2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Toyota Sequoia

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements that Subaru had been making since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained its attractive design, with subtle updates that included a frameless grille and aerodynamic enhancements around the wheel arches. The interior of the Crosstrek Hybrid was a blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, featuring durable materials and thoughtful design elements like the distinctive orange stitching on the gray StarTex seats. The cabin was straightforward, prioritizing function over flash, with chrome-trimmed power window switches adding a touch of upscale flair.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Sequoia shared its family look with the Tundra pickup, featuring a tall and wide stance with blocky features. The Sequoia's design was characterized by a big, black grille and pronounced haunches over the wheels, with black wheel flares on most trims. Inside, the Sequoia's cabin was purpose-built for work and off-roading, with large dials and a utilitarian feel. The TRD Pro trim featured black synthetic leather upholstery with a camouflage pattern and red contrast stitching, but the overall quality was merely acceptable for its price range. The Sequoia offered a choice between more or less luxury, with various trims providing different levels of comfort and features.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-liter Boxer H4 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 improved acceleration and smoothness compared to its gas-only counterpart. 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 estimate of 36 mpg, likely due to the test route's dirt roads. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided enhanced capability on variable terrain.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain called i-Force Max, with a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. An electric motor added 48 hp and 184 lb-ft, drawing power from a 1.87-kWh battery. The Sequoia's performance was strong, with a 0–60 mph time of about six seconds and a V8-like growl. It could tow up to 9,520 pounds, aided by a haul mode and optional Tow Tech package. The Sequoia's handling was typical for a full-size SUV, with body lean in corners and a generally good ride quality. The TRD Pro trim offered off-road enhancements, including all-terrain tires and a unique suspension setup.

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 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage without the need for a high trunk floor. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of up to 597 miles. 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, cupholders, and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia, as a full-size SUV, could accommodate seven or eight passengers. The first row featured eight-way power seat adjustments, but the seats were too flat for long-trip comfort. Second-row comfort was good, especially with available captain's chairs, and the third row offered enough space for short trips. Cargo space was both a strength and a weakness, with 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.9 cubic feet with seats folded. However, the load floor was not flat, and rivals offered more user-friendly cargo solutions.

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 not competitive, with slow software and a tendency to attract fingerprints. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but the navigation map could not display Google Maps.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia offered a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 14-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with shortcuts to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and vehicle settings. Standard tech features included satellite radio, an eight-speaker audio system, and various connectivity options. Higher trims offered additional features like a head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. However, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to lower scores in crash tests. The NHTSA awarded the 2025 model five stars, but the 2026 model had not yet been rated.

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia came with Toyota's Safety Sense 2.5 suite, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The Sequoia received mixed crash-test results from the IIHS, with a Marginal score in the moderate front overlap test. The safety systems performed well during testing, but the wide tow mirrors posed a potential hazard.