Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Mazda CX-70

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 presented a sporty and appealing design, reminiscent of a sport appearance package for the CX-90. It featured redesigned front and rear fasciae, a unique grille insert, new wheels, and dark accents, creating an optical illusion that made it appear slightly smaller than the CX-90. Inside, the differences were subtle, with exclusive paint colours and a red leather interior option not available in the CX-90. The CX-70 lacked a third-row seat, but it offered quality materials and textures, especially in higher trims. However, the absence of soft-touch lower dashboard panels in the most expensive variants was noted. Overall, the CX-70 exuded an upscale feel for a mainstream brand, though it didn't quite reach luxury model sophistication.

In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid maintained its attractive design with evolutionary improvements over its predecessors. The third-generation Crosstrek 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. Black-plastic cladding around the wheel arches improved aerodynamics and reduced road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, featuring Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. Material quality was consistent, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics. The cabin included black leather upholstery, chrome-trimmed power window switches, and "Hybrid"-stitched floor mats. Standard features like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof added to the comfort.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered a choice between a turbocharged 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder engine and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. The gas-only engine produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in the GS-L and GT models, while the GT-P and Signature trims delivered 340 hp and 369 lb-ft, requiring premium fuel. The PHEV combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 68-kilowatt electric motor, generating 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. The PHEV provided 42 kilometres of electric-only range and averaged 9.4 L/100 km combined. All CX-70 models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) with various drive modes. The gas-only CX-70 had a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, while the PHEV could tow 1,587 kilograms. The CX-70's handling was athletic, though an adaptive damping suspension would have improved the ride quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with 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 powertrain 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. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, enhanced off-road capability. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack. The Wilderness trim introduced additional body roll due to its off-road suspension setup.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 offered ample space for five passengers, with standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone automatic climate control. Higher trims included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The front seats provided good support, though adjustable side bolsters and massagers were suggested for the Signature trim. Small-item storage was limited, but a wireless smartphone charging shelf was available. Cargo space was generous, with 1,122 litres behind the rear seats and 2,132 litres with the seats folded. Mazda offered various cargo-enhancing accessories, including an organizer and roof-rail crossbars.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. It featured a 63-litre fuel tank, allowing for an impressive range of 829 kilometres. The Crosstrek Hybrid provided 527 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the seats folded. Rear-seat legroom measured 926 millimetres, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited to a small tray with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, deep door pockets, and a standard-size glove compartment.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch partially digital instrument cluster, with the Signature trim offering a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and infotainment screen. The Mazda Connect system featured touch-sensing capability only with the 12.3-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A control knob and volume knob were located on the centre console. Alexa Built-in provided a conversational digital voice assistant, improving the voice-recognition experience. Most CX-70 models included a 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system, delivering excellent audio quality.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though the software was slow and prone to lag. The screen was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing drivers to bypass the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which could display navigation maps. Unfortunately, Google Maps from phone projection couldn't be displayed on the cluster.

The 2025 Mazda CX-70 came standard with i-ActiveSense advanced driving-assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added semi-autonomous steering-assistance features, such as active blind-spot assist and road-keeping assist. The GT-P trim included a Cruising & Traffic Support system with Unresponsive Driver Support, providing hands-on semi-autonomous driving assistance. While crash-test evaluations were pending, Mazda's track record suggested high safety ratings.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and more. The Crosstrek Hybrid also had a surround-view camera and DriverFocus driver distraction mitigation system. While the 2025 Crosstrek didn't receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, it earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The 2026 Crosstrek's ratings were pending.