Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a dramatic new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular cues and distinctive grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED headlights, gave it a futuristic appearance. The Tucson's interior was spacious and airy, featuring heated front seats, cloth upholstery, and an eight-way power driver seat in the base Blue trim. The Limited trim added luxurious touches like a 64-color ambient lighting system and ventilated front seats. Despite its bulkier center console, the Tucson's interior offered an unobstructed view, thanks to its hoodless driver information display.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its evolutionary design approach, with subtle updates that included a frameless grille and aerodynamic wheel arch cladding. The interior balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Crosstrek Hybrid's cabin was straightforward, with a focus on function over flash. The Limited Hybrid trim added upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel. While the Crosstrek's interior was not as spacious as the Tucson's, it offered a thoughtful layout with practical storage solutions.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-liter turbo-four engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Its responsive steering and six-speed automatic transmission provided a smooth driving experience. The Tucson Hybrid's suspension excelled at absorbing road imperfections, maintaining balance through corners. With an EPA rating of 37 mpg city, 36 highway, and 37 combined, it offered good fuel economy, though not class-leading. The upcoming plug-in hybrid version promised even greater efficiency with an 80 MPGe rating and 33 miles of all-electric range.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, powered by a 2.5-liter Boxer H4 engine and a 118-hp traction motor, achieved a total system output of 194 horsepower. It was the fastest Crosstrek to date, with smoother acceleration than its gas-only counterpart. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for improved efficiency and regenerative braking. Despite falling short of its EPA estimate of 36 mpg, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered better off-road capability than competitors, thanks to its mechanical AWD system and X-Mode traction management. Its steering was light but precise, with reduced body lean compared to older models.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 38.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 74.5 cubic feet with them folded. Its dual-level cargo floor allowed for flexible storage options. The Tucson provided ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, enhancing comfort on long journeys. The Limited trim's ambient lighting added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more cargo space, with 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with them folded. Its 16.6-gallon gas tank allowed for an impressive range of 597 miles. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided generous rear-seat legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. While front storage was limited, the cabin featured practical solutions like deep door pockets and a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the Limited trim, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touch-capacitive buttons for infotainment and HVAC controls were frustrating, but steering-wheel controls offered an alternative. The Tucson provided ample USB ports and a Bose premium stereo for an enhanced audio experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software was slow and prone to fingerprints. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the reliance on touchscreen buttons for essential functions was a drawback. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though it lacked integration with Google Maps.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. While it scored well with the NHTSA, the IIHS ratings were less favorable. Subaru addressed safety concerns by adding side-curtain airbags to the rear seats.