Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a testament to Jeep's enduring appeal, maintaining its classic style while extending its length by over 30 centimetres. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package added a bold touch with blacked-out elements and dark grey 21-inch wheels. Inside, the upper trims offered a luxurious experience with black leather, gold stitching, and matte-finish walnut accents. Despite some hard plastics, the interior felt justified for its price, with features like a polished black dash hiding an optional touchscreen and a metal gear selector dial. The Grand Cherokee L's design was both tough and upscale, with modern elements like slim LED lighting and a mild curve to the roofline.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued Subaru's tradition of evolutionary improvements, carrying forward changes from 2024. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, giving the front a distinctive look. The black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved aerodynamics and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Canadian model came with black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, creating an airy atmosphere.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's performance was hindered by its standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine's noise was well-muffled, but its performance was lacklustre, especially in sport mode. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for better towing capacity and sound. The V8 allowed for a max towing capacity of 3,265 kilograms, compared to 2,810 kg with the V6. Fuel economy for the V6 was rated at 13.0 L/100 km city, 9.4 highway, and 11.3 combined, while the V8's ratings were worse. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis provided confident handling, with air suspension offering a smooth ride. The 4WD system was standard in Canada, with three different systems available on various trims, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid offered a more efficient powertrain with a 2.5-litre engine and an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in 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 used two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided better capability on variable terrain compared to competitors. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended length provided more legroom for second-row passengers, with standard second-row captain's chairs. The Summit and Summit Reserve trims offered additional features like a centre console with storage and four-zone climate control. The third row was tight for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was generous, with 481 litres behind the three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The Grand Cherokee L's interior featured a power liftgate and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher trims, with good visibility from the driver's seat.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more cargo space, with 527 litres behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The hybrid's fuel tank remained large at 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior was practical, with deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher trims, running Uconnect 5. Despite some legibility issues, the system was generally quick and easy to use. The McIntosh sound system was available as an option, providing good audio quality. The Grand Cherokee L offered advanced tech features like night vision, Active Driving Assist, and a passenger screen that could control navigation and cameras. The 16-way power front seats with massage programs and a head-up display added to the luxury experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the system was slow and prone to fingerprints. Many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. Despite these features, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors in terms of usability.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023 and scored five stars in most NHTSA tests. Standard safety features included front knee airbags, forward emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features on higher trims included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras. Night vision was available on the Summit and Summit Reserve trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" and "Acceptable" in crash tests. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars in overall safety. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and reverse automatic braking. Despite lacking a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.