2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid

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 air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a clever touch, enhancing both fuel efficiency and reducing 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.

In contrast, the 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid presented a bold reinterpretation of its design, which could polarize opinions. The grille, with its flat, faceless look, spanned the entire width of the front end, dividing opinions among shoppers. The Telluride's personality varied significantly depending on color and trim level, with body-colored vertical strakes at each edge. The X-Line and X-Pro models replaced these strakes with rectangular grille blocks and distinctive amber accent lights. The side profile showcased unique faceted and angular fender sculpting, while the rear view adopted a different style with rounded corners and vertical taillights reminiscent of a Range Rover. Inside, the Telluride's interior was less controversial, featuring a simple horizontal dashboard layout and a modern appearance. The Hybrid SX Prestige trim, equipped with the optional Executive package, offered a luxurious two-tone palette, although the labeling on the silver buttons and cream-colored infotainment shortcut buttons was difficult to read.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. 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 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 compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 274 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version added electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery pack, increasing output to 329 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque. The Telluride Hybrid offered a smooth and quiet ride, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The X-Pro Prestige trim excelled in off-road settings, while the Hybrid SX Prestige provided a stiffer ride with its 20-inch wheels. The Telluride's suspension managed to absorb bumps and ruts effectively, and the interior remained quiet over various surfaces. On winding roads, the Telluride was composed and controllable, although not particularly sporty.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more cargo space and a larger gas tank. 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, it provided ample storage. The 16.6-gallon gas tank allowed 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 wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid offered ample space for adults in all three rows, although the rearmost row was better suited for smaller passengers due to low seat cushions. The second row featured power-adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, providing comfort comparable to business-class airline seats. The Telluride's cargo capacity was impressive, with 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 89.3 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks folded. The Hybrid models lost only about one cubic foot of cargo space. The Telluride also offered a variety of storage options, including a large center bin, deployable cupholders, and a tray underneath the center console.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system was not as competitive as those in the Kia Niro Hybrid or Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the reliance on touchscreen controls for essential functions was 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 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 5-inch touchscreen for climate controls. The infotainment system was user-friendly, although it required a firm tap to register inputs. The middle climate control screen was challenging to use while driving, but physical temperature control buttons were available. The Telluride offered customization options for the infotainment screen, including themes from NBA, National Geographic, Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel. The SX trim and above featured a 14-speaker Meridian premium audio system, delivering powerful and clear sound.

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, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of writing. However, it came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and highway driving assist. Higher trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera system and automatic reverse braking. The driver attention monitor had some operational issues, but the highway driving assist was particularly effective on long trips.