Nissan Armada vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design. 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, with a frameless grille and a curved wing bar that visually connected with the headlights, creating a Cheshire cat-like 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 soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Canadian model featured black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to an airy atmosphere.

The 2026 Nissan Armada, on the other hand, presented a sportier look compared to typical big SUVs, avoiding the bus-like aesthetic. While it retained a boxy shape with hard angles, softer curves on the bumpers, fenders, and window trim provided surface contrast. The double-bracketed running lights and wide chrome bars on the grille added to its imposing presence. Despite its XL size, the Armada appeared svelte compared to American counterparts like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The NISMO version, with its Tokyo street style, featured bright red accent lines, Stealth Grey paint, and a lowered body. Inside, the red and black theme continued with red seatbelts, dash accents, and stitching. The Armada's superior design and quality were evident, with fine analog controls, a rotary dial for driving modes, and a wireless phone charger. The Platinum Reserve trim added quilted leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and multicolour ambient lighting.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version, however, was the fastest Crosstrek, with a total system output of 194 hp, thanks to its 2.5-litre engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor. The hybrid's powertrain included two motor-generators, enhancing efficiency and performance. 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 Nissan Armada boasted a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The NISMO version increased output to 460 hp with premium fuel. The Armada's air suspension, available on select trims, provided excellent body control and a compliant ride. Despite its size, the Armada was easy to drive, with the NISMO offering firmer damping for improved handling. The steering, though not as precise as desired, was offset by the suspension's performance. The Armada's part-time 4WD system, standard on all models, offered a low-range transfer case for off-road capability. Fuel economy was estimated at 14.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 12.4 on the highway, comparable to other full-size SUVs.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a cargo volume of 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded, it provided ample storage. The 63-litre fuel tank allowed for long-distance travel, covering up to 829 kilometres between fill-ups. 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 a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Nissan Armada offered seven- or eight-passenger seating, with the seven-seat configuration available in the Platinum Reserve trim. Headroom was generous across all rows, though legroom in the second and third rows was less than in longer American SUVs. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" cushioning reduced fatigue during long rides, and the 10-way heated, cooled, and massaging front seats provided exceptional comfort. Visibility was excellent, aided by standard 360-degree cameras. Cargo capacity was substantial, with 578 litres behind the third row, 1,594 litres behind the second row, and 2,750 litres with both rows folded.

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. 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 Nissan Armada came with two 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Klipsch stereo. Higher trims featured two 14.3-inch displays. ProPilot Assist 2.1 with hands-free operation was available on the Platinum Reserve trims. The Armada also included a digital rearview mirror, integrated trailer brake controller, and built-in dash cam on select trims. NissanConnect services offered additional features like stolen vehicle tracking.

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 lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors. The 2025 model received mixed safety ratings, with a "Marginal" score in the moderate overlap front crash test and an "Acceptable" in the side-impact test.

The 2026 Nissan Armada offered a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the extensive list of standard safety features provided reassurance. The Armada also came with front, front-side, front-knee, and curtain airbags.