Chevrolet Tahoe vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe continued its legacy as a popular full-size SUV, largely due to its brand equity and practical capabilities. Since its inception in 1995, the Tahoe has been a top choice for those needing a vehicle that can tow significant weight while accommodating up to nine passengers. The 2025 model saw a conservative design refresh, featuring a new grille and updated lighting elements that aligned with the aesthetics of other Chevy trucks. Available in six trim levels, the Tahoe catered to a range of preferences, from the no-frills LS to the luxurious High Country. The Z71 trim, which we primarily tested, stood out with its off-road capabilities, including full-length skid plates, front recovery hooks, and a 2.5-centimetre lift, all contributing to its rugged appeal.

Inside, the 2025 Tahoe boasted a new 17.7-inch touchscreen display, enhancing the cabin's tech appeal. The dashboard saw a redesign with more stylish climate control buttons and sophisticated air vents, while maintaining physical controls for key HVAC functions. The electronic shifter buttons were replaced with a steering-column-mounted stalk, reminiscent of Mercedes-Benz models. These updates, combined with the Tahoe's robust design, made it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of technology and traditional SUV functionality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, represented the third generation of the Crosstrek, building on evolutionary improvements. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction, with subtle design updates like a frameless grille and aerodynamic wheel arch cladding. Sold in a single trim in Canada, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort inside. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with black leather upholstery and chrome-trimmed power window switches adding upscale accents. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stood out with its engine options, offering two V8 choices and a diesel alternative. The 5.3-litre V8, delivering 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, was the mainstay powerplant, known for its reliability. The 6.2-litre V8, standard in the High Country trim, provided 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, available in several trims. The 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine, improved for 2025, offered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque, making it a refined and fuel-efficient option with consumption as low as 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the highway. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD standard on most trims. The Tahoe's light steering feel and various suspension options, including Magnetic Ride Control and Air Ride adaptive suspension, enhanced its driving dynamics.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine and an 118 hp traction motor, producing a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop, battery charging, and wheel assistance. 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, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors. The Crosstrek's steering, aided by a revised dual-pinion rack, offered precision, while the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim introduced additional body roll due to its suspension setup.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe was designed for those needing to tow and carry passengers simultaneously. With the 5.3-litre V8, RWD, and Max Trailering package, it could tow up to 3,810 kilograms, with slightly reduced capacities for 4WD models. The Tahoe's 91-litre fuel tank allowed for extended highway driving, especially with the diesel engine. Cargo volume was impressive, with 3,474 litres available with all seats folded, though the trunk space was limited to 722 litres with all seats in use. The Tahoe offered a 24-inch wheel option, requiring Magnetic Ride Control for a smoother ride, though it added to the vehicle's cost.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a 63-litre fuel tank, it could cover 829 kilometres between fill-ups. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided 527 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. 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 wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe made significant strides in technology, featuring a 17.7-inch touchscreen, an 11-inch driver information screen, and an optional 15-inch HUD. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were complemented by Google Built-in, integrating Google Maps and other apps. While the tech interface was sleek, customizing the driver information display was challenging, and the steering wheel controls were cluttered. Despite these issues, the Tahoe's tech represented a major upgrade, though the Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to rivals.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lagged behind competitors in usability. The software was slow, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which was less convenient than physical buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projections.

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe received four out of five stars from the NHTSA for the 2024 model, with similar results expected for 2025. The IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap front test and Poor in the moderate overlap front updated test. Standard ADAS included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera, with GM's Super Cruise available on later models.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's 2025 model received a Marginal rating in the moderate overlap front crash test and Acceptable in the side-impact test from the IIHS. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite was standard, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more, though it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.