2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors. It retained the changes from the 2024 model, including new sheet metal and chassis construction, though these updates were subtle. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected to the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. 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 blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that emphasized function. The cabin materials were consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, while the gray StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a subtle design flourish.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander prioritized function over form with its exterior styling. The front fascia featured a wide, flat-bottomed grille, and the silhouette was boxy with minimal style lines. While the Nightshade trim attempted a moody look with black exterior trim, it didn't significantly enhance the overall design. Inside, the Grand Highlander offered practicality with a spacious third row, providing over five inches more legroom than the standard Highlander. The interior featured leather and Ultrasuede-trimmed seats with bronze accents, creating a comfortable environment for commutes. The cabin felt light and airy, thanks to ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof. The Grand Highlander also included practical features like a storage shelf in the dash, a removable center console for second-row passengers, and ample cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard. It 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 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 for wheel assistance and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg, possibly due to the test route's dirt roads. Subaru's AWD system, with its mechanical connection, provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The X-Mode traction management system further enhanced off-road performance, offering specific settings for different conditions.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 265 horsepower for the non-hybrid version. The hybrid powertrain featured a 2.5-liter inline-four engine producing 245 hp, while the Hybrid Max combined the 2.4-liter turbo-four with a hybrid system for a total of 362 hp. Most models came with front-wheel drive (FWD), with AWD optional, except for the Hybrid Max, which had full-time AWD. The Hybrid Max provided straight-line stability and agility in corners, although it wasn't a performance vehicle. The Sport drive mode didn't significantly alter throttle or transmission responses, but the Grand Highlander accelerated quickly, and the brakes felt firm. The Multi-Terrain Select system offered settings for various conditions, but the vehicle's all-season tires and large overhangs limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid marked Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid Crosstrek, addressing previous compromises. It offered more horsepower and cargo space than earlier versions, with 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. 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 for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats in upper trims, and a spacious third row with ample legroom. The second row accommodated rear-facing car seats easily, and retractable window shades protected passengers from the sun. The interior included practical storage solutions, such as a dash shelf, a cubby in front of the shifter, and multiple cupholders. Cargo space was generous, with 21 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 58 cubes with the rear seats folded and nearly 98 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The Grand Highlander also offered a power liftgate and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with the gas or Hybrid Max powertrains.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. While visually impressive, 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. 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, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offered a 12.3-inch infotainment screen across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was responsive, though some menus could be confusing. A subscription service was required for voice assistant, navigation, and phone-as-key features. Most trims also had a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, allowing for customization. The Platinum trim included a digital rearview camera mirror, a 360-degree camera system, and a 10-inch head-up display. The Grand Highlander provided ample connectivity with seven USB-C ports, two 12-volt outlets, and wireless charging pads in most trims.

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. Subaru addressed these issues by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating, but the 2026 model had not yet been rated. Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) were standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, Lane Tracing Assist, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and Proactive Driving Assist. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert was standard across all trims. Traffic jam assist was available on top trims, providing assistance in bumper-to-bumper traffic. However, Proactive Driving Assist was best turned off due to its non-committal nature. The NHTSA awarded the Grand Highlander a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave it mostly top "Good" scores, except for an "Acceptable" rating for headlights and the small overlap front crash test.