2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its attractive appearance with subtle updates, such as the frameless grille and aerodynamic air inlets around the wheel arches, which enhanced both aesthetics and functionality. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that emphasized function. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, while the gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a touch of style. The Limited Hybrid trim included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel, contributing to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign for the 2024 model year, resulting in a strikingly different appearance compared to its predecessor. The new GX featured a boxy, old-school Land Rover-inspired shape with LED headlights and a large grille, giving it a brawny and geometric look. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle showcased off-road capabilities with 33-inch tires, rock rails, and a raised ride height. Inside, the GX exuded luxury with a clean and elegant design, featuring quality switchgear and chic dashboard and console layouts. The seats, upholstered in stitched black and tan faux leather, offered heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The GX's spacious interior and excellent visibility made it a top choice for families seeking a luxurious and capable SUV.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission, offering a choice between a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid version, with a total system output of 194 horsepower, was the fastest Crosstrek to date, thanks to its 2.5-liter engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor. The hybrid's acceleration was smoother and quicker than the gas-only version, although it didn't feel significantly faster on the highway. The Crosstrek Hybrid's fuel efficiency was estimated at 36 mpg, but our test drive recorded 31 mpg, possibly due to dirt road conditions. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided superior off-road capability compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. The GX's performance was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds, despite its 5,666-pound curb weight. The GX excelled in highway merges and off-road conditions, thanks to its powerful engine and adaptive dampers. However, its fuel economy was less favorable, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined. The GX's off-road prowess was evident during testing, with features like a low gear range, locking center differential, and downhill assist control enhancing its capabilities. The GX's combination of power, comfort, and off-road capability made it a standout in the midsize luxury SUV segment.

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 a total capacity of 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample storage without compromising on trunk space. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. While front storage was limited, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered practical features like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered a spacious and comfortable interior, accommodating tall passengers with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches in the front and 43 inches in the back. Legroom measured 41 inches in the front and nearly 37 inches in the second row, with generous shoulder room. The GX's cargo space was a highlight, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. The GX's towing capacity of 9,063 pounds further enhanced its versatility. Despite its size, the GX was easy to maneuver and park, making it a practical choice for urban environments.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays and navigation features.

The 2025 Lexus GX impressed with its user-friendly infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. The system offered smooth operation, intuitive menus, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mark Levinson Premium Audio system provided excellent sound quality, although it required higher volume levels at highway speeds. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with ample storage space in the armrest.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it a Marginal rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test. The NHTSA, however, gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking, although it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, road sign assist, lane-departure alert, automatic high-beams, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. The GX's safety features were user-friendly and effective, with a 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras enhancing visibility. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it included 10 airbags for occupant protection.