Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV was a striking addition to the all-electric crossover SUV market, sharing the stage with its smaller sibling, the Equinox EV. It boasted a sharp, sporty design reminiscent of the iconic Camaro muscle car, with a narrow bar of lights separating the faceted hood from the filled-in grille. The exaggerated flared fenders contributed to its athletic stance, making it appear more like a sleek hatchback than a traditional crossover. The interior echoed the Camaro theme with sporty round air vents and faceted screens dominating the dashboard, complemented by contrast stitching for a racy personality. However, the presence of hard plastic elements detracted from the overall luxury feel, and the stitching and leather seams were not as meticulously assembled as expected.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design. The third-generation Crosstrek featured all-new sheet metal and chassis construction, with the most noticeable update being the frameless grille with a curved wing bar connecting the headlights. The interior offered a thoughtful balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with consistent material quality and soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The cabin's straightforward design prioritized function over flash, and the Canadian units came with black leather upholstery. The Crosstrek Hybrid also included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, making it a versatile choice for various driving preferences. The LT and RS trims came standard with dual electric motors for all-wheel drive (AWD), producing 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, with an estimated range of 455 kilometres. The front-wheel drive (FWD) option extended the range to 502 kilometres, while the rear-wheel drive (RWD) RS trim delivered 340 horsepower and a range of 538 kilometres. The high-performance SS trim boasted 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 96 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. The Blazer EV's suspension was firm, providing a smooth ride on most surfaces, but the steering lacked an on-centre feel, requiring constant adjustments.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Boxer H4 engine and two motor-generators, producing a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid's fuel efficiency was estimated at 6.5 L/100 km, although real-world testing showed 7.6 L/100 km. The Crosstrek Hybrid's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided excellent off-road capability, making it a more versatile choice for variable terrain. The steering was light but precise, and the revised dual-pinion steering rack reduced body lean compared to older models.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered supportive front seats and a massive touchscreen high on the dash, although it was further away than preferred. The rear seats provided ample legroom, but headroom was limited. The cargo space measured 722 litres, with a flat floor and a hands-free power liftgate for easy loading. However, the climate control system took a long time to heat the cabin, and the brake regeneration paddle's placement was inconvenient.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on its predecessors by offering more cargo space, with 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 without frequent refuelling. The rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, and the front offered a wireless charging pad and cupholders. However, storage options were limited, with deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV came equipped with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, digital instrument panel, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system ran on the Google Built-in platform, offering quick response times and clear displays. However, the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a significant drawback, and the native voice controls were not as intuitive as expected. The standard six-speaker audio system lacked depth, with an optional eight-speaker Bose upgrade available only on the SS trim.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and lagged when swiping between screens. The system was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing a more user-friendly experience. The Crosstrek Hybrid also included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map could not display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV received five stars in all crash tests conducted by the NHTSA, except for the AWD model's four-star rollover protection rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. GM's Super Cruise automated hands-free driving system was available as an option, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience.

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. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars in its overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and a surround-view camera. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to GM's Super Cruise.