Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Mazda CX-50

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was a standout in the compact SUV segment, borrowing styling cues from the CX-5 but enhancing them with more pronounced fender flares and a wider grille. This gave the vehicle a sportier and more athletic appearance while maintaining an elegant presence. Inside, the CX-50 featured a traditional layout with a horizontal dashboard, using classier materials than many of its competitors. Soft-touch materials were strategically placed, and the cabin was adorned with distinct stitching and red leather upholstery exclusive to the hybrid model. A decorative stripe ran down the middle of the seats, adding visual interest, though its placement was sometimes considered awkward.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in its predecessors. The third-generation model carried forward changes from 2024, including 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 featured integrated aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, maintaining Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, and Canadian models featured black leather upholstery. The cabin included chrome-trimmed power window switches and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats, with standard features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. It featured all-wheel drive, though it wasn't designed for serious off-road use. The powertrain was borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, providing a reliable and efficient system. Acceleration was expected to reach 100 km/h in 7.5 to 8 seconds, similar to the RAV4 Hybrid. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet smooth ride quality. The electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) replicated the feel of a conventional automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, on the other hand, offered a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine alongside a new hybrid powertrain. The hybrid model, with a total system output of 194 hp, was the fastest Crosstrek to date. It featured two motor-generators and a 2.5-litre Boxer H4 engine, with regenerative braking to charge the battery. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided capable performance on variable terrain. The steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and the off-road-oriented Wilderness trim introduced additional roll due to its suspension setup.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 offered a comfortable driving experience but fell short in practicality and space compared to competitors. While the front seats provided ample room, the rear seats were less accommodating for taller passengers. Personal storage was adequate, with a moderately sized armrest bin, cupholders, and door pockets. However, cargo space was limited, with 826 litres behind the rear seats, significantly less than the class average. Despite this, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate and a large storage bin under the cargo floor.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid model featured 527 litres of cargo volume behind the rear seats and a total capacity of 1,433 litres with the rear row folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refuelling. The Crosstrek Hybrid also provided ample rear-seat space, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders, but deep door pockets and a standard-size glove compartment offered additional storage options.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch horizontal infotainment system controlled by a centre console-mounted dial. While it lacked some modern touchscreen functionality, the dial controller offered a user-friendly experience, allowing drivers to navigate the system without distraction. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad on hybrid models. The base trims included an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though the software was slow and prone to lag. The system was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons, which some users found frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and physical buttons were available for volume, tuning, and HVAC controls. The Crosstrek Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, offering configurable displays, though the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in all evaluations except rollover protection, where it received four stars. The IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick+ rating. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, however, did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test and "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. The NHTSA gave it five stars in overall safety. Subaru's EyeSight ADAS suite was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. The Crosstrek Hybrid also featured a surround-view camera and the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.