Jeep Cherokee vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining its attractive appeal. The third-generation model carried forward the changes from 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 it a distinctive smile. The aerodynamic air inlets and outlets integrated into the black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design philosophy prioritizing function over flash. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, and the interior included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee adopted a boxy shape reminiscent of the classic XJ Cherokee, aiming for a less polarizing design compared to its predecessor. However, its rugged look appeared somewhat generic among other crossovers. The rear-end design was more successful, combining an XJ-like profile with aerodynamic surfacing and distinctive taillights. The Cherokee shared the Stellantis STLA Large platform with other models, offering consistent appearance across trim levels. The interior featured mostly plastic trim, with muted finishes to avoid smudges and glare. The Cherokee's interior exceeded expectations for style, with a concave dashboard and a rotary shifter reminiscent of the Grand Wagoneer. The two lower trim levels had cloth upholstery, while the Limited and Overland trims featured leatherette seats. Jeep emphasized environmental considerations in its material choices, using recycled materials in carpets and interior trim.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offered a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine alongside the new hybrid powertrain. The non-hybrid models produced 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, elevating the Crosstrek from a slowpoke to a mid-pack option in the subcompact crossover segment. The hybrid model, however, was the fastest Crosstrek, with a total system output of 194 horsepower from its 2.5-litre engine and 118 hp traction motor. The hybrid powertrain featured two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine and provided regenerative braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, with a driveshaft for power distribution, offered better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The X-Mode traction management system provided specific settings for different conditions, enhancing off-road performance.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor hybrid system, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The standard AWD system used a clutch-based rear-axle disconnect for improved fuel economy but lacked the capability of traditional 4WD systems. Jeep's Selec-Terrain drive modes and best-in-class approach and departure angles contributed to its off-road potential. The hybrid system provided smooth power application, comparable to Toyota and Honda. The Cherokee offered a comfortable ride, though steering had significant play, requiring adjustments through the touchscreen. Regenerative braking was limited, with a "low mode" available for added braking force.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured a 527-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained at 63 litres, allowing for a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. 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 for wireless charging and two cupholders.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee provided comparable headroom and legroom to competitors, with comfortable seats despite a wide centre console. Power driver and passenger seats were available on higher trims, with heated front seats standard in Canada. Rear-seat headroom was similar to rivals, but legroom was less than the CR-V, Sportage, and Tucson hybrids. Cargo space measured 951 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,934 litres with seats folded. The Cherokee's towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms was impressive, matching certain RAV4 Hybrid versions. The dashboard maintained important analog controls, though some buttons were hard to find, and touch sensors for climate controls lacked feedback.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. 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 Limited Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, running the Uconnect 5 system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with USB-C ports for front and rear rows. The system was stable and upgradable via OTA updates. The digital instrument cluster's graphics were plain, and vehicle settings were split between the touchscreen and dashboard buttons. The native navigation system was laggy compared to Android Auto, and there was little difference between the audio systems in lower and higher trims.

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. Subaru added side-curtain airbags to address these issues. The NHTSA gave the 2025 Crosstrek a five-star overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offered standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Active Driving Assist, with automated lane centring, was also standard. Traffic sign recognition was included on the Overland model, with a surround-view camera system available. Crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of writing.