Hyundai Santa Fe vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements that Subaru had been implementing since the model's inception. The third-generation Crosstrek maintained the changes introduced in 2024, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar created a visual connection with the headlights, giving the vehicle a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches were a thoughtful touch, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise.

Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, staying true to Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with gray StarTex seats accented by orange contrast stitching. The chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch, while the "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats reminded occupants of the vehicle's electrified powertrain. The Limited Hybrid trim included a heated steering wheel and an optional power moonroof, contributing to an airy atmosphere.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in multiple trims, aimed to maximize practicality with its boxy design and techno-funk styling language. The XRT trim, which we tested, featured a rugged look with a blacked-out appearance. While the white color highlighted its design, darker colors diminished the contrast between the wheels, trim, and windows. The all-terrain tires and taller stance gave the Santa Fe a robust presence, complemented by a high-tech interior with quality materials and ample storage space. The gloss-black angled control panel, however, was prone to collecting dust.

The Santa Fe XRT's interior was designed for practicality, with easy-to-use knobs and buttons. The vehicle's taller stance and boxy dimensions made it easy to park, while the engine provided smooth acceleration. The new eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous dual-clutch gearbox, offering a smoother driving experience. The XRT trim also boasted a 1,000-pound improvement in towing capacity, making it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came equipped with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The hybrid model featured a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system 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 achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg.

The Crosstrek's mechanical all-wheel-drive system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack. The vehicle exhibited less body lean than previous models, although the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim introduced additional roll due to its suspension setup.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The new eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter provided a smoother driving experience. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive optional on most trims and standard on the XRT. The XRT trim included all-terrain tires, a raised suspension, and additional driving modes for off-road conditions.

The Santa Fe XRT's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, slightly lower than other AWD models due to its less aerodynamic design. During testing, it achieved 21.7 mpg on a flat loop and 18.6 mpg on a mountainous route. While not as capable off-road as some competitors, the XRT's lifted suspension and off-road drive modes allowed it to handle moderately rutted trails confidently. The new automatic transmission provided smooth acceleration, and the XRT's towing capacity increased to 4,500 pounds.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The absence of a large battery allowed for a lower trunk floor, resulting in 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, providing an impressive range of 597 miles between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was generous, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray, cupholders, and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prioritized practicality and utility, though the XRT trim lacked some features found in other models. The absence of a panoramic sunroof and ventilated front seats was notable, especially for a vehicle designed for exploration. Entry and exit were effortless, and the interior offered comfortable seating with good visibility. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, as adults would find it cramped. Thoughtful touches included dual wireless charging pads, a manually height-adjustable front passenger seat, and bi-directional access to storage areas.

Cargo space in the Santa Fe was versatile, with a power hands-free liftgate revealing 14.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Folding the third row expanded the space to 40.5 cubic feet, and with the second row folded, it offered 79.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Santa Fe's interior design included convenient features like smartphone slots in door panel armrests and upper cupholders in rear door panels.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. While visually impressive, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and the screen was prone to fingerprints. Many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Limited Hybrid trim featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a dual-screen panel with digital gauges and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The layout was user-friendly, though driver-assistance settings were buried in menus. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink+ connected services. Optional features included native navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and Hyundai Pay technology. Bluelink+ offered safety features like automatic collision notification and remote services, with complimentary access for original owners.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid received mixed safety ratings. The IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an Acceptable score in the side-impact test. Subaru addressed these issues by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating, but the 2026 model had not yet been rated. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking.

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe boasted an extensive list of standard safety features, including a junction turning detection system and safe-exit assist. Higher trims, like the XRT, featured Highway Driving Assist, which required a light touch on the steering wheel. A driver-attention monitor ensured focus, and navigation-based speed and curve control was optional. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a five-star overall rating, while the IIHS named it a 2026 Top Safety Pick+.