Ford Expedition vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Expedition was a testament to the form-over-function design ethos, reminiscent of a modern school bus but with a more attractive flair. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it clear that this vehicle was designed for transporting people comfortably. Despite its functional design, Ford's designers did not completely disregard styling. The Expedition featured horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille that spanned the entire width of the fascia. Integrated headlights and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim added to its full-width appearance. The blacked-out B-, C-, and D-pillars gave the glass a wraparound look, while a distinct character line ran from the headlights to the taillights. The rear of the vehicle sported a two-tone paint job, thanks to a black tailgate, and introduced a split-gate design for added convenience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations, maintaining its attractive design. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights and giving the fascia a Cheshire cat-like smile. The black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches included integrated aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, 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, contributing to an airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged “EcoBoost” 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Tremor trim offered a high-output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 2,628-kilogram curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain well. The Tremor trim, with its increased ground clearance and off-road modifications, performed admirably on challenging courses. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was poor, rated at 15.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.7 on the highway.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle 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 smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided excellent off-road capability. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack.