Buick Enclave vs Subaru Crosstrek 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 created a visual connection with the headlights, giving the vehicle a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Canadian model featured black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, adding an upscale touch to the cabin.

The 2026 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, presented a different personality with its graceful lines and entry-level luxury positioning. The Enclave's exterior featured a swooping hood and narrow accent lights, while an oversized grille dominated the front fascia. The Sport Touring trim showcased a glossy black grille, contrasting with the silvery metallic finish on other trims. The Enclave's design was tidy from the side and back, blending into traffic with subtlety. Inside, the Enclave's classy horizontal dashboard and modern curved digital display added to its appeal. The materials quality was superior to the Traverse, with fewer hard plastic elements. However, some driver ergonomics felt off, with the dashboard mounted low, giving the impression of sitting too high. Despite these quirks, the Enclave's cabin was as appealing as other entry-level luxury brands, with premium leather upholstery and upgraded ambient lighting in the top Avenir trim.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop functions and charging the battery, while the other acted as a drive motor and assisted with regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's mechanical AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The Crosstrek's steering was light yet precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the X-Mode traction management system offered specific settings for different terrains.

The 2026 Buick Enclave was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Enclave accelerated to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds, but the transmission response and engine noise detracted from the experience. The brakes were predictable and easy to modulate, while the suspension prioritized ride quality over handling. The Enclave's adaptive dampers in the Avenir trim improved both handling and comfort. Manual shifting of the automatic gearbox was useful during mountain drives, though the process was cumbersome. At highway speeds, the cabin remained quiet, with only minor road noise on coarser surfaces. The Enclave offered a respectable towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms with an optional trailering package.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The absence of a large battery allowed for a lower trunk floor, resulting in 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, enabling a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Buick Enclave, unlike many midsize SUVs, came standard with second-row captain's chairs, limiting passenger capacity to seven. The Power package included one-touch folding operation for easier third-row access. Middle-row seats offered ample space for taller passengers, with raised seat cushions providing an expansive view. Tri-zone automatic climate control and dual USB-C charge ports were standard. The third-row seats accommodated adult passengers, though thigh support was limited. Cargo capacity was impressive, with 648 litres behind the third row and up to 2,761 litres with all seats folded. The Power package added power-folding third-row seatbacks and a hands-free power liftgate. Front storage was ample, with a large centre armrest bin and a giant tray under the suspended centre console.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Buick Enclave boasted a 30-inch curved digital display with a Google Built-in operating system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system was praised for its sharp graphics and quick response times. Physical buttons for climate controls allowed for easier adjustments. The Power package added a head-up display, and voice commands could perform various functions. The Bose audio system lacked some punch, but the top Avenir trim offered a 16-speaker system for improved audio quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had mixed safety ratings, with the IIHS not awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation due to "Marginal" and "Acceptable" scores in crash tests. However, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.

The 2026 Buick Enclave received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award, with "Good" scores in all crashworthiness evaluations. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a surround-view camera system. The optional Power package added a digital rearview mirror and GM's Super Cruise, a hands-free automated highway driving system. Super Cruise was praised for reducing driver fatigue on long trips, though its price tag might deter some buyers.