition's tech was impressive but came with additional costs for continued use.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software was slow and prone to lag. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the Starlink software fell short compared to competitors. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays, though it lacked Google Maps integration. Despite some tech shortcomings, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided essential features for a modern driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Expedition had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS ratings were based on a previous-generation model. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Expedition also offered advanced features like a 360-degree camera and Pro-Trailer Backup Assist. BlueCruise 1.4 was available on select trims, providing hands-free driving capabilities with a subscription.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS not awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation. However, the NHTSA gave the 2025 model a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. While it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered essential safety features for peace of mind.