Chevrolet Equinox vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors. It retained the changes from the 2024 model, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar created a visual connection with the headlights, giving it 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. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox showcased a successful blend of SUV character and car-like unibody design. Its broad fenders, squat roofline, and tall grille with high-mounted daytime running lights gave it an authentic SUV feel. The Equinox was available in LT, Activ, and RS trims, each with unique styling features. The interior, while mostly plastic, was well-assembled with neat details like large, round air vents and a spear-like trim piece. The Activ model featured a Maple Sugar and black two-tone treatment, with microfibre and Evotex seats. The LT offered standard cloth seats with optional Evotex, while the RS had standard Evotex upholstery with red stitching. The RS also featured a flat-bottom steering wheel for a sportier look.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque in non-hybrid models. The hybrid version, however, was the fastest Crosstrek, with a total system output of 194 horsepower, thanks to its 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor. The hybrid's powertrain included 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 recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, offered superior capability on variable terrain.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre inline-four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with the standard front-wheel drive (FWD) setup. AWD models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, rated at 203 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox's engine provided adequate performance, though the eight-speed automatic transmission occasionally hesitated to downshift. The Equinox's suspension, with MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link rear setup, offered a comfortable ride but lacked body control in corners. The Equinox excelled as a highway cruiser, with standard active noise cancellation, though the all-terrain tires on the Activ trim added noise and reduced grip.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured a 527-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for an impressive range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox provided nearly identical headroom and first-row legroom to its competitors, with ample rear-seat space. The seats were supportive but under-cushioned. The Equinox Activ test car featured the Convenience Package III, adding a power-adjustable front passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a memory system, and heated outboard rear seats. The driver enjoyed an elevated perch, though forward visibility was somewhat limited. The Equinox offered 844 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with the rear bench folded. Its maximum towing capacity was 680 kilograms for AWD models.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software was slow and lagged when swiping between screens. The display was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offered an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen, both housed in a stylish curved setup. The Android-based infotainment system included Google built-in apps, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with easy-to-identify icons and a shallow menu structure. The Equinox's screen size provided clear icons and text, enhancing the rear-view camera view. While it lacked options for a head-up display or a more elaborate audio system, the Equinox covered the basics for the average user.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. Subaru added side-curtain airbags to the rear seats to address these issues. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. GM-specific features included a vibrating driver's seat and the Teen Driver system. The Safety and Technology Package added a surround-view camera system, digital rear-view mirror, and traffic sign recognition. The Equinox received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in some tests and "Acceptable" in others. The NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the 2026 Equinox at the time of writing.