Kia Sorento vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in Canada, offered a range of trims including the LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro. The LX was equipped with a basic 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine. A new paint colour, Panthera Grey, was introduced, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims featured black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, included exclusive design elements like unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro did not significantly improve off-road capabilities compared to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro featured an Olive Brown interior with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 24-inch panoramic display, offering a mix of luxury and practicality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. It retained the changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid, sold in a single trim in Canada, combined rugged utility with refined comfort. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with black leather upholstery in Canadian models. The hybrid powertrain was highlighted by "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, and standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of style and functionality, appealing to those seeking a versatile and efficient vehicle.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was powered by a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine in other trims produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km. The Sorento X-Pro, equipped with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, offered a smooth ride and impressive grip on winding roads. All Sorentos featured all-wheel drive with torque vectoring and a locking centre differential, enhancing traction and handling. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission provided a unique driving experience, though it required some adjustment for those unfamiliar with DCTs.

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, 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 litres per 100 kilometres, 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 yet precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the vehicle exhibited less body lean than previous models.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was well-suited for families, offering spacious first and second rows, with the third row accommodating adults for short trips. The X-Pro trim featured heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, providing comfort for long drives. The Sorento's cargo space was generous, with 357 litres available with the third row up, expanding to 1,090 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres. This made it competitive with larger compact crossovers, though it offered more power and a third-row seat.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage without compromising on fuel efficiency. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, but the vehicle included practical features like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing seamless connectivity. The Sorento's infotainment system included a touch-sensing strip for dual-function controls, though it could be frustrating to use. Digital Key technology and a digital rearview mirror were available, along with an excellent surround-view camera system for easy parking.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though it lagged behind competitors in terms of usability. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be inconvenient. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map was limited to the built-in system.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered a range of standard safety features, with higher trims adding advanced collision avoidance technologies and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, though it required regular driver input. The Sorento received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for 2024, though changes in testing criteria could affect future ratings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera and the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system. While the 2025 model did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, it earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2026 model had yet to be rated by either organization.