2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Buick Enclave

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements that Subaru had been making since the model's inception. With its third generation, the Crosstrek maintained its attractive design, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected to the headlights, creating a distinctive front fascia. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches not only enhanced the vehicle's visual appeal but also contributed to improved fuel efficiency and reduced 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, while the gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish. The Limited Hybrid trim included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, presented a different personality with its graceful lines and entry-level luxury positioning. Sharing its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia, the Enclave distinguished itself with a streamlined look, featuring a swooping hood and narrow accent lights. The oversized grille dominated the front fascia, tying the Enclave to its smaller siblings. The Sport Touring trim showcased a glossy black grille, while other trims featured a silvery metallic finish. The Enclave's exterior styling favored quiet refinement, akin to a well-fitting gray suit. Inside, the Enclave boasted a classy horizontal dashboard with a modern curved digital display. The materials quality surpassed that of the Traverse, with more soft-touch surfaces and fewer hard plastics. However, some driver ergonomics felt off, with the dashboard mounted low in the cabin, giving the impression of sitting too high. Despite these quirks, the Enclave's cabin remained appealing, offering a comfortable and upscale experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard. The hybrid model featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with noticeably quicker and smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, 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, making it a more versatile option than competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

In contrast, the 2026 Buick Enclave was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Enclave's acceleration to 60 mph took just over 7 seconds, but the transmission response felt dull, and the engine noise was loud and raspy under hard driving. The brakes were predictable and easy to modulate, while the suspension prioritized ride quality over handling. The top Avenir trim featured adaptive dampers for improved comfort and handling. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with the optional trailering package, adding to its versatility.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a cargo volume of 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample storage. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Buick Enclave, designed as a midsize three-row SUV, offered second-row captain's chairs as standard, limiting passenger capacity to seven. The captain's chairs provided ample space for taller passengers, with headroom and legroom to spare. The third-row seats accommodated adult-sized passengers, though taller occupants might find thigh support lacking. Cargo capacity was a strong point, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.1 cubic feet with the third-row seatbacks folded. The maximum cargo space reached 97.5 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The Enclave's front seats offered ample storage, with a large center armrest bin and a giant tray under the suspended center console.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen as standard, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. 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, but the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2026 Buick Enclave boasted a 30-inch curved digital display housing both the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. Running on a Google Built-in operating system, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system received praise for its sharp graphics and quick response. Physical buttons for climate controls allowed for easy adjustments, while the Power package added a head-up display. Voice commands were handled by Amazon Alexa, and the top Avenir trim featured a 16-speaker audio system for enhanced sound quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable score in the side-impact test. However, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems were standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.

The 2026 Buick Enclave earned the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ designation, with a "Good" rating in all crashworthiness evaluations. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Power package added a digital rearview mirror and GM's SuperCruise, allowing for hands-free automated highway driving on select roads.