Ford Bronco vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while incorporating modern design elements. Its boxy shape was softened with rounded corners, and the wide, horizontal design was particularly striking from the front, where a full-width rectangular grille and round headlamps dominated. The Bronco offered multiple removable top options, enhancing its open-air experience. The Sasquatch package added 17-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires, a HOSS 2.0 suspension, and electronic-locking axles, boosting its off-road prowess and giving it a more aggressive appearance.

The Bronco lineup included seven versions, from the base model to the high-performance Bronco Raptor. The Big Bend model, available only in four-door configuration, was a popular choice, offering the Sasquatch package and various appearance packages. The Outer Banks model featured a turbocharged V6 engine and LED lighting, while the Badlands model offered bigger tires and an upgraded suspension. The Heritage model embraced a retro look with standard Sasquatch equipment. The Stroppe Edition and Bronco Raptor were the pinnacle of performance and capability, with race-ready features and an ultra-wide body kit, respectively.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued to build on its attractive design, with evolutionary improvements over its predecessors. The 2026 model retained changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. Black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved aerodynamics and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models featured black leather upholstery, while U.S. models had grey StarTex artificial leather. Chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch, and standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, though it did not enhance towing capacity. The Bronco Raptor boasted a 2,040-kilogram towing capacity. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was optional or standard on various trims. The Sasquatch package improved off-road capability with locking differentials and large tires. All Bronco models featured four-wheel drive, with advanced systems available on higher trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid powertrain combined 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 the gas-only version. The hybrid system used two motor-generators for engine start/stop, battery charging, and wheel assistance. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, offered superior off-road capability compared to competitors.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered ample space for two passengers in the two-door model, though rear seat access was challenging. The four-door model provided more rear-seat room and easier access. The Sasquatch package's large tires and suspension increased ground clearance, requiring a step up into the cabin. Cargo space in the two-door model ranged from 634 to 1,509 litres, while the four-door model offered 1,084 to 2,350 litres, depending on the top configuration. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies, including armrest space, door pockets, and MOLLE mounting points. Rear-seat passengers benefited from dedicated air conditioning vents and improved insulation.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's cargo volume measured 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 long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited to a small tray with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, deep door pockets, and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2025 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 infotainment software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard seven-speaker audio system. The Bronco Outer Banks trim offered an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes and off-road feature readouts. The Bronco included five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on higher trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software lagged behind competitors. The screen was prone to fingerprints, and many controls were touchscreen-based. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, 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 navigation map display was limited.

The 2025 Ford Bronco did not come standard with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, but it was included from the Big Bend trim level. Features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill start assist, and hill descent control were standard. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in several crash tests but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" and "Acceptable" in crash tests. Subaru added side-curtain airbags to address these issues. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek five stars for overall safety. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera.