Lexus RX Hybrid vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors. It retained the changes from the 2024 model, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, where a frameless grille with a curved wing bar connected visually to 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 balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with a straightforward design prioritizing function. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with Canadian models boasting black leather upholstery. Chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats added upscale accents, while standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid aimed for high style, particularly with the RX 500h F Sport Performance model, which featured a bold design. The front end showcased a large, black, trapezoidal grille flanked by slim headlights and air intakes, creating a controversial and over-stylized appearance. The profile was stylish, with flat flares around each wheel and a character line suggesting motion. The floating roofline resolved into a rear spoiler, and the vehicle sat on 21-inch wheels. Inside, the RX 500h offered Dark Graphite or Rioja Red leather, with sporty elements like a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum pedals. The driver was surrounded by soft-touch materials and digital screens, enhancing the luxurious feel.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a 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 improved acceleration and smoothness compared to the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine and provided 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 offered better capability on variable terrain compared to electric AWD systems. The X-Mode traction management system further enhanced off-road performance, with specific settings for dirt, snow, and mud.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 500h, delivered 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque through a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors. The front motor was positioned between the engine and the six-speed automatic transmission, while the rear motor was part of an eAxle providing all-wheel drive. The RX 500h achieved a 0-96 km/h time of 5.9 seconds, with seamless transitions between electric and gas propulsion. The traditional automatic transmission offered smooth gear shifts, and the vehicle featured adaptive dampers, rear-axle steering, and a firmer suspension. Despite these enhancements, the RX 500h was not significantly sportier, with direct but not overly quick steering and limited grip from the all-season tires. The ride was firm, especially in Sport mode, and could become busy on bumpy roads.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid marked Subaru's third attempt at a hybrid model, addressing previous compromises. It offered more horsepower and cargo space than earlier versions, with a cargo volume of 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres 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 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable interior with eight-way power-adjustable sport seats featuring heating and cooling. The rear seats offered good legroom, though accommodating three adults could be uncomfortable. The RX 500h had 838 litres of cargo space with the second row up, expanding to 1,308 litres when folded. The interior was well-appointed, with a heated steering wheel and a standard panoramic sunroof.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC 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 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, with a standard head-up display. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Lexus Intelligent Assist for voice commands. The touchscreen was responsive, but the touch-sensitive steering wheel pads were challenging to use. Lexus offered a three-year Drive Connect subscription with Google points of interest and real-time traffic information.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. However, it did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to "Marginal" and "Acceptable" crash test ratings. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in overall safety, but ratings for the 2026 model were not yet available.

The 2026 Lexus RX Hybrid came with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, offering features like forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA but scored "Poor" in the IIHS's updated moderate front overlap test. The RX included additional safety options like automatic parking and traffic jam assist.