Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in its predecessors, maintaining its attractive design. The third-generation model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille with 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 a straightforward design prioritizing function over flash. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, adding upscale accents. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, enhancing the airy atmosphere.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was available in two trim levels in Canada: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. Both trims integrated seamlessly into the gas-only Palisade lineup, offering style and presence. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a massive grille with horizontal slats framed by LED projector headlights and five large LED daytime running lights. The Palisade's profile included body-colour, heated side mirrors with power-folding capabilities. Acoustic side glass on the front and rear windows was standard across all trims. The rear view was equally handsome, with wide-spaced letters spelling the vehicle's name below a large Hyundai emblem and stacks of five LED taillights wrapping around the rear corners. Inside, the Palisade impressed with its organic and natural shapes, showcasing a richer feeling of craftsmanship compared to other non-luxury crossovers. The interior featured H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, eight-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and three-stage heating elements for the front seats. Higher trims offered additional features like Nappa leather upholstery and integrated driver's seat memory settings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid model was powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, with quicker and smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid powertrain utilized two motor-generators, with one handling engine start/stop functions and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine in driving the wheels and could operate independently at low speeds. The Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided superior capability on variable terrain compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, combined with an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, ensured the Palisade never lagged, whether in town or on the highway. The hybrid system eliminated the old platform's starter motor and auxiliary belts, relying on a more capable electric motor connected directly to the engine. The Palisade could operate solely on the P2 motor at low speeds or under light acceleration, optimizing power and fuel efficiency. The cabin was notably quiet, with noise-absorbing carpet and acoustic glass minimizing road and engine noise. The steering was sharp, with minimal play off-centre, while the pedals felt slightly squishy, creating a contrast with the responsive steering.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The absence of a large battery allowed for a cargo volume of 527 litres behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, enabling a range of 829 kilometres between fill-ups. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. However, front storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others like the Ford Explorer and Mazda CX-90. The battery's position under the front passenger seat slightly reduced second-row legroom, but the Palisade still provided more space than most rivals. The third row offered 815 millimetres of legroom, slightly less than some competitors. The cabin featured dual-zone climate control, seven USB-C power outlets, and a second-row bench seat with seating for eight. Captain's chairs were available on higher trims. The Palisade was equipped with numerous storage solutions, including a centre console with a rubberized cargo space and a small shelf ahead of the front passenger seat.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the infotainment system was less competitive compared to rivals like the Kia Niro Hybrid and Hyundai Kona. The software was slow, and the screen was a fingerprint magnet. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with physical buttons for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid was well-equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a matching digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system supported HD and Sirius XM satellite radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. A Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Most trims included a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and a 15-watt wireless charging pad was standard. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim featured a built-in dashcam, recording front and rear views. The Palisade also introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the climate control and infotainment system to run while the gas engine was off.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, 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, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. However, it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system comparable to competitors.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with a comprehensive suite of ADAS, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert indicator. The 2025 Palisade received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, but the 2026 model had not yet been tested.