Honda Passport vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Honda Passport was a striking presence on the road, characterized by its extra-large proportions and blocky dimensions that embodied the modern rugged SUV aesthetic. Its nearly flat hood and abrupt lower bumper provided a robust approach angle, while bracket-shaped amber running lights and a thin hood scoop added distinctive touches to its front design. The Passport's wider and visually stronger stance drew comparisons to popular models like the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, yet it retained a unique Honda identity. The profile, with its blacked-out D-pillar and large tinted rear-quarter window, was said to be inspired by a backpack, though it also evoked elements of the Chevrolet Traverse and Land Rover Discovery. Notable features included nearly invisible rock sliders and a scratch-resistant roof panel, ideal for leaning equipment against, despite the vehicle's considerable height. The rear showcased a blocky tailgate with a two-tone design, standard roof rails, and 18-inch wheels, emphasizing its adventurous spirit.

Inside, the Passport offered a straightforward and practical interior, available in four trim levels in Canada. The upper trims featured leather materials, while the TrailSport models boasted visually appealing cloth and vegan interiors. The design focused on functionality over flash, catering to those who appreciated simplicity and practicality in their vehicle's cabin.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the model's tradition of evolutionary improvements, maintaining its attractive design while incorporating subtle updates. The most noticeable change was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights and giving the front fascia a distinctive smile. Black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. In Canada, the Crosstrek Hybrid was offered in a single trim level, sitting at the top of the lineup. The interior balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring Subaru's signature straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics in key areas. The Canadian model came with black leather upholstery, while the U.S.-spec test unit featured grey StarTex artificial leather. Chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats highlighted the electrified powertrain. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy cabin atmosphere.

The 2026 Honda Passport was engineered to excel both on and off-road, featuring redesigned front and rear bumpers for improved approach and departure angles, along with added skid plates. The switch to 18-inch wheels across all trims enhanced ride comfort and off-road traction. The TrailSport Touring trims offered a multi-view mode with four camera angles, aiding in trail navigation. The Passport's i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard, accompanied by seven distinct drive modes, including new Sport, Trail, and Tow modes. Despite lacking locking differentials or a low-range 4WD system, the Passport boasted a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms with an accessory tow package. The naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine delivered 285 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Passport impressed in various environments, particularly off-road, where its V6 engine provided ample power with minimal throttle input. While all-terrain tires generated noticeable noise on highways, the cabin remained well-insulated from engine and wind noise. The Passport's powertrain focused on reducing emissions rather than increasing power, with a Natural Resources Canada-estimated fuel economy of 12.6 L/100 km in the city, 9.9 on the highway, and 11.4 combined.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas 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, 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 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's mechanical AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, offered superior capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The Crosstrek's steering was light yet precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and body lean was reduced compared to older models. The off-road-oriented Wilderness trim introduced additional roll due to its suspension setup and all-terrain tires, though sales were on hold in Canada due to tariffs.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, emphasizing simplicity with physical buttons and knobs for controls. It excelled in cargo space, offering 1,246 litres behind the rear seat and 2,356 litres with seats folded, leading the midsize crossover segment. A full-size spare tire was cleverly integrated into the cargo hold, maintaining class-leading capacity. The Passport also provided best-in-class rear-seat legroom, complemented by ample cubbies and cup holders. Up front, generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, along with practical storage solutions, catered to family road trips. A panoramic moonroof was standard in Canada, with Touring trims adding ventilated front seats. Post-production option packages included a rear cargo shelf that doubled as a table, reminiscent of early Honda CR-V features.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid marked Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid model, addressing previous compromises with improved horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model offered 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with seats folded, thanks to the absence of a large battery. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for an impressive range of 829 kilometres. 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 housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment provided additional storage options.

The 2026 Honda Passport featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with standard Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and other apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also included, providing flexibility for users. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with bright colours and easy navigation. Additional tech upgrades included a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, four USB-C charging ports, and a 10.2-inch digital driver information display. Touring trims boasted a 12-speaker Bose stereo system and the TrailWatch camera system for a bird’s-eye view of the car.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though its software lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. 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 when using phone projection.

The 2026 Honda Passport was equipped with Honda Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, traffic-sign recognition, and low-speed braking control. It also featured eight standard airbags. Previous crash test results were less than stellar, with the Passport not receiving a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and scoring four out of five stars in NHTSA tests. Updated ratings for the 2026 model were pending.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS not awarding it a Top Safety Pick designation due to "Marginal" and "Acceptable" scores in crash tests. However, the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, automatic emergency braking, a surround-view camera, DriverFocus driver distraction mitigation, lane centring assist, and reverse automatic braking. Subaru's semi-autonomous driving system was not yet on par with competitors.