2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements that Subaru had been making since the model's inception. It carried forward the changes introduced in 2024, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar that visually connected with the headlights, giving the front a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that prioritized function. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with gray StarTex seats accented by orange contrast stitching. The Limited Hybrid trim added upscale touches like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid debuted a new look for its sixth generation, with a more cohesive design that sacrificed some of its distinctiveness for a conventional appearance. It resembled a smaller Ford Explorer, with a rugged look enhanced by black plastic elements. The hybrid model mirrored its gas-powered sibling, with subtle badges and an optional contrasting black roof on the top Touring trim. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous flavor with a beveled dashboard center section, now dominated by a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials, with ample cushioning and support in the front seats. The top trim offered heated outboard rear seats and ventilation for the front seats, enhancing comfort on warmer days. While the Forester may have lost some personality, it gained mass appeal.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop functions and charging the battery, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During a test drive, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter boxer engine and a parallel hybrid system with two motor/generators, producing 194 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain offered adequate acceleration, though the transmission made it feel slower than it was. The hybrid system functioned smoothly, with seamless transitions between electric and engine power. The Forester Hybrid excelled off-road, thanks to Subaru's X-Mode drive programming and hill descent control. The ride quality was firm but manageable, with larger wheels contributing to some passenger jostling. The Forester Hybrid struck a balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort, appealing to both adventurous and urban drivers.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was ample, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid provided an unobstructed forward view, thanks to thinner front roof pillars. The cockpit felt open and airy, with ample space in the front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a standard panoramic sunroof. Storage options included a wireless charging pad, cup holders, and a deep center armrest bin. The Forester Hybrid offered 27.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for easy loading. An optional digital rearview mirror maintained visibility when the cargo area was full.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with slow software and a fingerprint-prone screen. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the reliance on touchscreen controls for essential functions was frustrating. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, offering built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink system received praise for its large on-screen buttons and intuitive menus. Physical buttons allowed for easy temperature adjustments, while the X-Mode off-road menu provided simple terrain-related controls. External camera views aided off-roading, and higher trims featured an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation, but the NHTSA gave it five stars overall. Subaru equipped the Crosstrek Hybrid with EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model a Top Safety Pick, with "Good" ratings in most categories. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite, featuring frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The systems performed well, with the option to disable audible lane-keep assist warnings.