Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Jeep Wrangler 4xe

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 Special Edition stood out even in a region filled with Wranglers, thanks to its unique design elements. The unusual colour, distinctive wheel design, and tan fabric top gave it a distinct appearance, although it did evoke a bit of a World War II cosplay vibe. The wheels were particularly admired, and it was suggested that Jeep could offer them as an accessory upgrade in various colours. The Willys ’41 could be equipped with either a standard tan soft top or an optional body-colour hardtop. The soft top was convenient for open-air driving in dry climates, though it complicated cargo loading. Inside, the Willys ’41 featured Heritage Tan cloth seats and an Olive Drab cloth dashboard insert, exclusive to this special edition. While the interior was rugged and easy to clean, it lacked the refinement expected at its price point.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the model's tradition of evolutionary improvements, building on changes introduced in 2024. The most noticeable update was the front fascia, featuring a frameless grille and a curved wing bar that connected visually with the headlights. The aerodynamic design of the wheel arch cladding improved fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian models came with black leather upholstery, and the cabin included upscale accents like chrome-trimmed power window switches. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, contributing to a comfortable and airy atmosphere.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, offering an estimated 35 kilometres of electric-only range. The powertrain produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in Hybrid mode, significantly more than the gas-only turbo four and the available 3.6-litre V6 engine. The Wrangler 4xe offered three driving modes: Hybrid, Electric, and E-Save, allowing drivers to optimize power or efficiency. During testing, the Wrangler 4xe achieved 7.6 L/100 km over a range test, but averaged 11.7 L/100 km over a 116-km loop. The Wrangler 4xe maintained its off-road capabilities but suffered from on-road flaws like a noisy interior and vague steering.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine paired with 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 powertrain used two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management provided superior off-road capability compared to competitors. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, and the revised suspension reduced body lean.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe accommodated four adults, with a fifth person fitting in the back seat if necessary. Most versions had manual front seat adjusters and cloth upholstery, while the Rubicon X offered power-adjustable Nappa leather seats. Storage space was limited, requiring creative solutions for small items. The soft top allowed for quick open-air driving but complicated cargo loading, with 784 litres of cargo space expanding to 1,908 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations with more horsepower and cargo space. It offered 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel without refuelling. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space, with 926 millimetres of legroom, and featured practical storage solutions like a wireless charging pad and deep door pockets.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Uconnect 5 technology, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While navigation was not available on the Willys ’41, Apple CarPlay worked well. The optional Alpine sound system mitigated ambient noise, and the touchscreen was intuitive and responsive, with physical controls for volume and climate settings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and prone to fingerprints. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and physical controls were available for volume and temperature settings. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map did not display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered limited safety technologies, with forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control as standard. The optional Active Safety Group included important features like blind-spot monitoring, but required additional packages. The Wrangler 4xe received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and lacked comprehensive crash-test ratings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The 2025 Crosstrek received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick designation. The 2026 model had not yet been rated by either organization.