2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. While some appreciated its unique aesthetic, others found it less appealing. The design team drew inspiration from various sources, aiming to create an aerodynamic shape that could comfortably accommodate seven passengers. Measuring 199.2 inches in length with a 123.2-inch wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive interior volume, comparable to larger SUVs. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, the design was not universally praised, with its swooping roofline and stubby rear end creating a somewhat dissonant appearance. The rear view, with its LED taillights, was particularly distinctive. The Ioniq 9 was available in a range of paint colors, with trim-specific options, and featured wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches. Inside, the Ioniq 9 boasted a spacious and airy interior, with flat floors and a minimalist design. The dashboard offered multiple storage options, and higher trims included a panoramic sunroof. Upholstery options varied by trim, with premium materials available on higher levels. While the interior featured some plastic elements, they were of high quality, though the seats lacked thigh support.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its reputation for attractive design, with evolutionary improvements over previous generations. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The 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 two trims, Sport and Limited, with the Limited Hybrid offering additional features. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring a straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish. The Limited Hybrid included chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. A heated steering wheel and optional power moonroof contributed to the cabin's comfort, though the moonroof was smaller than in some competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on the e-GMP platform, offering a larger capacity than similar models like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X. The base S trim featured rear-wheel drive with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims had dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs varying by trim. The SE and SEL trims generated 303 horsepower, while the Limited and Calligraphy trims offered 422 horsepower. Despite its power, the Ioniq 9 demonstrated impressive energy efficiency, with a range estimate of 335 miles for the S trim and 311 miles for the Calligraphy Design. The Ioniq 9 provided a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its soft suspension and noise-canceling features. It had a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds for the RWD model and 5,000 pounds for AWD models. Charging options included Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 2 chargers, with fast charging capabilities.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. The hybrid offered quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only Crosstrek, though it didn't feel significantly faster on the highway. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. The Crosstrek Hybrid's AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to competitors, with Subaru's X-Mode traction management system enhancing off-road performance. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the Crosstrek exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, offering seating for seven in the S, SE, and SEL trims, while the Limited and Calligraphy trims featured ventilated captain's chairs for six passengers. The Universal Island 2.0, available on higher trims, provided versatile storage and access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 offered 42.8 inches of legroom in the middle row, though the third row's 32 inches felt tight for adults. The interior passenger space was comparable to the Hyundai Palisade, with easy access and ample headroom. Dual-zone climate control, air vents in all rows, and a standard heat pump contributed to comfort. The Ioniq 9 provided 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46.7 and 86.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. The small front trunk was best suited for storing charging cables.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations, offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's trunk floor was lower than the PHEV version, providing 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 the same size as the all-gas models, allowing for a potential range of 597 miles on a full tank. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered 36.7 inches of rear-seat 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. Door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage options.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured a familiar infotainment interface with dual, curved 12.3-inch displays, similar to those in other Hyundai models. The screens offered good visuals but were prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, over-the-air updates, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless charging pad was also standard, though it struggled to keep up with high-demand devices. The Ioniq 9 included six USB-C ports capable of charging laptops. The Limited and Calligraphy trims came with a 14-speaker Bose audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, standard on both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system was less competitive compared to rivals, with slow software and a tendency to collect fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which some users found inconvenient. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along 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, offering configurable displays, though it couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, safe-exit assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2. The SEL trim and above included a surround-view monitor, parking aids, and a blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS for the 2026 model year. The 2025 model received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Subaru included its EyeSight ADAS suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera.