INFINITI QX60 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, such as new sheet metal and chassis construction, though these updates were subtle at first glance. The most noticeable change was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with a curved wing bar that seamlessly connected with the headlights, creating a distinctive smile-like appearance. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a blend of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design that prioritized function. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with Canadian models boasting black leather upholstery. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy atmosphere.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was available in Luxe, Sport, and Autograph trims, with the Pure trim level no longer offered in Canada. Prices ranged from $70,573 to $84,573, including destination charges and fees. Our test vehicle, in Autograph trim, showcased a new Deep Emerald colour with a Black Obsidian roof, priced at CAD $85,773. The QX60's exterior design updates aligned it with the larger QX80, featuring a new grille inspired by a bamboo forest and a lower front fascia with piano-key pattern daytime running lights. Inside, the QX60 offered a choice of interior colours, with the Autograph trim featuring premium semi-aniline leather and real open-pore wood. The cabin was upscale, with digital displays and a touch-sensing dashboard control panel. However, the ride was soft, and the vehicle felt ponderous on twisty roads, lacking the agility of previous Infiniti models.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with improved acceleration and smoothness compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted with driving and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The hybrid's mechanical AWD system provided better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. Subaru's X-Mode traction management system further enhanced off-road performance, offering specific settings for different conditions.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre inline-four VC-Turbo engine, producing 268 horsepower and 286 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. It featured a nine-speed automatic transmission and a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kilograms. The QX60 averaged 11.6 L/100 km during testing, with the VC-Turbo engine offering a fuel economy advantage over the Pathfinder's V6. However, the premium fuel requirement negated some of the cost benefits. The QX60 offered multiple driving modes, but Auto mode was preferred for its smoothness and efficiency. The AWD system lacked sophistication, allowing front wheel slip before engaging. The ride was quiet in urban areas but felt too soft at higher speeds, with excessive body motion and roll on uneven surfaces.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. The cargo volume behind the rear seats measured 527 litres, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear seats folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray, cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 offered seven-passenger seating in the Luxe and Sport trims, while the Autograph trim featured six-passenger seating with second-row captain's chairs. The QX60 included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system. The Autograph trim added ventilated front seats and a massage function. However, finding a comfortable driving position was challenging, and the third-row seats were tight for adults. The QX60 provided 411 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,135 litres behind the front seats.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was less competitive compared to rivals. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume and temperature controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid also included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map was limited to the touchscreen.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 introduced a new Google built-in infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to apps through the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with SiriusXM 360L satellite radio and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, though Google Maps occasionally failed to load. The QX60 featured Klipsch premium audio systems, but the sound quality was lacking compared to competitors. The vehicle also included a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. However, the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.

The 2026 INFINITI QX60 came with standard driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitors. ProPilot Assist 1.1 was standard, offering adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist. The Autograph trim included ProPilot Assist 2.1 with hands-free driving capability. However, the driver assist tech needed improvement, with inconsistent operation and communication. The NHTSA awarded the QX60 a five-star overall rating, but the IIHS had not released crash-test ratings at the time of publication.