2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 INFINITI QX80

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 appeal with subtle yet effective updates. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar seamlessly connected to the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic enhancements, such as the integrated air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches, not only improved fuel efficiency but also reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that emphasized functionality. 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, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80, on the other hand, embraced a bold and imposing design typical of body-on-frame SUVs. Its tall and upright stance, high shoulder lines, and large wheels contributed to its macho look. The front end featured a striking two-part grille inspired by a bamboo forest, flanked by LED headlights and piano-key daytime running lights. At the rear, a taillight light bar echoed the piano key design, adding a touch of sophistication. The QX80 Sport trim introduced a wider mesh pattern for the grille and dark matte chrome exterior trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the QX80 exuded luxury with high-quality materials like aluminum and open-pore wood trim. The interior featured four screens, including one for rear passengers, and offered a range of leather options, with quilted patterns available on higher trims. The Dusk Blue interior theme in the Sport models added a touch of elegance to the cabin.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offered a notable improvement in performance compared to its predecessors. All Crosstreks came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid model was powered by 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 smoother and quicker acceleration than 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. However, its mechanical AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The X-Mode traction management system further enhanced its off-road prowess, offering specific settings for different conditions.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 underwent a significant powertrain update, switching from a 5.6-liter V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. This new engine delivered an impressive 450 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The QX80 offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with full-time four-wheel drive available on higher trims. Despite losing low-range gearing, the QX80's power delivery was immediate and strong, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The body-on-frame platform boasted increased torsional rigidity and lateral stiffness, maintaining a towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. The suspension system, featuring double-wishbone suspension and air springs, provided a comfortable ride with adjustable ground clearance. However, the QX80's size and weight resulted in notable body lean, and the steering, while direct, felt slow and heavy. The ride quality was generally comfortable, but the firmer damper settings in Sport mode made it less forgiving on rough surfaces.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid represented Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid version of the Crosstrek, and it appeared to be the most successful yet. Unlike its predecessors, the latest model offered more horsepower and cargo space without compromising on practicality. The absence of a large battery allowed for a lower trunk floor, resulting in 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, providing an impressive range of up to 597 miles on a full tank. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with 36.7 inches available, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, storage space in the front was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to seven passengers comfortably. With a length of 211.2 inches and a 121-inch wheelbase, it provided ample room for occupants. The front seats featured synthetic leather upholstery, eight-way power adjustments, and heating as standard. Higher trims offered leather upholstery, ventilation, and even a massage function. The second-row captain's chairs, available on all but the base model, provided power adjustments and ventilation on higher trims. The third-row bench, larger than most, offered good space for adults or children and was heated in the Autograph trim. Power-folding third-row seats and USB-C ports for the second and third rows added convenience. Cargo space was generous, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 101 cubic feet with the first row folded.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen as standard, but its infotainment system fell short compared to competitors. The software was slow and prone to lag, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. Many controls, including the auto-hold function and X-Mode settings, were accessed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. Unfortunately, the map display did not support Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 boasted an impressive array of technology features. It featured a pair of 14.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment, with Google built-in for easy access to apps and services. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility were standard, along with a 5G connection for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. The infotainment screen was user-friendly, but the lower screen, handling climate controls and other settings, required navigating through sub-menus. The QX80 excelled in surprise-and-delight features, with a 14-speaker Klipsch audio system as standard and a 24-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system on higher trims. The biometric cooling system monitored second-row passengers and directed air to cool them down quickly. Additional tech included a head-up display, dashcam, in-car camera, and a surround-view camera system with multiple views.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. However, the 2025 model did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to marginal and acceptable scores in crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it five out of five stars for overall safety. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.

The 2026 INFINITI QX80 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, ProPilot Assist 1.1, forward-collision warning, and more. The ProPilot Assist 2.1 option allowed for hands-free driving on certain highways, although it required driver attention. The QX80 earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, but NHTSA ratings were not available at the time of publication.