Mazda CX-5 vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary design improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining a balance between rugged utility and refined comfort. The exterior featured a frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights, while aerodynamic air inlets and outlets around the wheel arches improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the cabin offered a straightforward design with soft-touch surfaces and black leather upholstery, providing a comfortable and upscale feel. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5, with its evolved Kodo design language, presented a sculpted and purposeful appearance, making it one of the best-looking crossovers in its segment. The Signature Wing grille seamlessly flowed into new LED headlights, while angular rear lighting tied the CX-5 to Mazda's larger models. Despite the attractive exterior, the wheel designs were underwhelming, with the base 17-inch wheels appearing small on the larger body. Inside, the CX-5 continued Mazda's tradition of high-quality interiors, featuring a clean dashboard design, a prominent central touchscreen, and a driver-focused cockpit. The materials used were a step up from the competition, with leather seating on the GT trim providing a premium ambiance.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offered a notable improvement in performance with its hybrid powertrain. The 2.5-litre engine, paired with an 118 hp traction motor, delivered a total system output of 194 hp, making it the fastest Crosstrek to date. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators, enhancing efficiency and providing smoother acceleration. Despite its improved performance, the hybrid's fuel economy was slightly below expectations, recording 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, ensured capable handling on variable terrain, although the steering remained light and somewhat disconnected.

In contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-5's performance was hindered by its carryover SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The engine felt underpowered, especially given the vehicle's increased weight of 1,747 kilograms. The six-speed automatic transmission lacked responsiveness, and the absence of the previously available turbocharged engine was noticeable. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-5 excelled in handling, with direct steering and well-managed body roll, providing a sense of agility. However, the lack of power limited the enjoyment of its road manners. Fuel economy ratings were among the highest in the segment, with 9.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 9.0 combined.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more cargo space and maintaining a large 63-litre fuel tank. With 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded, the Crosstrek provided ample storage capacity. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 benefited from dimensional growth, resulting in a more spacious interior. The extended wheelbase improved rear knee clearance to 1,012 millimetres, addressing previous criticisms. Rear headroom was class-leading at 1,007 mm without the sunroof, and cargo space increased to 954 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,882 litres with the seats folded. Practical features included a hands-free power liftgate and a reasonably flat load floor. However, towing capacity decreased to 680 kilograms, trailing competitors like the Tucson and Sportage.

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, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps from phone projection.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 saw significant upgrades in its infotainment system, with a 12.9-inch touchscreen standard across all trims and a 15.6-inch unit available on the GT trim. Google built-in provided native navigation and voice assistant features, with a year's free data trial included. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on higher trims. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, though it lacked some expected information. The removal of the physical volume knob was a drawback, but higher trims offered a Bose audio system and additional tech features.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included a comprehensive suite of EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. However, the 2025 model did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in overall safety, but ratings for the 2026 model were not yet available.

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 boasted an extensive standard safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitors. The GT trim added an adaptive front-lighting system, while the Premium Package offered advanced features like front cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree View Monitor. Although crash test results for the 2026 model were pending, the outgoing CX-5 had a strong safety record, and expectations were high for the new model.