Chevrolet Suburban vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban maintained its iconic status in the full-size SUV market, balancing a delicate restyling act. Chevrolet managed to modernize the Suburban with a new front fascia and rear end, along with updated lighting signatures, while preserving its recognizable profile. The trim lineup remained consistent, offering a range from the basic LS to the luxurious High Country, with options for 24-inch wheels on select trims. Inside, the Suburban saw significant upgrades, including a sophisticated dash design, a new column shifter, and a stunning 17.7-inch touchscreen display, elevating the interior experience from its 2024 predecessor.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued to build on its evolutionary improvements, carrying forward changes from 2024. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille and aerodynamic enhancements for improved efficiency. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with consistent material quality and thoughtful design. The Canadian model came with black leather upholstery and standard features like heated seats and a power moonroof, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban offered a choice of three engines, starting with a 5.3-litre V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The 6.2-litre V8, available on higher trims, delivered 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six Duramax diesel engine received a power boost to 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, known for its quiet and smooth operation, was available on multiple trims and offered a more economical option. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Suburban featured a recalibrated Magnetic Ride Control suspension on select trims for improved ride quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management provided enhanced capability on various terrains.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in interior space, offering 1,175 litres of cargo capacity behind the third row, expandable to 2,656 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 4,092 litres with all seats down. It also boasted impressive towing capacity, capable of pulling up to 3,765 kilograms with the right configuration. The diesel engine offered excellent fuel economy, allowing for nearly 1,000 kilometres of highway driving on a single tank.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on its predecessors by offering more cargo space, with 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for extended driving range. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited but functional, with a wireless charging pad and cupholders.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban addressed previous shortcomings with a new 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by an 11-inch driver information display and an optional 15-inch head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-in were standard, though the user interface had a learning curve. Physical controls for essential functions remained, but the Bose stereo left room for improvement.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the reliance on touchscreen controls for many functions was frustrating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though navigation integration was limited.

The 2025 Chevrolet Suburban had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of review, but the 2024 model received four out of five stars from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, with GM's Super Cruise available on most trims in Canada.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" and "Acceptable" in crash tests. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall safety. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite was standard, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.