Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Kia Telluride

The 2025 Kia Telluride was available in Canada in five trim levels, ranging from the EX to the X-Pro, with base prices between $53,840 and $66,540, including destination charges and fees. All-wheel drive was standard across the lineup. The X-Line trim offered increased ground clearance and a self-levelling rear suspension, while the X-Pro trim featured 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and a towing capacity of 2,500 kilograms. Our test vehicle, the X-Pro, came with comprehensive standard equipment and off-roading capabilities, with an MSRP of $66,916. The Telluride's design was distinctive and upscale, though the blacked-out X-Line and X-Pro trims diminished some of its personality. Inside, the black-over-Terracotta interior contrasted with the blue exterior, featuring luxurious materials like Nappa leather and simulated wood trim. The dual-screen display on the dashboard was advanced, though some markings were hard to discern in daylight.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements of its predecessors, with changes introduced in 2024. 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 fuel efficiency and reduced road noise. In Canada, the Crosstrek Hybrid was sold in a single trim at the top of the lineup. Inside, the cabin balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. Canadian units came with black leather upholstery, and the chrome-trimmed power window switches added an upscale touch. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered a thoughtful design with a focus on function over flash.

The 2025 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It offered Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode adjusting to driver behaviour. Despite some competitors switching to turbocharged four-cylinders, the Telluride's V6 was smooth and refined, providing ample acceleration. It achieved a fuel economy of 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres over nearly 2,000 kilometres, aligning with the Natural Resources Canada rating. The X-Pro trim's all-terrain tires excelled off-road but sacrificed some on-pavement grip. The Telluride's ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, with the X-Line and X-Pro versions offering 21.3 cm. The X-Pro provided a pleasurable driving experience, though the brake pedal behaviour was occasionally sticky in traffic.

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, with one handling engine start/stop and battery charging, while the other assisted the engine and provided regenerative braking. During a test drive, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. The Crosstrek's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, offered superior capability on variable terrain. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack. The Crosstrek Hybrid's off-road-oriented Wilderness trim introduced additional body roll, but the overall driving experience was improved.

The 2025 Kia Telluride's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like heated and ventilated second-row seats, USB-C charging ports, and smartphone storage sleeves. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third-row seat was reasonably comfortable for adults. With the third-row seat folded, the Telluride offered 601 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,304 litres with the second-row seats down, and a maximum of 2,455 litres. Although not class-leading, the cargo space was sufficient for most needs.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. With a 63-litre fuel tank, it could cover 829 kilometres between fill-ups. The cargo volume behind the rear seats was 527 litres, expanding to 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided ample rear-seat space, with 926 millimetres of legroom, significantly more than the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders. Despite this, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a practical and spacious interior.

The 2025 Kia Telluride featured a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims. The head-up display provided blind-spot alerts, while the Blind Spot View Monitor showed a live video feed. However, the Telluride lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice recognition system was rudimentary. Despite these shortcomings, the Harman Kardon audio system delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the software was slow and laggy. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the touchscreen managed too many controls, making it frustrating to use. The Crosstrek Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps. Despite its shortcomings, the Crosstrek Hybrid's tech offered some useful features.

The 2025 Kia Telluride came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving, while higher trims added features like reverse automatic braking and front cross-traffic alert. The Telluride earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. However, the 2025 Crosstrek received only a "Marginal" rating in the IIHS moderate overlap front crash test. The NHTSA awarded it five stars overall, but the 2026 model had not yet been rated. Despite lacking a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a comprehensive safety package.