2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2026 Lincoln Aviator

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 the aesthetic appeal that set it apart from other Subarus, with subtle yet effective updates. The front fascia featured a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic enhancements, such as the integrated air inlets and outlets in the wheel arch cladding, contributed to improved fuel efficiency and 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 materials were thoughtfully chosen, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, while the StarTex seats with orange contrast stitching added a touch of flair.

In contrast, the 2026 Lincoln Aviator exuded a premium feel, drawing from its RWD unibody platform shared with the Ford Explorer. The exterior design was elegant, featuring a long dash-to-axle ratio, a slightly raked profile, and large wheels that filled the wells. The reverse-horseshoe grille, adorned with chrome jewelry, was flanked by LED headlights, while the sides boasted an "Aviator" badge as a piece of body jewelry. The interior was the Aviator's main attraction, especially in the Black Label trim, which offered curated design themes with upgraded leather and trim materials. The Invitation theme in our test vehicle featured Savannah leather with brown contrast stitching, open-pore Khaya wood trim, and a synthetic suede headliner, showcasing top-notch material quality throughout.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with 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 a test drive, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg, possibly due to the dirt road conditions. 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 2026 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 383 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered through a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission to either the rear or all four wheels, depending on the trim. The Aviator could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under six seconds, with a focus on ride quality over handling. The suspension system, featuring adaptive dampers, provided a smooth and forgiving ride, although it resulted in considerable body lean through corners. The optional Air Glide suspension offered additional control and the ability to adjust ride height, enhancing the Aviator's capability in various driving conditions. The Aviator also came standard with a Class III trailer tow package, allowing it to tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space without compromising on practicality. The cargo volume behind the rear seats measured 18.6 cubic feet, expanding to 50.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of up to 597 miles on a full tank. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed 36.7 inches of legroom, significantly more than competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator provided a luxurious interior experience, especially in the Black Label trim, which featured a 30-way power-adjustable driver's seat with massagers. The Aviator could seat up to seven passengers, with most versions offering second-row captain's chairs and a mini-console. Second-row passengers had ample space and access to a 5.8-inch touchscreen for audio and climate control. The third row, while offering decent headroom, was less comfortable for adults due to low seat bottoms. Cargo space was generous, with 16.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 75.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, this was less than some competitors like the BMW X7 and Acura MDX.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of usability. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, many controls were relegated to the touchscreen, 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 when using phone projection.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator's tech suite included a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, along with a 5.8-inch second-row touchscreen. While modern, this setup felt less advanced compared to Lincoln's newer models with full-width screens. The Lincoln Digital Experience offered access to apps like Google Assistant and the Google Play store. Standard tech features included a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, remote start, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Reserve trim added a head-up display and a Revel 14-speaker audio system, while the Black Label featured a high-end Revel 28-speaker system.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, 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 stars for overall safety, but ratings for the 2026 model were not yet available.

The 2026 Lincoln Aviator featured the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 Drive 2.0 system, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. The Aviator also came with BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system, although it had some limitations in construction zones and with certain lighting conditions. The Aviator received top scores in crash tests from both the NHTSA and IIHS, but lacked a rating for its headlights, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick award.