Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Honda CR-V 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 durable plastics, complemented by black leather upholstery in Canadian models. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy atmosphere.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid, refreshed with a new TrailSport trim, showcased a robust exterior with orange badges, grey 18-inch wheels, and all-terrain tires. The TrailSport trim also featured a silver skid-plate-style trim piece, black door handles, and black window surrounds. The CR-V Hybrid was available in six trim levels in Canada, with the hybrid trims offering a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electric motors for a total of 204 hp. The interior updates included orange contrast stitching and embroidered headrests in the TrailSport vehicles, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was equipped with a 2.5-litre Boxer H4 engine paired with two motor-generators, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with improved acceleration and smoother performance compared to its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized regenerative braking and a mechanical AWD system, providing better capability on variable terrain. The Crosstrek Hybrid recorded a fuel consumption of 7.6 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The X-Mode traction management system offered specific settings for dirt, snow, and mud, enhancing off-road performance.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors, producing 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system replaced a traditional transmission with a two-motor setup, offering seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The CR-V Hybrid achieved a fuel economy of 6.4 L/100 km in combined driving, with the TrailSport trim slightly higher at 6.7 L/100 km. The AWD system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, improving performance on steep or slippery terrain. The CR-V Hybrid also offered a comfortable ride with exceptional steering feel and low-speed acceleration.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon 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 at 63 litres, allowing for a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat legroom was generous at 926 millimetres, 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 Honda CR-V Hybrid boasted 1,028 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,030 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior offered ample headroom and legroom, with 970 millimetres in the second row and up to 1,049 millimetres up front. The CR-V Hybrid featured comfortable seating, with leather-trimmed options available in higher trims. Standard features included heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a power moonroof in the Sport trim. The centre console housed physical controls for climate and drive modes, along with USB-C ports for connectivity and charging.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of usability. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a nine-inch touchscreen with physical controls for volume, home, and phone projection. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with Google built-in available on the Touring Hybrid trim. A Wi-Fi hotspot was included with hybrid trims, and the audio system ranged from a 160-watt four-speaker stereo to a 12-speaker Bose premium system in the Touring Hybrid.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2025 model received mixed results. Subaru included the EyeSight ADAS suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.

The 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid had not been evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the 2025 model received high safety ratings. The Honda Sensing suite was standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Front and rear parking sensors were available on higher trims, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines was standard.