Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Kia Carnival

The 2024 Kia Carnival made a bold design statement, blending SUV-like aesthetics with traditional minivan features. Its prominent grille, slab sides, and pronounced hood gave it an SUV-like appearance, although the sliding doors and lack of ground clearance revealed its true minivan nature. The Carnival's styling details, such as the concave grille with disco-ball-like trim and filament-like taillights, added a distinctive touch. The SX trim's 19-inch wheels filled the wheel wells perfectly, enhancing its overall look. Inside, the Carnival continued the SUV theme with chunky switchgear and a large shifter, appealing to image-conscious buyers. The interior materials were durable, acknowledging the wear and tear a family vehicle endures, with leather upholstery available on higher trims. However, the interior was predominantly plastic, even in the SX trim.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its attractive design, evolving with each generation. The 2026 model carried forward changes from 2024, featuring new sheet metal and chassis construction. 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 improved aerodynamics and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The Canadian model featured black leather upholstery, while the U.S. version had grey StarTex artificial leather. The cabin included chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Carnival featured a straightforward powertrain with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While it lacked all-wheel drive and hybrid options, the V6 engine provided a pleasant driving experience. The steering was well-balanced, making maneuvering easy, and the chassis offered a comfortable ride. The transmission shifted smoothly, and the V6 emitted a satisfying growl at full throttle. Despite not being the most efficient combination, the Carnival's powertrain was refined and enjoyable.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It offered a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version, however, was the fastest Crosstrek, with a total system output of 194 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain included two motor-generators and a 2.5-litre Boxer H4 engine, providing improved efficiency and smoother acceleration. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's steering was light and precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack. The X-Mode traction management system enhanced off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for various terrains.

The 2024 Kia Carnival offered an eight-passenger configuration with a removable second-row bench seat. The SX trim featured VIP Lounge seats with a one-touch sliding and recline function. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, a power liftgate, and tri-zone automatic climate control. The Carnival provided ample cargo space, with 1,138 litres behind the third row and 4,110 litres with the second and third rows folded. While it lacked fold-flat seating, the Carnival's sliding doors and low step-in height made passenger loading easy. The front cabin was well-organized, with easy-to-find controls and ample storage space. The Carnival could tow up to 1,587 kilograms, matching its competitors.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured a 527-litre cargo volume behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid retained a large 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for long-distance travel. Rear-seat space was generous, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. The front cabin had limited storage, with a small tray for a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Despite its compact size, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered practicality and versatility.

The 2024 Kia Carnival featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while higher trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and intuitive controls. The Carnival also offered a cabin camera system and an intercom for rear-seat communication. An available Quiet Mode disconnected the rear speakers, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its infotainment system was less competitive. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays. Despite its shortcomings, the Crosstrek Hybrid's technology package included essential features for a modern driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Carnival received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with top scores in some crash tests but lower ratings in others. The headlights on higher trims were rated "Good," while lower trims received a "Poor" rating. Front-crash prevention systems performed well in daytime testing but not at night. The Carnival offered standard safety features like lane keep assist and forward collision avoidance, with additional features available on higher 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 advanced driver assistance systems, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. While it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided comprehensive safety features.