Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Hyundai Ioniq 9

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 presented a bold and distinctive design that divided opinions. While some appreciated its unique aesthetic, others found it less appealing. The design team drew inspiration from various sources, aiming to create an aerodynamic shape that could comfortably accommodate seven passengers. Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length with a 3,130 mm wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 offered impressive interior volume, comparable to larger SUVs. Despite its size, it achieved a 0.27 drag coefficient, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. However, the design was not universally praised, with the swooping roofline and stubby rear end creating a somewhat dissonant appearance. The rear view, with its LED taillights wrapping around the tail, was particularly distinctive.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained a more traditional yet attractive design. The third-generation Crosstrek featured evolutionary improvements, with subtle changes introduced in 2024. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with consistent material quality and thoughtful design. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with black leather upholstery in Canadian units. The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior was practical and functional, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof as standard features.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 was equipped with a 110.3-kWh battery pack on Hyundai's e-GMP platform. The base Essential trim featured a rear-wheel-drive system with a 160-kW electric motor, producing 215 horsepower. Other trims offered dual-motor all-wheel-drive systems, with power outputs ranging from 303 hp to 422 hp. The Ioniq 9 impressed with its energy efficiency, often exceeding the estimated 500-kilometre range. Despite its weight and soft suspension, the Ioniq 9 provided a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to active noise cancellation and sound-absorbing features. It offered a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms for AWD models and supported fast charging options, including Tesla-style NACS superchargers and CCS-port Level 3 chargers.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine and an 118 hp traction motor, delivering a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions, battery charging, and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek Hybrid's AWD system, combined with Subaru's X-Mode traction management, provided enhanced capability on variable terrain, making it a more versatile option compared to competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 focused on family-SUV practicality, offering seating for seven with a middle-row bench seat or six with captain's chairs in the Preferred AWD+ Ultimate Calligraphy Package. The sliding centre console improved access for middle-row passengers. The Ioniq 9 provided 1,086 millimetres of legroom in the middle row, although the third row felt tight for adults with 813 mm of legroom. The rear doors offered easy access, and the cargo space ranged from 620 litres to 2,462 litres with seats folded. Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a heat pump were standard features, enhancing comfort and energy efficiency.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a 63-litre fuel tank, it could cover 829 kilometres between fill-ups. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided 527 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. Rear-seat legroom measured 926 millimetres, offering more space than competitors. The front storage included a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and deep door pockets, although overall storage was limited.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 featured dual curved 12.3-inch displays for its infotainment system, offering a familiar interface found in other Hyundai models. While the screens looked good, they were prone to fingerprints and glare. Standard features included SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Ioniq 9 also came with six USB-C ports and a 14-speaker Bose audio system, providing impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system lagged behind competitors. The software was slow, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the reliance on touchscreen controls for various functions was frustrating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays and navigation features.

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 had not yet been rated by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard. Features like collision avoidance, lane-guidance technologies, driver attention warning, and Highway Driving Assist 2 were included. Higher trims received additional safety features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS for the 2026 model year, but the 2025 model received mixed results. Subaru addressed safety concerns by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.